Culture Gatherings Assistant

Description

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe (JST) Culture Department (CD) is seeking a dedicated and organized Cultural Gatherings Assistant for a 32-hour per week, benefited, part-time position to support the planning, coordination, and execution of a wide range of cultural activities. Reporting to the Culture Coordinator, CD Deputy Director, or CD Director, this role will play a vital part in ensuring the success of ceremonial, traditional, and day-to-day cultural events. A key focus of this position is serving as the primary coordinator for the annual Canoe Journey, overseeing all aspects of preparation and events within established guidelines and budget. The Cultural Gatherings Assistant will help the Culture Coordinator in applying for funding and coordinating classes, events, ceremonies, and activities. This position is great for someone with administrative skills, is personable, able to work a flexible schedule, able to multi-task, and can thrive in the potential stress of large events (up to 5,000 people during Canoe Journey). The ideal candidate will be willing to learn from Tribal Elders, Citizens, and Leadership, is willing to teach cultural knowledge to Tribal Families, is patient with tribal community members, and able to navigate the nuances of tribal culture and community dynamics! This position gets to be part of a team to help carry ancestral knowledge forward to our next generations! The Cultural Gatherings Assistant may also assist with the coordination of Traditional Foods Program ceremonies and activities.

Essential Functions:

General Assistance:

• Assist the Culture Coordinator in the comprehensive planning, coordination, and facilitation of ceremonial, traditional, and conventional activities. This includes:

  • Making contact with participants and volunteers.

  • Gathering necessary supplies.

  • Developing event agendas.

  • Tracking activity attendance.

  • Maintaining thorough documentation of planning processes and budgets for each event/activity.

  • Managing the setup and cleanup of activity venues.

• Under the guidance of the Culture Coordinator, support the Traditional Foods Gathering Coordinator in similar planning, coordination, and facilitation tasks for related activities.

• Contribute to the development of program budgets and diligently maintain spending plans in accordance with CD, Tribal Council, and grant requirements.

• Assist the Culture Coordinator with the procurement of supplies through in-person, phone, or online orders.

• Provide support in the preparation of grant applications.

• Generate reports on expenses, participant numbers, and activity details as requested by the Culture Coordinator, CD Director, and Tribal Council.

• Adhere to all Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe policies and procedures, including stringent safety standards and work practices outlined in the Occupational Exposure Control Plan.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall goals of the Culture Department.

Assist in Oversight of Canoe Journey:

• Provide comprehensive support in the overall oversight of the annual Canoe Journey.

• Take primary responsibility for organizing, coordinating, and managing all aspects of the Canoe Journey, working under the guidance of the Culture Coordinator, CD Deputy Director, and CD Director.

• Coordinate with all necessary vendors at Jamestown Beach and qatáy landings, including but not limited to: food providers, restroom and shower facilities, first aid personnel, law enforcement, artists, and other essential services as needed.

• Actively recruit and manage volunteers at both Jamestown and qatáy, ensuring proper training opportunities are provided.

• Attend relevant canoe journey skipper planning meetings to stay informed and contribute to the overall planning process.

• Coordinate effectively with Clallam County, Jefferson County, City of Sequim, and City of Port Townsend, as well as local media outlets, regarding any needs or information sharing related to the Canoe Journey.

Assist in Oversight of Canoe Family:

• Serve as the primary point of contact and coordinator for the Jamestown Canoe Family, managing communications, scheduling meetings, organizing meals, and taking meeting minutes.

• Establish and support the ground crew, overseeing camp setup/take down and meal planning and preparation. Foster strong relationships within the Canoe Family.

• Be the main coordinator for Canoe Family ceremonies, events, and activities, including the Waking the Canoe Ceremony, Putting the Canoe to Rest Ceremony, Canoe Family Honoring events, canoe pulling practices, gift-making events, and water safety training.

• Collect and maintain accurate medical information, emergency contact details, and passport information for domestic and international travel during the Canoe Journey.

• Facilitate connections between the Jamestown Canoe Family and Canoe Families from Sister Tribes through the coordination of joint planning meetings, practices, or events as needed.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong focus on budget management, including the ability to work within budgetary constraints and provide consistent budget reports.

• Demonstrated effective planning, time management, and organizational skills, with the proven ability to plan, coordinate, and facilitate events, classes, and/or ceremonies.

• Proven ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with a diverse range of individuals and groups.

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and CANVA.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including clear and effective verbal and written communication abilities.

• Experience working within a Tribal community in a responsible position, with prior involvement in Canoe Journeys.

• A genuine willingness to learn and actively share Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe teachings and traditions.

• Experience utilizing social networking platforms, including social media, for posting event information, photos, and videos.

• Ability to travel locally and regionally as required.

• Valid Driver’s License.

• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of local, State, and Federal Laws and Regulations regarding tribal culture such as NAGPRS and intellectual property.

• Knowledge of office administrative operations, and compliance. 

• Effective time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

• American Indian/Alaska Native preferences apply. 

Read the full job description here: Culture Gatherings Assistant

Qualifications

Salary : $22 - $29