Job Description

Giiwedinong Museum and Cultural Center of the North has an exciting opportunity for an Executive Director.

About Giiwedinong

Established in 2023, Giiwedinong Museum and Cultural Center of the North is the first independently governed Native Museum in Minnesota. Located in Park Rapids, the museum focuses on treaty rights, environmental justice, and cultural heritage with a commitment to fostering dialogue and education on critical issues at the intersection of indigenous peoples, the environment, public policy, and fossil fuel economies.

About this position

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the administrative agent of the Board and is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of Giiwedinong. This role provides strategic, financial, and organizational direction, guiding the organization’s operations, programming, fundraising, and community relationships. The Executive Director acts as a cultural leader and public representative, ensuring Giiwedinong’s work is deeply rooted in Anishinaabe values and responsive to the communities it serves.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implementing the strategic vision and engaging in long-term sustainability planning for Giiwedinong and its programs.
• Leading and supporting the Museum Director as well as guiding resource allocation and team development.
• Oversee financial management, grant writing, fundraising, and events.
• Represent Giiwedinong in public forums, media, and advocacy efforts.
• Foster relationships with tribal communities, partners, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with and report to the Board of Directors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, Native American history, museum studies, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred. Equivalent leadership, professional, or lived experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of executive or senior nonprofit leadership experience, including responsibility for fundraising, budgeting, and program development.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, fundraising, audience growth, and organizational leadership.
• Experience managing teams, building partnerships, and delivering mission-driven programming.
• Deep knowledge of Anishinaabe and Ojibwe culture, history, and treaty rights.
• Ability to foster a culturally respectful, trauma-informed workplace rooted in Anishinaabe values.
• Strong communication skills—verbal, nonverbal, written—with comfort engaging diverse audiences.
• Technological proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, with the ability to adapt to new tools.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. Giiwidenong believes the best candidate for the job may not always fit a traditional profile or check every box in the job description.

If you’re passionate about our mission and think you have the skills and experience to thrive in this role - even if your background is a little different - we strongly encourage you to apply. We welcome a broad range of experiences and may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet the qualifications.

How to apply

• To apply for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to jobs@giiwedinong.org. This position will remain open until filled and we will meet with qualified candidates as their applications are received.

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