Program Assistant, Oglala Lakota Artspace (OLA)

First Peoples Fund; Kyle (SD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

Sick leave

Paid holidays

401(k)

Job summary

First Peoples Fund in Kyle, SD, seeks an Oglala Lakota Artspace Program Assistant to support events onsite, assist with participant registration and data collection, and help host Artists in Residence. This role provides essential office support to program managers and the Associate Director of the OLA.

The position is full-time and non-exempt, with a pay range of $15–$25 per hour and flexibility for occasional evenings or weekends to meet program needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; an associate degree is preferred.
• Two to three years in an office or program support role is helpful.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Ability to take initiative and solve problems; training for First Aid/CPR/AED may be provided.

Responsibilities

• Prepare classrooms for workshops and meetings, setup and takedown of tables/chairs/equipment and cleaning.
• Housekeeping: light cleaning of the building and sanitizing.
• Meal planning and coordinating catering logistics for meetings with local vendors.
• Register participants for workshops/classes and assist with evaluations after events.
• Enter registration and attendance data into Salesforce as required.
• Inventory management: tagging, recording, and storage of supplies.
• Maintain office supplies and coordinate equipment maintenance.
• Answer calls, greet visitors, and manage mail and filing systems.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

First Aid/CPR/AED

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates degree preferred

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

First Peoples Fund (FPF) is a national non‑profit organization founded in 1995. Its mission is to honor and support the Collective Spirit® of First Peoples artists and culture bearers. Collective Spirit® is that which manifests a self‑awareness and sense of responsibility to sustain the cultural fabric of a community. Collective Spirit® moves each of us to stand up and make a difference, to pass on ancestral knowledge and simply extend a hand of generosity. First Peoples Fund recognizes the power of art and culture to bring about positive change in Native communities, beginning with individual artists and their families.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Oglala Lakota Artspace Program Assistant will prepare for events onsite, assist workshop leaders with participant registration and data collection, assist in the hosting of Artists in Residence, and provide office support for Program Managers and the Associate Director of the OLA.

The OLA is the first dedicated art space in the Pine Ridge Reservation. The facility includes artist studio spaces, the Wichapi Olowan Recording Studio, workshop and classroom spaces, a performance space, and offices for FPF staff and partner organizations. This support position is integral to providing a safe and welcoming space for the community to engage in cultural, creative, and educational activities based in Collective Spirit®

Pay: This is a full‑time non‑exempt/hourly position. The pay range is $15 to $25 per hour. Pay may vary depending on your skills, and experience.

Work Schedule: The standard work week of this position is Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Please note that due to program/event needs and schedules, this may be modified to weekends or evenings as needed.

Location/Travel Requirements: This position is based out of the Oglala Lakota Artspace building in Kyle, SD.

Pre-screen: Upon offer, employees will be required to complete and pass a background check.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare classrooms for workshops/ meetings, which includes assisting with setup and takedown of tables/chairs/equipment. Cleaning and sanitizing the room and equipment before storing.
• Housekeeping: light cleaning of the building and sanitizing.
• Meal planning - work with caterers (preferably local) on logistics for special meetings.
• Workshop/class registration: register individuals for workshops/classes as needed and assist with evaluations after each event.
• Enter all workshop/class registration and attendance information into Salesforce as required.
• Assist with inventory management: recording of inventory, tagging with FPF label, and storage.
• Maintains office supplies and coordinates maintenance of office equipment.
• Receives deliveries; sorts and distributes incoming mail.
• Answers and transfers phone calls, screening when necessary.
• Welcomes and directs visitors and clients.
• Maintains filing systems as assigned.
• Retrieves information as requested from records, emails, minutes, and other related documents; prepares written summaries of data when needed.
• Responds to and resolves administrative inquiries and questions.
• Coordinates and schedules travel, meetings, and appointments for managers or supervisors.
• Prepares agendas, schedules, and designated note‑taking for meetings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Manages calendar and updates for scheduling use of the facilities
• Manages inquiries and approvals regarding the use of facilities
• Must adhere to all policies and procedures regarding the safety and security of facility and community members
• Handles payment and receipts for event space, studio rentals, and market fees
• Supports the FPF Communications team by republishing digital assets and content created by the team on the OLA Facebook page following the established guidelines. The OLA Program Assistant is not expected to create original content independently.
• Review and edit contracts prepared by program managers and submit them for approvals
• When necessary, submit communications requests on behalf of OLA program staff.
• Contact the Director of Communications and the Social Media Coordinator for any guidance or support related to FPF and OLA communications.

Education:

• A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required. An associate's degree in Business Administration is preferred.
• Two to three years in an office or program support position is helpful.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.
• Proficient in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, or related software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of clerical procedures and systems such as recordkeeping and filing.
• Ability to take initiative and have problem‑solving skills.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certified; if not currently certified, the organization will provide training
• An understanding and awareness of the Native arts and culture field is preferred, as well as a broad knowledge of tribal communities and cultures across North America; additional preference is given to specific knowledge and awareness of the community and arts community on the Pine Ridge reservation.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required for special programs and events.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift to 30 pounds at times.

BENEFITS:

Health, Dental, and Vision are provided to full‑time employees effective the 1st of the month after hire. T these benefits are provided at no cost to the employee. Family coverage is available at a cost.

Sick Leave: 48 hours - available on the date of hire and can be used as earned

11 Paid Holidays with 1 Personal Culturally Significant Day

Voluntary Benefits: Aflac benefits through payroll deductions

• Short‑Term Disability Insurance
• Cancer Coverage
• Hospital Coverage
• Accident Coverage
• Whole or Term Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Coverage

After 90 day Introductory Period

• Annual Leave: 8 0 hours for the first year of employment
• 401(k) with company match

First Peoples Fund is an eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Visit studentaid.gov/pslf/ for more information if this applies to you.

First Peoples Fund does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

First Peoples Fund participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. First Peoples Fund will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

First Peoples Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, status as a covered veteran, or other military status.