POSITION:

Yaakwdáat Youth Stewards (YYS) Coordinator

LOCATION:

Yakutat, Alaska

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:

Contract (8 weeks)

WAGE:

DOE

Application Deadline:

Until Filled

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Yaakwdáat Youth Stewards (YYS) program, initiated by the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe, is designed to engage high school-aged youth in meaningful summer employment that fosters cultural leadership and environmental stewardship. Scheduled to launch a pilot project in 2024, YYS seeks to establish a sustainable framework that connects young people with their cultural heritage and the natural environment through Lingít traditional values. This initiative will provide participants with hands-on experience in land stewardship activities, strengthening their ties to the community and enhancing their skills through practical involvement in lands and waters stewardship projects.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Yakutat Tlingit Tribe is looking for a proactive and dedicated YYS Coordinator for an 8-week contract to spearhead this transformative initiative. The coordinator will be responsible for launching the YYS pilot project in the summer of 2024 and laying the groundwork for a full-scale program in 2025. This role involves strategic planning, coordination with local and national partners, and direct engagement with youth to ensure the program’s objectives are met. The YYS Coordinator will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tribal youth engagement in environmental and cultural stewardship.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 2025 Program Planning and Development: Develop a comprehensive plan for the Yaakwdáat Youth Stewards program in Yakutat, including program structure, goals/deliverables, and long-term partnership strategies.
• Pilot Project Leadership: Coordinate all aspects of the 3-week pilot project, including itinerary planning, transportation, accommodations, activities, and safety protocols. Ensure the pilot project aligns with the overall objectives of the YYS program and provides a meaningful, educational experience for participants.
• Partnership Engagement: Establish and enhance partnerships with local and national agencies, such as the Forest Service and National Park Service, to secure resources, projects, and support for the YYS program and pilot project.
• Funding and Resource Development: Identify and collaborate on grant applications and other funding opportunities to support the program’s launch, ongoing activities, and the pilot project.
• Community and Youth Engagement: Conduct outreach to middle and high school students to generate interest and encourage early commitment to the program and the pilot project.
• Meeting and Event Coordination: Organize and participate in planning meetings, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and engaged. Manage logistical needs for these gatherings, including technology setup and meal coordination.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of all planning activities and progress; prepare reports and presentations for tribal council and community stakeholders to demonstrate planning progress and outcomes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High School Deploma or GED equivilant required.
• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Education, Indigenous Studies, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in program planning, community engagement, and partnership development, particularly in an Indigenous or rural context.
• Experience in leading youth-oriented projects is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with youth, community leaders, and partners.
• Knowledge of local cultural and environmental issues, with a commitment to Indigenous guardianship and land stewardship principles.
• Proficiency in using technology for meeting management, documentation, and communication.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Other Requirements

• Successful federal background check. 
• Available to work flexible hours as needed, including evenings and weekends for community meetings or events.
• Completion of State of Alaska Mandatory Reporter training. 

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE WILL BE APPLIED TO HIRING OF THIS POSITION AS DEFINED IN TITLE 25, US CODE, CHAPTER 14, SUBCHAPTER V, SUBSECTION 273 AND 274. WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WITH PREFERENCE GIVEN TO QUALIFIED NATIVE AMERICAN/ALASKA NATIVE APPLICANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND TRIBAL POLICY.