Job Announcement: Deputy Director

Job Announcement: Deputy Director
 Indigenous Environmental Network
 Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt
 Location: Bemidji, Minnesota or Remote
 Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000

The Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) is seeking a Deputy Director to support and strengthen our mission to protect the sacredness of Mother Earth from contamination and exploitation. IEN is a grassroots-led Indigenous organization dedicated to environmental protection, environmental human and ecological health, climate change, Indigenous Just Transition, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Position Overview

The Deputy Director will play a key leadership role in the internal operations of the organization, to ensure the resources and infrastructure are in place to achieve the mission. The Deputy Director oversees much of the work internally, freeing the Executive Director to focus on external matters such as public relations, partnerships, alliances, representing IEN in national, tribal, and international policy spaces, donors, foundations, and media. The Deputy Director also plays a central role in the implementation of IEN’s strategic planning initiative and organizational development. This position requires a visionary and collaborative leader who can help guide IEN’s work.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Organizational Management

  • Work in partnership with the Executive Director to provide leadership, management, planning, and enhancement of internal organizational systems, processes, policies, and infrastructure.
  • Advance IEN’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
  • Provide leadership and oversight in program development and management.
  • Oversees the Operations Director.
  • Ensure organizational sustainability through strong governance, policies, and internal systems.
  • Foster a positive and collaborative work culture grounded in Indigenous values.

Human Resources & Staff Development

  • Oversee HR functions, including recruitment, hiring, and retention of staff.
  • Research, create, and update as needed, personnel and internal organizational polices, in conjunction with the Executive Director, Director of Operations, and other senior staff. 
  • Ensure compliance with personnel policies, labor laws, and best practices.
  • Provide leadership in staff performance management, professional development, and conflict resolution. 
  • Is responsible for ensuring staff compliance with organizational policies and best practices, including timely staff reports, engagement of lead staff in the budgeting process, and working with the Grants Manager to develop foundation proposals and reports that align with program work and strategies.
  • Is responsible for conflict resolution and mediation processes to ensure a healthy and productive work environment.
  • Creates and oversees policies and processes for staff well-being, ensuring a workplace culture of equity, respect, and accountability.
  • Manage internal communications and team-building to strengthen collaboration across the organization.

Financial Management

Working with the Executive Director, Operations Director, Financial Management Department, and program team leads, to conduct and maintain budgets, financial planning, and reporting. 

  • Leads IEN’s financial planning, budget development, and financial reporting processes.
  • Coordinates organization-wide financial strategies, timelines, and deliverables, with close collaboration with program staff.
  • Works closely with the Director of Operations and the Grants Manager to ensure accuracy, compliance, and program alignment with IEN strategies.
  • Submits finalized financial documents to the Executive Director for final approval.

Other Responsibilities

  • As a senior leader within the organization, when requested, the Deputy Director will perform the duties and exercise the authority of the Executive Director in their absence.  

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and community-based advocacy.
  • At least five (5) years of senior management position in nonprofit organizational management. 
  • Strong organizational, strategic planning, and financial management skills.
  • Knowledge and experience with the creation of personnel policies and other internal organizational procedures and practices. 
  • Experience in human resources management, including staff supervision, hiring, organizational policies, and conflict resolution.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in public speaking.
  • Ability to work effectively with Indigenous communities, community leaders, and allied organizations.
  • Willingness to travel as needed.

Location

The preference is for this position to work in person at the main office in Bemidji, Minnesota, with a lesser option for remote work.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary range: $90,000 - $115,000, commensurate with experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement, and paid time off.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references here: (Trinet link to be entered here when posted) 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For questions, contact us at info@ienearth.org 

IEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class.  Indigenous candidates or others with lived experience related to IEN's mission are encouraged to apply.

 

This job is currently not open for applications. Would you like to see our other open positions?