Language Program Manager

SUMMARY

The Language Program Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Tribe’s Language Program. This position is responsible for program planning, grant administration, staff supervision, curriculum development, and community engagement to ensure the effective documentation, transmission, and promotion of Tribe’s three heritage languages: miluk, hanis, and sha’yuusht??a u? quuiich. The Manager works collaboratively with speakers, Elders, linguists, language teachers, educators, and community members to advance culturally grounded language revitalization efforts that support intergenerational learning and Tribal sovereignty.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides strategic direction and day-to-day management of the Tribe’s Language Program.
• Develops and implements short- and long-term strategic goals for language preservation and revitalization.
• Supervises Language Program staff, interns, and volunteers, including hiring recommendations, mentorship, scheduling, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Fosters a collaborative, culturally respectful, and trauma-informed team environment.
• Coordinates and participates in the transcription, translation, documentation, and archiving of historical and contemporary language materials.
• Collaborates with language teachers/linguists, speakers, and knowledge keepers in a culturally appropriate manner to ensure accurate documentation and preservation of traditional language use.
• Oversees the development, organization, and long-term stewardship of the Tribe’s digital language archive and database, ensuring that linguistic materials, recordings, and documentation are preserved in accordance with Tribal cultural protocols, data sovereignty principles, and appropriate access controls.
• Identifies funding opportunities; prepares and submits competitive grant proposals to support language initiatives.
• Manages grant budgets, tracks expenditures, ensures compliance with funding requirements, and submits timely reports.
• Maintains accurate program records and provides regular updates to Tribal leadership, committees, and funders.
• Partners with Tribal elders, schools, families, and community members to ensure culturally appropriate programming.
• Coordinates community language classes, workshops, immersion opportunities, and outreach events.
• Oversees development and delivery of culturally appropriate language curriculum and instructional materials for all age groups.
• Promotes awareness of language revitalization efforts across the community and within Tribal government.
• Serves as a liaison between the Language Program and other Tribal departments, Tribes, schools, agencies, and external partners.
• Collaborates efficiently and effectively while consistently demonstrating professionalism and maintaining positive, respectful relationships with internal teams, external partners, and Tribal members.
• Performs other duties as directed by management.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY & RESTRICTIONS:

• Direct supervisory authority over Language Program personnel.
• Authority to manage assigned program budgets and grant funding.
• Authority to make operational decisions within approved policies and strategic direction.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:

• May be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance as needed for listed duties.
• Must be able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and community interactions in a dynamic environment.
• Capacity to engage with culturally sensitive materials and discussions in a trauma-informed and culturally grounded manner, recognizing and appropriately navigating the emotional impacts associated with historical language suppression and intergenerational trauma.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT:

• Will require working occasional nights and/or weekends.
• Moderate noise level with frequent interruptions and distractions.
• Must be willing and able to travel both locally and within the CTCLUSI service delivery area.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 25 years of age per vehicle use policy.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to be insured to drive Tribal Government vehicles.
• Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, Native American Studies, Education or related field.
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in language preservation or revitalization, program management, or a related area.
• Demonstrated experience learning, teaching, or supporting multilingual language environments, preferably including Indigenous language revitalization.
• Familiarity with Indigenous language documentation tools and software.
• Understanding of the role of language revitalization in supporting intergenerational knowledge transmission, cultural continuity, and community well-being.
• Demonstrated care and responsibility in the stewardship of Indigenous knowledge, including respecting Tribal data sovereignty and appropriate access to cultural and linguistic materials.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to cultural protocols when working with sensitive or culturally significant materials.
• Demonstrated experience managing grants and program budgets.
• Strong leadership and supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, verbally, in writing or by other acceptable means.
• This position is considered a covered role per the CTCLUSI Background Investigations Policy. A state criminal background check and fingerprint-based background check will be required as a condition of employment.
• This position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and other authorized drug and alcohol testing in accordance with company policy. Please note that the use of marijuana is prohibited for employees in this position, regardless of state legalization status.
• Must have employment eligibility in the U.S.
• Indian preference will be observed in the hiring process.