American Indian Education - Cultural Family Advocate (.5 FTE)

Description

Cultural Family Advocate–10 month calendar

4 hours/day

Effective Date Of Employment

ASAP until the end of the 2026/27 school year

Application Deadline

November 6, 2026 – 4:00 p.m.

Application Procedure

All Candidates: Apply online at www.district196.org as an External Applicant

Position Summary

Work with eligible American Indian Education students and families, to increase and support positive experiences, educational outcomes and cultural learning opportunities. Advise school staff in understanding the culture and perspectives of Indigenous families and act as a liaison between the school district and families in facilitating an understanding of school values and expectations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years post-secondary education in related field; B.A. preferred in education, behavioral sciences, social work, American Indian Studies or related field.
• Prior experience working with Native American students and their families in an educational setting.
• Experience working in K-12 school system.
• Experience working effectively with and understanding the needs of Native American populations.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including cross cultural communication.
• Experience developing and presenting professional workshops, especially with regards to Indigenous pedagogy and the Minnesota state standards.
• Experience developing and leading culturally relevant activities such as Dakota & Ojibwe language classes, drum & dance classes and other cultural learning opportunities especially with regard to the L/N/Dakota and Anishinaabe peoples and cultures.
• Available for flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and summer hours.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel between sites as necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
  
  

Job Summary

• Knowledge and skills in advising American Indian Education students.
• Assist in implementation of programs and activities to enhance school engagement, academic achievement and career & college readiness. Activities include student advising, student leadership groups and in school cultural and language learning opportunities.
• Provide in-school support and advocacy to assist students with cultural adjustment and social emotional development.
• Help provide support in a variety of situations and conflicts that may arise due to cultural differences and refer to professional staff when appropriate.
• Act as a communication liaison between parents and schools through the use of email, phone calls, and home visits. Facilitate family participation in conferences and other school & district activities.
• Work professionally and cooperatively with school staff to support students' full development in the school system and consult with parents, teachers, and administrators to develop intervention strategies to enhance school success.
• Provide teachers and staff with culturally relevant curriculum & community resources including information on the various Indigenous nations represented in their schools.
• Inform and educate district staff on issues around cultural competency, equity and inclusion.
• Represent the district in community organizations and functions. Keep district informed of community concerns.
• Attend and participate in the Native American Parent Advisory Committee meetings once a month during the school year and bi-annual Tribal Consultation meetings with the Tribal Nations Education Committee.
• Attendance and participation at American Indian Education events and staff development and/or trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Responsible To

American Indian Education Program Coordinator and Director of Equity and Inclusion

Compensation

According to contractual agreement.

Our team of dedicated educators is committed to the mission of Educating, developing, and inspiring our students for lifelong success. Our core values are student-centered, based in empathy and integrity to support the wellbeing of the whole person, and learning with high expectations for all. Our culture of collaboration fosters an environment of inclusivity, engagement and belonging for all students, and inspires a love of learning for all ages. Our vision is to provide the experiences that our students, families and employees desire by developing the whole student and honoring diverse needs and cultures; engaging students with opportunities in academics, arts and athletics (Triple A philosophy), and living our mission to prepare students for lifelong success.

District 196 is a Minnesota public school district of choice, serving more than 29,000 students and 160,000 residents in the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Empire, Inver Grove Heights and Lakeville, and Vermillion Township. District 196 is the third largest school district in Minnesota and among the largest employers in Dakota County, with more than 4,000 full- and part-time employees. District 196 has been named to Forbes' list of America's Best-in-State Employers multiple times based on a survey asking employees to rate their employers and how likely they would be to recommend them to others.

District 196 has 20 elementary schools (grades K-5); six middle schools (grades 6-8); four high schools (grades 9-12); an optional School of Environmental Studies for juniors and seniors; an Area Learning Center high school program; a K-12 special education school, and a special education program serving young adults ages 18-22. The district also operates three learning centers that provide early childhood and Adult Basic Education services, and offers extensive community education programs and classes for learners of all ages.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As required by Title IX and other state and federal nondiscrimination laws, District 196 does not discriminate in employment or in any of its education programs and activities, including vocational opportunities, on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status,* disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, membership or activity in a local human rights commission,* age or genetic information.* District 196 provides equal access to designated youth groups.

The Director of Human Resources, Joel Milteer (651-423-7859 – joel.milteer@district196.org) is the designated Title IX Coordinator and has also been designated to respond to employment-related inquiries regarding the district's non-discrimination policies. The Director of Elementary Education, Jeremy Sorenson (651-423-7782 – jeremy.sorenson@district196.org) and the Director of Secondary Education, Eric Hansen (651-423-7712 – eric.hansen@district196.org) have been designated to respond to student-related inquiries regarding the district's non-discrimination policies. The Director of Special Education, Janet Fimmen (651-423-7629 – janet.fimmen@district196.org) has been designated to respond to inquiries concerning the rights of a student with a disability. The mailing address for all directors is 3455 153rd Street W, Rosemount, MN 55068. Title IX inquiries may also be referred to the Assistant Secretary of the US Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

• Asterisked categories are limited to employment-related discrimination and harassment.