Job Description: Executive Director
Organization: Sweetgrass Food Lodge
Employed By: The Center for Popular Research, Education and Policy DBA Wind River Food Sovereignty Project
Location: TBD
Position Type: Full-Time exempt
Overview:
The Sweetgrass Food Lodge is a community-centered food lodge dedicated to addressing food insecurity while honoring our cultural relationships with foods. We are committed to supporting intergenerational health, resilience, and food sovereignty within the community. The Executive Director will lead the organization in its mission to provide culturally relevant, nutritious foods while fostering partnerships, overseeing operations, and driving the vision for sustainable growth. The Executive Director will report to the Sweetgrass Food Lodge Board of Directors and The Center for Popular Research, Education and Policy Executive Director. This position is at will. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategic Planning:
Develop and implement a long-term strategic vision for the Sweetgrass Food Lodge that integrates Indigenous values and perspectives on food sovereignty and cultural identity.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment for staff, volunteers, and community members.
Collaborate and participate in C-PREP/Wind River Food Sovereignty Project team meetings, 5% of the time.
Program Development and Delivery:
Oversee food distribution programs, ensuring the inclusion of culturally relevant and traditional Indigenous foods.
Collaborate with tribal elders and community leaders to incorporate cultural knowledge, such as recipes, food preparation methods, and the history of traditional foods.
Develop educational programming around food sovereignty, nutritional education, and traditional cooking methods for families and youth.
Provide detailed written and oral reports of program activities, milestones and challenges to the Sweet Grass Food Lodge Board of Directors.
Community Engagement and Advocacy:
Serve as a liaison with tribal governments, local organizations, and national partners to secure resources and promote the organization's mission.
Advocate for policies and programs that support food sovereignty and address systemic barriers to food access in Indigenous communities.
Host community forums, events, and listening sessions to gather input and ensure community needs are being met.
Fundraising and Financial Management:
Lead fundraising efforts, including grant writing, donor engagement, and cultivating partnerships with funders.
Develop and manage the organization’s budget to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
Secure funding to expand programs, infrastructure, and partnerships aligned with the organization’s mission.
Operational Oversight:
Manage day-to-day operations, including staff supervision, volunteer coordination, and procurement of food and supplies.
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, tribal policies, and nonprofit governance standards.
Maintain and expand relationships with food suppliers, prioritizing local producers and Indigenous farmers.
Cultural Integration and Preservation:
Promote traditional foods such as bison, corn, squash, beans, and other items significant to Indigenous diets and cultural practices.
Collaborate with local farms and food initiatives to incorporate regionally grown and harvested foods into distribution.
Preserve and promote the cultural significance of food through storytelling, workshops, and partnerships with schools and cultural centers.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or 3 years of experience in nonprofit management, food assistance organizations, public administration, Indigenous studies or any business-related field.
Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, food systems, or Indigenous community organizations.
Strong understanding of Indigenous perspectives on food sovereignty, cultural identity, and traditional foods.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including tribal governments, funders, and community members.
Proven track record in fundraising, grant writing, and budget management.
Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Experience working with Native communities and a commitment to uplifting Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Compensation:
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package included.
Salary range: $52,000 - $58,240
How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to: erika@wrdf.org
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Center for Popular Research, Education and Policy and Sweetgrass Food Lodge are equal opportunity employers and strongly encourages applications who are passionate about supporting Indigenous communities.
The position is open until it is filled.