Associate Director - California Tribal Fund

First Nations Development Institute • Pasadena, CA

23h • $81,000 - $117,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

First Nations Development Institute is a Native American-controlled nonprofit organization whose mission is to uplift and sustain the lifeways and economies of Native communities through advocacy, financial support, and knowledge sharing. The Associate Director for the California Tribal Fund helps direct program officers and associates and supports the effective day-to-day functioning of California Tribal Fund projects and processes. With direction from the Vice President of Programs, this role coordinates and leads the California Tribal Fund team, supervises and develops staff, oversees a portfolio of projects, and manages some projects directly.

The position also supports fundraising, relationship building, and strategic planning in coordination with senior leadership. The role requires frequent travel as needed, with travel described as up to one to two times monthly in the minimum requirements and occasionally up to four or five times per month in the working conditions. Work is performed in an office environment up to four days per week. The job description notes that duties may include other job-related work as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least three years of relevant experience, such as experience in a nonprofit organization and/or as a grant maker or grant seeker.
• Knowledge of nonprofit organizations and practices.
• At least one year of experience managing and mentoring direct reports and leading an effective team.
• Ability to travel frequently as needed.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive, adaptable, and resourceful in resource-limited environments.
• Positive attitude and ability to work effectively with people at different levels of experience and proficiency.
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently, taking initiative.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Outlook and Office applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and select program/project management software.
• Knowledge of or familiarity with Tribal sovereignty and the historical and contemporary legal development and status of Tribal Nations is highly desirable.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Seven to ten years of relevant experience working with California tribal populations.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse cultures, including specific experience with California tribal communities and cultures.
• Knowledge of California Tribal customs and traditions, sovereignty, and self-governance issues.
• Experience in training and/or adult education.
• Fluxx software proficiency.
• Experience with and knowledge of nonprofit organizations and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coach California Tribal Fund program staff, supporting their learning, professional development, capacity, skills, knowledge, and career growth.
• Oversee projects in the program portfolio and manage some projects directly.
• Develop project plans, including milestones, assigned resources, and timelines.
• Design or oversee development of evaluation plans and tools.
• Manage complex projects, including integrated evaluation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Build working relationships with grantees and community partners and monitor progress reports across projects.
• Design agendas for sessions and workshops at annual conferences and convenings.
• Design, implement, and deliver training and technical assistance through trainings, workshops, conferences, and phone support.
• Engage and manage consultants and field staff working under projects.
• Oversee project financials, which may involve multiple funding sources.
• Draft and ensure timely, accurate reports to funders.
• Assist with strategic fundraising and relationship building for the California Tribal Fund Program, including grant writing, in coordination with senior leadership.
• Assist with First Nations’ overall strategic planning in coordination with senior leadership.

Benefits

• Health insurance with employer contribution, including vision and dental.
• Employee life insurance, with optional supplemental insurance for the employee and immediate family.
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 3% employee salary match.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Nine paid holidays per year.
• Paid time off from December 25 to January 1 during the annual office closure.
• 32-hour work week, Monday through Thursday.
• Paid vacation starting at 64 hours per year.
• Paid sick leave of 64 hours annually for illness or immediate family health needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager