The Role
Leads sustainable Native tourism programs, events, grants, tours, and community initiatives across South Dakota. Manages project logistics, budgets, metrics, grant compliance, administration, and stakeholder communications. Builds relationships with Tribal Nations, tourism agencies, businesses, and grassroots partners; supports marketing, public relations, newsletters, social media, website updates, and organizational representation. Requires culturally grounded engagement, independent prioritization, strong communication, and travel throughout South Dakota.
Summary Generated by Built In
SOUTH DAKOTA NATIVE TOURISM ALLIANCE (SDNTA)
Job Description: Program Director
Position Type: Part-Time contract (22-25 hours/week), with potential to transition to Full-Time
Location: Remote, with required travel throughout South Dakota
Reports To: Executive Director / Board of Directors
Position Overview
The South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance (SDNTA) is seeking a motivated, organized, and culturally
grounded Program Director. This dual-focused role of program and project director will serve and
assist in both the operational backbone and the tactical engine of our Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The Director will assist in daily administrative operations when needed while actively leading the
planning, coordination, and execution of sustainable tourism programs and projects as well as
engagement with our tribal nations. This role is ideal for a professional dedicated to empowering Tribal
tourism entrepreneurs, preserving cultural heritage, and unifying tourism initiatives across the nine
federally recognized Tribal Nations in South Dakota. The Director works directly with the Administrative
Specialist and reports to the Board of Directors.
Core Priorities & Responsibilities
1. Strategic Project Management & Tourism Development (50%)
- Event Production: Manage planning, logistics, scheduling, and implementation of community training, and all programs and events. Assist Consultant Specialist with SDNTA board meetings. Develop community-based outreach and education initiatives.
- Community Collaboration: Build our partnerships with Tribal communities, Economic Development Committees, South Dakota Tourism Department and Native-owned businesses to identify, plan, and implement culturally sensitive, sustainable tourism offerings. Will be the boots-on-the-ground for all events and programs. Build out a volunteer engagement and inclusion program that involves Youth Leaders.
- Grant Execution: Assist in delivering priority projects identified by SDNTA’s Programs & Advocacy Team in strict alignment with grant goals and deliverables. Assist in managing the project budgets and reporting when needed.
- Tour Operations: Pilot existing tour experiences and contribute to designing an SDNTA-managed tour operation model to coordinate and promote Native-led itineraries and communities. Work directly with Tribal nations for input and communication for project direction and priorities.
2. Operations, Logistics & Grant Compliance (20%)
- Daily Administration: Will be responsible for answering organizational inquiries from the website while working with the Board of Directors to assist in answering these inquiries in a timely manner. Will help maintain official files, records, and digital assets. Assist with administrative tasks when needed.
- Data Tracking: Gather project and program metrics, track participant attendance, and compile impact data to assist with grant compliance and reporting as well as to help with future technical info required for success. Create a shared database, updated group text and updated group email chains for the Board of Directors.
- Budget Support: Assist leadership and consultant in monitoring project budgets and preparing documentation for upcoming grant proposals and monthly reviews.
3. Partnership Development & Communication (30%)
- Tribal Engagement: Build and maintain trusted relationships with Tribal leaders, government agencies, and grassroots partners across South Dakota's Tribal Nations. Task is to reconnect in a partnership with each of the nine Tribal councils and individual organizations by engaging in-person visits. Set up quarterly meetings and provide quarterly reports to the tribes.
- Network Outreach: Assist in conducting community outreach to expand SDNTA’s network, ensuring equitable representation and identifying local points of contact in each Tribal Nation. Work directly with SD Tourism and Tribal Relations and Economic Development to help define partnership and continue to build progress.
- Public Relations: Support marketing and storytelling efforts by drafting community newsletters, social media content, and press releases. Work with Administrative Specialist to update SDNTA website to include accomplishments, press coverage and news coverage and assist in marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. Will help create and launch a Marketing & Media Committee to help SDNTA to present promotional materials to support our tribal nations and the people.
- Representation: Will represent SDNTA at conferences, events and meetings to advance awareness of the organization’s mission.
Requirements
Key Qualifications
Experience & Education
- Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in tourism, economic development, community engagement, or nonprofit operations or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience working within Native American communities and cultures is requested.
Knowledge & Skills
- Cultural Competence: Knowledge of Tribal governments, businesses, and socioeconomic structures.
- Project Management: Proved ability to manage varied daily workloads, prioritize tasks independently, self-starter, and able meet strict deadlines. Ability to pivot when needed.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to act as a primary point of contact for stakeholders, volunteers, and board members.
- Technical Proficiency: Experience with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, virtual meeting platforms (Zoom/Meet), and digital communication or social media tools.
Job Responsibilities Disclaimer: Job responsibilities may include additional duties as needed to
support the organization’s needs and support the mission.
How to Apply
To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to the SDNTA at [email protected] and Roquel Gourneau, SDNTA Board President at [email protected].
In your cover letter, please detail your relevant professional experience and your interest in supporting Native-led tourism. You must include contact information for at least two professional references with your submission.
Skills Required
- At least 3 years of professional experience in tourism, economic development, community engagement, nonprofit operations, or a related field
- Experience working within Native American communities and cultures
- Knowledge of Tribal governments, businesses, and socioeconomic structures
- Ability to manage varied workloads, prioritize independently, work as a self-starter, meet strict deadlines, and adapt as needed
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to serve as a primary point of contact for stakeholders, volunteers, and board members
- Experience with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, virtual meeting platforms, and digital communication or social media tools
- Ability to travel throughout South Dakota for in-person visits, events, and meetings
- Provide contact information for at least two professional references with the application
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