AZ – Senior Program Officer – Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA)

JOB TITLE:

Senior Program Officer

DEPARTMENT:

Funding & Development

SUPERVISOR:

Executive Director

SALARY:

 

JOB SUMMARY:

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.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

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

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

  • Master’s degree preferred
  • Proven ability in effectively integrating Indigenous food sovereignty or related concepts into program development and implementation, fostering community engagement and empowerment.
  • 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.

To apply, Click Here