Position Title: Senior Program Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Location: Remote

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000/year; increase negotiable after a successful performance review in 90 days.

The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) is a 501(c)(3) organization comprised of Indigenous leaders dedicated to restoring food systems that support tribal self-determination and community wellness.

NAFSA’s mission is to support Native communities nationally with advocacy, education, and networking as they revitalize their Indigenous food systems. NAFSA brings together proven strategies as we support ethical economic development and the advancement of self-determination within the communities we serve. NAFSA also promotes expanded local food production that renews natural resources and enhances traditional cultural activities to mentor a new generation of Native food sovereignty activists, chefs, farmers, and practitioners.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Program Officer at NAFSA plays a pivotal role in steering the organization towards its mission through program oversight, evaluation, supervision, strategic planning, fundraising, budgeting, regional network development, and the implementation of best practices for systemic change. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of Indigenous food sovereignty work and value systems and has experience in implementing evaluative practices to assess program impact and effectiveness.

The Senior Program Officer will lead in the creation and execution of strategies for NAFSA’s signature programs, including ISKN, F&C, and NAFSA’s emerging Community Grantmaking and Events programs as well as others prioritized by the Board. The position demands a collaborative approach, working closely with the staff leadership team and other organizational members, ensuring the successful realization of NAFSA’s goals and objectives. The Senior Program Officer will provide oversight and training to program staff, and will report directly to the Executive Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Strategic Direction and Oversight

· Lead the strategic planning, budget development, and implementation for direct programming.

· Develop and refine curriculum resources and assessment toolkits to enhance community outreach. Leads the development of the NAFSA Regional Framework, which is a comprehensive framework that respects regional diversity and specificities.

· Ability to organize and conduct listening sessions with regional stakeholders to gather insights, feedback, and local perspectives, crucial for shaping programming strategy.

· Sustains and expands the ISKN throughout the US.

· Researches, plans and develops programs in new areas of focus to support grass-roots Indigenous Food Sovereignty efforts as far and wide as possible.

Collaboration and Coordination

· Engage with regional leaders, mentors, and community partners to create impactful programming supporting mentorship and education.

· Work in partnership with the Director of Communications for outreach and program communications.

· Identify and facilitate group calls with regional and national networks.

Public Engagement and Storytelling

· Represent NAFSA in public speaking engagements and media relations.

· Participate in and contribute to storytelling and media projects related to the program.

· Travel to events, conferences, and training sessions as required.

Internal Team Collaboration

· Actively participate in weekly program and leadership team meetings.

· Contribute to organizational strategic planning and internal communication systems.

· Assist with organizational governance, including executive committee meetings and report preparation.

Fundraising and Network Building

· Engages in networking to support and expand funding opportunities in collaboration with the Director of Development and the Executive Director.

· Contributes to the development of Letters of Intent, grant proposals, and other fundraising activities in collaboration with the Director of Resource Mobilization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Demonstrates knowledge and experience in Indigenous food sovereignty, with a clear understanding of its principles, practices, and underlying value systems.

· Experienced in collaborating with indigenous communities and leaders, leveraging this engagement to enrich program outcomes and respect cultural sensitivities.

· Extensive knowledge in strategic planning processes and methodologies, with the ability to develop, execute, and evaluate effective program strategies.

· Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining strong regional networks, engaging diverse stakeholders including community leaders, mentors, and partners.

· Familiarity with current evaluative methodologies and best practices, proficient in data analysis and program evaluation.

· Knowledge of best practices for systemic change within non-profit and community-oriented organizations.

· Strong leadership skills, with an ability to inspire and motivate teams, and experience in collaborative work with leadership teams and organizational governance.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proficiency in public speaking and media engagement.

· High level of adaptability and flexibility, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to address challenges creatively.

· Proven project management skills, including organizing, planning, and executing large-scale projects from conception through implementation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Community Development, Indigenous Studies, or a related area; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education Preferred: Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: A combination of education, training, and experience that provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position’s work. The following are a plus:

· Skilled in applying Indigenous knowledge and methodologies in food sovereignty or related initiatives, ensuring respect for and alignment with indigenous cultures and traditions.

· Proven ability in effectively integrating Indigenous food sovereignty or related concepts into program development and implementation, fostering community engagement and empowerment.

· Additional certifications or training in strategic planning, project management, leadership, or community engagement are highly desirable.

· Demonstrated experience in understanding and applying principles of systemic change, evaluative practices, data analysis, and/or program assessment.

· Continuous learning mindset, with a track record of pursuing ongoing education and professional development relevant to the role.

Computer Skills: Knowledge of and/or ability to utilize various technology platforms such as Mural, Google Suites (including Google Calendar), MailChimp, Zoom, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Monday.com, payroll systems, and any future programs as required for employee management, and adaptability to learn and utilize as required.

Certificates & Licenses: Driver’s license

Other Requirements: Background check, drug policy.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REMOTE WORK EMPLOYMENT:

Remote Work Team Members complete their job responsibilities from a location other than on-premises. These positions use digital tools to handle tasks, complete projects, and communicate with their team, vendors, and guests. These positions may require Team Members to occasionally report physically to the property for onboarding, scheduled meetings, etc.

This is a remote position.

Compensation: $85,000.00 - $95,999.00 per year

ABOUT US

“Advocating for and supporting all levels of food security and food sovereignty in local, tribal, regional, national and international arenas”

The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that was officially incorporated in 2014 following two years of efforts to develop an organization and mission with input from hundreds of Native food producers and organizations.

OUR HISTORY

NAFSA has grown out of a nearly decade-long, organic process of networking and constituency-building. NAFSA was created to bring grassroots practitioners, communities (rural, remote and urban), and organizations together along with Tribal governments to share, promote and support best practices and policies that enhance dynamic Native food systems.

NAFSA was an idea which incubated during a Taos County Economic Development Corporation grant from Oxfam America in 2005. Through this grant, the funder was interested in bringing together grassroots Native food activists over an extended period of time to see a greater impact on Native food systems. During these convenings, participants from 13 tribes came together to share their knowledge and skills in agriculture, seed saving and foods. These activities resulted in the first attempted seed sovereignty declaration and a completed Food Sovereignty Declaration with a Call to Action.

In January 2013 NAFSA initiated a multi-platform survey of our membership to define our program areas:

Resource Development
Policy/Advocacy
Education/Health through cooking
Peer-to-Peer Mentoring
Youth Engagement
Reestablishment of Indigenous Trade Routes

NAFSA was officially convened as an organization in 2012 as First Nations Development Institute (FNDI) re-granted W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds to various organizations under its Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative. During these years, leadership acted as ambassadors for NAFSA at national and international meetings were members were recruited to join our efforts. The NAFSA Founding Council met for the first time in early October 2013, and have met annually since that time to review processes, programs and update the strategic plan.

NAFSA’s strategic plan was refined in October 2016 to include providing assistance and peer mentoring through several means, including Training programs, Train the Trainer, Curriculum for long distance learning, Publications and videos highlighting tribal community’s success stories of food sovereignty systems.

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