Cultural Director

Job Description

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY AND POSITION PURPOSE

The Cultural Director is a full-time position that will advise, direct, support and manage multiple programs that fall under the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Cultural Department. The Cultural Director will assist with establishing policies, guidelines, and the Cultural Museum, Archives and Management, and Cultural Education. The Director will be responsible for administering all the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Cultural programs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree (required)
• Five (5) years of job related experience, additional experience can be substituted for education
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn Tribal heritage and history

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

SPECIFIC TO THE JOB

• Detailed Reporting to the Tribal Administrator on a monthly and as needed basis, on all matters pertaining to the Cultural Department
• Work in conjunction with the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO)
• Coordinate, plan, and properly budget for various Cultural programs to be conducted

throughout the year, to revitalize the traditional lifeways of the Tribe

• Pursue avenues of improving the Tribe’s knowledge of the history, language and culture
• Refer qualified artisans and cultural experts that have the proper knowledge to assist with cultural activities
• Administer the Tribe’s Youth Powwow Dance Program, including the scheduling and coordinating

of dance practices and powwows the group will attend coordinating new regalia orders,

properly handling requests from parents for needs or issues, ensuring the Head Lice Policy is

adhered to, and all other duties associated

• Serve as a mandatory member of the Powwow Committee and other committees related to the Tribal Cultural Department
• Maintain an accurate inventory of all Tribal property, office equipment, etc. held by and in the possession of the Cultural Department
• Distribute information about events to the Tribal Membership, through correspondence,

postings, the Cultural Department’s Facebook page, and by phone or email

• Coordinate and partner with other Tribal Departments to improve services to Tribal Members

and to provide additional programs to Tribal Members, through grants and other collaborative

projects

• Oversee JBCI Museum, Library, and Research Center
• Collaborate with THPO on curation, history and archiving current and future collections
• Strong public relations skills
• Possess excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• All other duties assigned by the Tribal Administrator

DIRECTOR SPECIFIC

• May be required to work extended hours, including tribal events, trainings, community meetings, and other meetings as designated by the Tribal Chief and Council, to meet tribal and departmental needs
• Basic knowledge of contract principles and procedures, grant writing, and grant management is desired
• Must attend director meetings, staff meetings, and professional development trainings as required
• Delegates responsibilities effectively to departmental staff
• Experience in budget development and administration
• Timely submission of monthly reports to the Tribal Council is required
• Execute additional duties as assigned
• The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians retains the right to modify, add, or change responsibilities to align with tribal and organizational requirements. The aforementioned statements aim to outline the general nature and scope of work for employees in this position, and do not encompass a complete list of all associated duties and responsibilities.

MINIMAL BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT AT JBCI

• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Must have reliable transportation
• No felony or theft convictions
• Must submit to a criminal background and fingerprint check in compliance with the

Louisiana Child Protection Act (LA R.S. 15:5871.0) and Louisiana Adult Protection    

Services Law (LA R.S. 15:1501-1511)

JBCI REQUIRED

• Capable of high-performing individual and collaborative work, ensuring efficient operations
• Meets deadlines effectively and efficiently
• Occasional travel, irregular or extended work hours, and on-call availability are requisite
• Must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills
• Highly organized; possesses strong time management skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to maintain the highest of ethical standards, maintain strict confidentiality, and exercise tact and discretion
• Must exhibit kindness and respect
• Must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and appreciation of tribal traditions, customs, history, and the socioeconomic needs of the tribal community

COMPUTER / OFFICE EQUIPMENT SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace is required, with the ability to acquire new software skills as needed
• Proficiency in operating standard office equipment, including computers, printers, scanners, copiers, and telephones
• Training will be provided as needed

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires frequent sitting, walking, reaching, and both visual and oral communication. Employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

JOB LOCATION

JBCI Cultural Center in Trout, Louisiana, unless otherwise specified

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indian Tribe is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to pre- employment and random alcohol and/or drug screenings.

TRIBAL PREFERENCE POLICY

Members of the Jena Band of Choctaw Tribe shall be given absolute preference with respect to hiring, promotions, training, and contracting. For persons who meet the minimum qualifications, preferential treatment shall be based on the following criteria and shall be given in the following order:

• Enrolled members of the Jena Band of Choctaw tribe who satisfy the minimum job qualifications
• Spouses of enrolled members of the Jena Band of Choctaw tribe who satisfy the minimum job qualifications
• Enrolled members of other recognized tribes who satisfy the minimum job qualifications
• Military Veterans
• All others who satisfy the minimum job qualifications

EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PACKAGE

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. This includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement savings plan. Employees also receive paid time off and paid holidays, among other benefits.