Cultural Program Director

Soboba•San Jacinto, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cultural Program Director is responsible for planning, developing, and overseeing tribal cultural programs that preserve, protect, and revitalize the Tribe’s language, traditions, history, and cultural practices. This position works closely with Elders, cultural knowledge keepers, Tribal Council, community members, and partner organizations to ensure that cultural activities are conducted in a culturally appropriate, respectful, and community-centered manner. The Cultural Program Director serves as a steward of the Tribe’s cultural heritage and supports intergenerational knowledge transfer while ensuring compliance with tribal policies, grant requirements, and applicable laws.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of tribal culture, traditions, history, and cultural protocols (tribal-specific knowledge preferred).
Understanding of Indigenous cultural preservation, language revitalization, and community-based programming.
Ability to work respectfully with Elders, cultural practitioners, and diverse community members.
Experience with program development, administration, budgeting, and grant management.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive cultural information.
Proficiency with basic office software and reporting systems.
Knowledge of NAGPRA – Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act
Bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, Education, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and lived cultural experience.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in cultural programming, community education, or related work.
Demonstrated experience working with tribal communities.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as required.
A current California Driver’s License or California Identification
All applicants are required to complete the pre-screen Background Clearance and Drug Testing.
Native American preferable and an Equal Opportunity Employer 25 U.S.C.S. 472 et. Seg.

Nice To Haves

Member of a federally recognized tribe
Fluency or proficiency in the Tribe’s language.
Master’s degree in a related field.
Grant writing and management experience.
Familiarity with tribal governance, sovereignty, and federal Indian law as it relates to cultural programs (preferred).

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and manage cultural programs and initiatives that promote the preservation and revitalization of tribal culture, language, arts, ceremonies, and traditional knowledge.
Collaborate with Elders, cultural leaders, and knowledge holders to guide program content and ensure cultural integrity.
Plan and coordinate cultural events, workshops, ceremonies, seasonal gatherings, and educational activities.
Oversee language revitalization efforts, traditional arts programs, oral history projects, and cultural education initiatives.
Manage program budgets, grants, contracts, and reporting requirements.
Seek funding opportunities, write or assist with grant proposals, and ensure compliance with funding agency requirements.
Supervise and support cultural program staff, instructors, volunteers, and consultants.
Develop policies and procedures related to cultural program operations, including cultural protocols and ethical guidelines.
Coordinate with tribal departments, schools, museums, archives, and external partners as appropriate.
Ensure the protection of sensitive cultural information and adherence to tribal data sovereignty principles.
Prepare reports, presentations, and updates for Tribal Council, committees, and funding agencies.
Support youth and elder engagement to promote intergenerational cultural transmission.
Represent the Tribe in regional, state, and national cultural and educational forums as authorized.