Executive Director of Minnesota Indian Affairs Council

Working Title: Executive Director of Minnesota Indian Affairs Council

Job Class: Executive Director Indian Affairs Board

Agency: Indian Affairs Council

• Job ID : 90482

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 06/11/2026

• Closing Date : 07/09/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Indian Affairs Council / Indian A Council-Managerial

• Division/Unit : Indian Affairs Council / Indian Affairs Leadership

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 75% of the time

• Salary Range: $48.45 - $69.48 / hourly; $101,163 - $145,074 / annually

• Classified Status : Unclassified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive

• Re-Posting : Yes

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ( : No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Established in 1963, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) is the oldest council in the nation and serves as a liaison of the Indian tribes and the State of Minnesota. The Indian Affairs Council Offices, located in St. Paul and Bemidji, Minnesota, carry out the mission of the Indian Affairs Council, which is "to protect the sovereignty of the eleven Minnesota tribes and ensure the well-being of all American Indian citizens throughout the State of Minnesota." MIAC focuses on policy development and advocacy for a broad base of issues affecting the American Indian Tribes and communities of Minnesota, including, but not limited to, education, health, human services, ICWA, public safety and corrections, transportation, employment and economic development, veterans, disabilities, human rights, housing, and homelessness. The purpose of the Executive Director position is to manage the operations and programs of MIAC. Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC).

• Develop and advocate for policies and programs aligned with Minnesota Statutes, section 3.922.

• Serve as spokesperson to the Governor's Office, legislature, and state agencies.

• Manage agency operations, budget, and staff in Bemidji and St. Paul.

• Coordinate Council meetings and support effective decision-making.

• Strengthen state-tribal relations and promote cultural understanding.

This is a Statutory Unclassified position. Employees in this role serve at the discretion of the Executive Board of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council.

Note: A person who is currently a member of the Council must resign from the Council before submitting their application, or their application will not be considered.

Minimum Qualifications

• The successful candidate should have at least five (5) years of professional and progressive leadership experience sufficient to lead a small agency including:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Tribal Governments and their sovereign governing jurisdictions, state and federal antipoverty policies, programs, laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of the legislative process.

• Knowledge and experience with project management and/or strategic planning.

• Experience advocating for policy changes or working through issues of concern for the American Indian community.

• Ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships with Tribal governments, the American Indian community, state agencies, government legislature and the general public.

• Ability to travel intrastate and interstate as required by duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Minnesota statutes, policies and rules.

• Ability to prepare a variety of reports and press releases.

• Experience with budget development and budget administration.

• Ability to communicate and present clearly and effectively across diverse groups of community stakeholders, government entities, nonprofit agencies, media and the business community.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public policy analysis and development.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass an employment reference check and a criminal background check through American Databank.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io . Please indicate what assistance is needed.