Program Director

Re-Member welcomes applications for the leadership position of Program Director. The Program Director is the organization’s on-site leader, living year-round on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and overseeing Re-Member’s daily operations.

About the Role: Successful candidates will be operations-focused and primarily responsible for managing the organization’s community and volunteer-facing programs. They will exhibit an interest in, and understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and modern-day opportunities and challenges, and will lead by example in demonstrating Re-Member’s commitment to building positive relationships with the Oglala Lakota people.

The Program Director will be the public-facing representative of the organization to several hundred annual volunteers, and tens of thousands of Pine Ridge Reservation residents, primarily enrolled members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Residing full-time at the organization’s programming headquarters, the Program Director will oversee a year-round operation that includes hosting volunteers on week-long service-learning trips, delivering firewood and other heating assistance, and growing and distributing fresh vegetables.

The Program Director will report directly to Re-Member’s Chief Executive Officer and will collaborate with the CEO and Director of Finance to inform an annual budget. Aligned with Re-Member's mission, the Program Director will be a team-oriented collaborator and proactive communicator focused on responding to needs, meeting goals, and achieving desired outcomes.

They will ensure:

• Operational and financial actions are aligned with organizational objectives.
• Staff operate consistently within established policies and procedures.
• Community members receive courteous and professional assistance.
• Volunteers are provided an outstanding service opportunity and cultural immersion experience.

About Re-Member: Re-Member is an independent, non-profit organization working with the Oglala Lakota Nation on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. We improve the quality of life for those who live here and provide meaningful opportunities to serve and learn for those who volunteer and support our work. Re-Member’s efforts are funded by private donations and guided by the aspirations of tribal members who are generous with their wisdom as cultural speakers, community leaders, and builders of understanding. Founded in 1998, Re-Member is among the longest serving non-profit organizations on Pine Ridge and is not affiliated with any religious, political, or policy group.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteer (internal) focus: In close collaboration with the Volunteer Trip Coordinator and Program Manager, the Program Director will welcome volunteers to the reservation, provide a comprehensive program orientation, facilitate a daily educational session, and oversee the overall comfort, safety, and peace of mind for all volunteers during their visit.

Additional responsibilities:

• Volunteer Support: Encourage and motivate volunteers. Raise awareness about challenges and opportunities – and why Re-Member’s work is important. Present daily Wisdom of the Elders sessions.
• Volunteer Recognition: Celebrate volunteer achievements.
• Volunteer Retention: Support strategies to retain volunteers and build a strong volunteer network, fostering community both on and off the reservation.

Fiscal and Stewardship Responsibilities

The Program Director will collaborate with the CEO and Director of Finance & Administration on the development and oversight of the programmatic budget(s) for the organization. The Program Director will be responsible for taking receipt of the organization’s mail and package service deliveries and will process deposits for charitable giving and trip payments accordingly. They will ensure material gifts-in-kind are recorded and distributed effectively. They will also oversee the organization’s online and physical storefronts and manage inventory and deposits of cash sales.

Additional responsibilities:

• Accounts payable: Issue checks in support of locally incurred expenses, including payroll for local staff. Maintain check register and adequate paper trail for month-end reporting to Director of Finance & Administration.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain necessary electronic and physical files of organizational records.
• Stewardship: Maintain and develop positive relationships with donors who visit the reservation. Communicate clearly and effectively with key donors who wish to support organizational programming.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• 3+ years of experience in volunteer management, operations management, or related fields. Leadership experience must include supervision of staff and volunteers. Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to speak and write with clarity to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Proven abilities in community collaboration.
• Flexibility and a sense of humor. Willingness to react and adapt to the unexpected regularly.
• Ability to work in cold and hot environments; Be physically active throughout the workday; Occasionally lift 50+ pounds.
• Commitment to a three-year term, with the possibility of extension.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to reside full-time, year-round in a remote and economically disadvantaged community, with limited local resources and entertainment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in relevant software and systems, including Microsoft Office and Google. Experience with cloud-based software including Checkfront, Square POS, Raiser’s Edge, and Squarespace CMS platforms.
• General construction (woodworking, electrical, plumbing) and vehicle maintenance knowledge/experience.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Base Salary $52,500.
• Generous annual holiday schedule plus ten days of annual vacation time, as approved by Executive Committee/Board.
• Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% match.
• Health insurance premium for group plan covered 90% by Re-Member. Cafeteria plan available.
• Laptop, printer, scanner, cell phone provided.
• Fleet vehicle provided for Re-Member related activities.
• Private housing provided.
• Food provided during group meals onsite in addition to a generous allowance for food purchased for consumption in private housing.

The position requires excellent communication skills in English.