Community Engagement Director

Job Title: Community Engagement Director

Location: Remote
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary: $38.46 - $60/hour; commensurate with experience
Job Type: Full-time, part-time, or contract to be determined with candidate

About Wise Ancestors

Wise Ancestors (wiseancestors.org), a California-based nonprofit, is co-developing highly collaborative and decentralized genomic research projects with Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs) to conserve biodiversity. Our work braids Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Indigenous Sciences and biotechnology (DNA sequencing and biobanking) to protect critical ecosystems while supporting sustainable resource management through ethical, inclusive, and community-driven approaches.

Position Summary

The Community Engagement Director will lead and implement Wise Ancestors’ engagement strategies to foster strong, trust-based relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities across the world. This role will ultimately facilitate the co-development of Conservation Challenges, and requires basic knowledge of biodiversity, conservation, genomics, and participatory project design principles, as well as a deep understanding of ethical research practices and Indigenous rights. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator, facilitator, and advocate, ensuring that community voices shape our projects while upholding principles of equity, sovereignty, and benefit-sharing.

Key Responsibilities

• Community Relationship Building & Outreach

  • As part of the Wise Ancestors’ model for creating Conservation Challenges (species conservation projects involving a blend of genomics and local strategies), initiate, cultivate and maintain long-term partnerships with IPs and LCs in locations across the globe based on the recognition of rights, respect, and cooperation.

  • Facilitate open dialogues to ensure community priorities and concerns are integrated into Conservation Challenges.

  • Develop culturally appropriate engagement strategies and communication materials, working with team members as appropriate.

• Program Development & Implementation

  • Participate in envisioning and oversee the establishment and activities of a Community Engagement Advisory Board, including board composition and responsibilities.

  • Raise awareness within Wise Ancestors of Indigenous worldviews and ways of being.

  • Work collaboratively with the Wise Ancestors team to create meaningful engagement with Indigenous scholars, researchers, innovators, leaders and communities, and ensure Indigenous voices have input on organizational goals, objectives and frameworks which may include program design and strategic initiatives.

  • Participate in and support Conservation Challenge co-development which includes community-based conservation initiatives and genomic research collaborations.

  • Ensure Wise Ancestors’ Conservation Challenges align with FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) and Indigenous data sovereignty principles.

  • Work closely with scientific teams to bridge TEK and local practices with genomic research and support the development of mutually agreed terms (MAT).

• Capacity Building & Advocacy

  • Work with communities based on their interests to co-organize workshops, training, and resources that enable them to participate effectively in genomic research and conservation efforts.

  • Create initiatives (webinars, workshops, etc) to help build capacity in  Western scientists to support them in their journey toward more inclusive and respectful research projects.

  • Advocate for policies and practices that protect Indigenous rights and biodiversity.

• Monitoring & Impact Evaluation

  • Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness and inclusivity of community engagement efforts.

  • Document best practices and lessons learned to inform future initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Required:

  • Fluency in English (verbal and written). Wise Ancestors’ core operations are conducted in English. Language choice is flexible for community engagement activities and may require translation.

  • Basic knowledge (lay level) of biodiversity, conservation, genomics, and participatory project design principles.

  • Deep experience working with Indigenous Peoples and/or Local Communities, particularly in conservation, research, or advocacy contexts.

  • Strong understanding of Indigenous rights frameworks (e.g., UNDRIP, Nagoya Protocol) and ethical research practices.

  • Excellent cross-cultural communication and facilitation skills.

  • Ability to travel as needed for community engagement activities. Frequency and duration can be discussed and will take into account candidate preference and minimizing carbon footprints.

• Preferred:

  • Background in ecology, conservation, genomics, Indigenous governance, anthropology, sociology, or a related field.

  • Experience with grant writing and fundraising.

  • Demonstrated ability to co-develop programs that center community leadership and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits.

  • Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Indigenous languages is a plus.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to info@wiseancestors.org and include "Community Engagement Director - [Your Full Name]" in the subject line.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Wise Ancestors is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and increasing the number of Indigenous employees within our organization. Indigenous candidates and individuals with direct experience working with IPs and LCs are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a member of an Indigenous community and wish to qualify for preferential consideration, you are encouraged to self-identify in our recruitment process.

Wise Ancestors is a relatively new non-profit organization offering a flexible paid time off (PTO) policy. Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to offer employees health or retirement benefits.