Program Coordinator (Four Year Project Position)

Squaxin-Island-Tribe; Shelton (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Squaxin Island Tribe seeks a Program Coordinator to lead the Healing Waters Youth Program, building strong connections to culture, community, leadership, and the water through canoe teachings and youth development.

The role collaborates with families, Elders, Tribal departments, and partners to support youth progress, program data reporting, safety, and culturally affirming experiences.

Qualifications

• Ability to engage youth and families in cultural activities.
• Experience coordinating programs and events for youth.
• Knowledge of canoe journey or tribal cultural practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead year-round youth activities and leadership development.
• Plan schedules, events, transportation, and logistics.
• Coordinate with Elders and cultural teachers for learning opportunities.
• Ensure safety for water-related activities and youth-focused programming.
• Maintain records, report outcomes, and assist with grant reporting.

Skills

Youth engagement

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Relationship-building

Education

Associate degree in Recreation or similar field

High School Diploma/GED with cultural program experience

Job description

Description

Job Title: Program Coordinator (Four-Year Project Position)

Department: Education

Reports To: Teen Program Manager, Keesha Vigil Snook

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

TS Range: 7/8 ($26.98)

Opening Date: 9/4/2026

Closing Date: 9/18/2026

SUMMARY:

The Program Coordinator leads the Squaxin Healing Waters Youth Program and helps youth build strong connections to culture, community, leadership, and the water. This position will establish, develop, and promote a culturally affirming youth program founded on canoe teachings. This position will: lead year-round youth activities, practices, events, and youth development opportunities; collect and report data for federal funding compliance; emphasize Squaxin identity as “People of the Water” through mentoring, family connection, and experiential learning focused youth prevention and intervention.The Healing Waters Youth Program Coordinator works closely with families, cultural teachers, Tribal departments, and community partners to support the success of the program and the youth who participate

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Youth Engagement & Leadership Development

• Build positive relationships with youth participants.
• Recruit and support youth involvement in the program.
• Teach leadership, teamwork, communication, and responsibility.

Program Coordination

• Plan and lead year-round activities.
• Organize schedules, events, transportation, and program logistics.
• Coordinate participation in community events, cultural gatherings, and Canoe Journey activities as appropriate.
• Ensure program activities are safe, organized, and youth focused.

Cultural Teachings & Community Connections

• Support youth in learning traditional teachings, protocol, and values.
• Coordinate opportunities for youth to learn from Elders, cultural teachers, and experienced canoe family members.
• Help youth build pride in their identity, culture, and community.
• Build partnerships with families, Tribal departments, schools, community organizations, and canoe family.
• Promote respect for Tribal traditions and cultural responsibilities.

Water Safety & Cultural Stewardship

• Teach and model safe behavior on and around the water.
• Ensure youth follow established safety procedures during activities.
• Encourage respect for the canoe as a cultural teaching tool and shared responsibility, including how to care for, transport, store, and maintain.

Program Administration & Reporting

• Maintain participant records, attendance, and program documentation.
• Track program goals, outcomes, and success measures.
• Prepare reports and updates as required by the Teen Program Manager and funding sources.
• Assist with budget tracking, supply purchases, and grant-supported activities.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but provides leadership, instruction, and guidance to participating youth.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Associate degree in Recreation, Education, Social Services, Native Studies, Youth Development, or a related field preferred; OR High School Diploma/GED and demonstrated engagement with cultural programs, outdoor recreation, canoe journey, or related initiatives AND at least four years working with youth. Demonstrate strong communication and relationship-building skills. Work effectively with youth, families, Elders, and community members. Be organized and able to manage multiple activities and deadlines. Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. Demonstrate cultural awareness and respect for Tribal values and traditions. Be willing to work evenings, weekends, and seasonal events as needed.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid WA State Drivers License, ability to obtain vehicle authorization, current first aide CPR certification or ability to obtain with in six months of hire, Ability to pass a background check, and ability to participate in on-water actives and canoe practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The employee will regularly stand, walk, paddle, bend, reach, lift, and participate in indoor and outdoor activities. The employee may frequently lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds, including canoe-related equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position works in a variety of settings, including offices, community spaces, beaches, waterways, cultural sites, and outdoor recreation areas. Work may occur in varying weather conditions and may include evening, weekend, and overnight program activities.

OTHER: This is a grant funded position. Continuation of employment is dependent upon funding availability.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE: The successful candidate will be required to comply with the Tribe's Drug Free Workplace Policy.

THERE WILL BE NO TOLERANCE FOR THE USE OF ALCOHOL OR ILLEGAL DRUGS WHILE EMPLOYED IN THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM. USE OF TOBACCO IN FRONT OF THE YOUTH OR DURING WORK TIME IS NOT ALLOWED. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE POLICIES IS CAUSE FOR IMMEDIATE TERMINATION.

INDIAN PREFERENCE: Indian Preference will be exercised in the hiring of this position in accordance with the Tribe’s Personnel Policies.