Program Officer for Native American/Indigenous Ministries

Department: Advocacy Center
Date Posted: 1/29/2009
Closing Date: 2/27/2009

Job Description

This office is part of the Advocacy Center which has as its mission statement: Equipping Episcopalians to serve Christ by seeking Justice, Peace and Love.   The office also works collaboratively with the Evangelism and Congregational Life Center which has as its mission statement: Serves the people of the Episcopal Church as they seek to restore the wholeness of God’s creation by connecting them to creative and innovative resources needed to transform congregational life.

The Program Officer for Native American/Indigenous Ministries has responsibility for interpretation and development of programs which respond to, enable and empower the needs and inclusion of Native American/Indigenous peoples and their respective communities within the Episcopal Church.  Crucial to the empowerment of Native Peoples is communicating and interpreting treaty rights/aboriginal rights.  The position is also responsible for advocacy in education and ministry development opportunities for Native American/Indigenous peoples while representing the Church’s commitment to racial justice and equality for and among the diverse communities of Indigenous peoples. The incumbent builds relationships of trust with Native American/Indigenous leaders and communities throughout the Church including networks, organizations, dioceses, congregations and official committees that demonstrate justice making, evangelism and congregational vitality.

This position reports to the director of the Advocacy Center. The office also relates to the Executive Council Committee on Indigenous Ministries (ECCIM) which, among its various purposes, is to affirm, support and advise the program and the program officer.

Essential Responsibilities

Advocates within the structure of the Episcopal Church for the mission and ministry needs and concerns of Native American/Indigenous peoples, especially on behalf of treaty rights/aboriginal rights, coordinating with the Office of Government Relations, and also connecting the Episcopal Church to tribal councils and their needs; networks with Advocacy and ECL Center team members (especially other ethnic program officers), other mission Centers, and Indigenous networks/communities to help develop and present educational & informative programs, materials, resources for church wide agencies, organizations, institutions, & congregations related to Native American ministries; builds bridges among the diverse Indigenous communities, cultivating new relationships while maintaining existing relationships, and travels as needed to the full constituency of Native American/Indigenous Ministries in order to nurture these relationships; collaborates with Executive Council Committee on Indigenous Ministries (ECCIM) which serves as advisory group to the program and recommends policy to Executive Council and General Convention; collaborates with the Indigenous Theological Training Institute (ITTI) which provides leadership training, development, and support to Native Leaders, clergy and lay; provides links and support for Aided Dioceses/bishops (Alaska, Navajoland, North Dakota and South Dakota), provincial networks, congregations and Indigenous members wherever they reside (urban and rural), especially geographically disconnected members such as Mountains and Deserts; solves problems in consultation with Indigenous leadership and is a source for effective decision making that leads to healthy program development; implements new General Convention resolutions related to Native Ministries; provides staff support for sub-committee on scholarships, adhering to established process, and ECCIM awards committee for New Opportunities fund; Administers ongoing and yearly program tasks including budget & finances, requisitions, follow-up payments, travel itineraries, expense reports, member participation lists in support of the various programs.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

Minimum of Bachelor of Arts or equivalent experience is essential.  The successful candidate must be of Indigenous background, with a strong preference for someone who has lived among his/her people.  It is essential that the successful candidate be widely knowledgeable about Indigenous people and their special relationship with the U.S. Government and Treaty rights as well as aboriginal rights generally. Knowledge of The Episcopal Church is essential. Knowledge of multiple languages is a plus. Candidate must be computer literate in Microsoft Office Suite. Candidate must be able to travel, have a valid driver’s license and be an experienced driver.

Work Environment

Geographic location of this position will be determined as part of the search process.

Salary and Benefits

Accordingly, the salary (including a generous benefits package) will be set so as to be competitive with the regional employment market.  EOE, m/f/d/v are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a letter of interest, a resume including salary requirements and a list of three professional references to eccjobs@episcopalchurch.org and indicate in the subject line: Program Officer for Native American/Indigenous Ministries.  

Please, no telephone inquiries. Qualified applicants will be contacted.