Truth & Reconciliation Commission Coordinator

Overview – Native Justice Coalition (NJC): The NJC is a grassroots, community based, and progressive Native-led coalition based in Anishinaabe Aki (Michigan). How we define being progressive is based in centering Native people in racial justice or harm reduction that has culturally sensitive supports for healing. Our work includes the following: annual Anishinaabe Racial Justice Conference, Anishinaabe Healing Stories Project on Racial Justice Program, Anishinaabe Racial Justice Coalition, Harm Reduction Program, MMIWG2S Program, Truth & Reconciliation Commission, Two-Spirit Program, and special projects. We work across our Native American and First Nations communities in the Great Lakes region.

Position Summary

The Native Justice Coalition has established a Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on healing and justice for boarding school survivors, descendants, families, and our communities in Michigan. As the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Coordinator, reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will be responsible for managing several aspects of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Strategic Plan, and work with other NJC staff and across the organization to successfully implement projects. 

The Coordinator has a deep understanding and analysis of social, racial, restorative, gender, and healing justice. A thorough understanding of intergenerational trauma, historical trauma, and disenfranchised grief in Native American communities because of boarding schools. As a result, this person creates a space of inclusion and is committed to long term systems change that is community led and driven.   

The Coordinator must be flexible in days and hours available for scheduled work, including weekends. This role requires a high standard of professionalism, friendliness, the ability to listen and report back community members’ needs and ideas, as well as a high degree of emotional intelligence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with our tribal communities, tribal leaders, state representatives, Truth & Reconciliation Commission Working Group, Boarding School Survivor Advisory Council, key stakeholders, and community members. 
• Implement the TRC Strategic Plan through strong project management skills, exceptional communication skills, and a deep commitment to meeting the needs of the greater community. 
• Establish and maintain relationships with community support systems (i.e. healthcare, wellness, legal, non-profit, education, etc.) in our Native American and non-Native communities as they relate to the TRC Strategic Plan goals, objectives, and actions.  
• Plan, develop, organize, and implement logistics for internal meetings, community events, trainings, and projects related to the TRC.
• Research and maintain a database of information related to boarding school healing, justice, policies, laws, and other Truth & Reconciliation Commission work.
• Maintain regular communication with the Executive Director on issues of note, work flow and priorities.
• Analyze, synthesize, and communicate different kinds of information so that it is useful to people with various learning styles, backgrounds, and life experiences.
• Attend regular, in-person meetings across our Native American communities in Michigan.
• Thorough understanding of grant funding policies and procedures as well as applicable local, state, federal, Indigenous laws, and regulations.
• Build positive relationships with diverse people and communities. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public relations, political science, social science, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. 
• 3-4 years of experience working in Native American communities or in a field of work related to the organization, preferably in a non-profit environment.
• 3-4 years of experience in community organizing, outreach, and coalition building is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge in base building, leadership, and organizing strategies.
• Experience and knowledge of the different regions across Michigan as they pertain to our Native communities from rural and remote communities, urban communities, challenges, strengths, and opportunities for growth.
• Knowledge of conversational and beginner’s Anishinaabemowin. Understanding of the different dialects between the Three Fires in Michigan and across the Anishinaabe Nation. 
• Ability to travel to 30- 40% of each month to attend meetings, events, and projects.
• Proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and similar software.
• Experience in grant writing and grant management is highly preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Strong sense of integrity and experience managing confidential information.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.

Other Requirements: Familiarity and/or experience working with the Native American community at the local, state, and regional levels. Respect for and knowledge of traditional, cultural, and spiritual practices of the Native American community. Additionally, the ability to work with other racially, culturally, and ethnically diverse populations. 

Work Hours: This position works 40 hours a week. The work schedule will be determined by the Executive Director. This may include hours outside of normal business hours which are Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. 

Physical Requirements

• The ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• The ability to lift to 20 lbs. infrequently.
• The ability to use equipment such as computers, laptops, and telephones.

Work Environment: This position works in a temperature-controlled home or office environment with normal sound levels.