Executive Director

Executive Director – Friends of the Children – He Sapa Rapid City, South Dakota Organizational Background Friends of the Children is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a powerful mission to impact generational change by empowering youth who face the greatest obstacles through relationships with paid professional mentors—12+ years, no matter what. For more than three decades, the Friends of the Children model has produced measurable outcomes for children and families across the country. Friends‑of‑the‑Children’s impact is evident—a longitudinal study by the Harvard Business School Association of Oregon confirmed that for every $1 invested in Friends of the Children, the community benefits over $7 in saved social costs. Launched in the summer of 2022, Friends‑of‑the‑Children – He Sapa (Friends‑He Sapa) is an independent nonprofit and the first Indigenous‑led, culturally specific location of the national Friends of the Children network. This Indigenous focus reflects the demographics of Rapid City as well as the organization’s proximity to the Pine Ridge Reservation and the culturally sacred Black Hills. Friends‑He Sapa currently operates with a dedicated and diverse team of 8 full‑time staff and a committed Board of Directors. Position Summary Friends‑He Sapa is seeking a passionate, visionary advocate for Indigenous children and families to serve as Executive Director. The ideal candidate understands both the incredible potential of every child as well as the significant barriers facing families impacted by foster care. The next Executive Director will continue to build the organization’s programs in Rapid City and on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, accountable to the Board of Directors, staff, and program participants. The Executive Director leads the executive team and manages all aspects of organizational development, financial health, and culturally grounded operations. Additionally, the leader will collaborate with the National CEO and network team to leverage best practices from over 30 years of national impact. Friends‑of‑the Children – He Sapa is part of a national network. The Executive Director works with the national team, and particularly the National Chief Executive Officer of Friends of the Children and the Chief Officer of Chapter Success, to build a high‑performing, sustainable organization that leverages network best practices, partnerships, and over 30 years of impact. Roles and Responsibilities Fundraising and Relationship Development Tribal & Community Relations: Cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships with sovereign tribal nations, tribal organizations, and tribal‑serving communities. Campaign Advocacy: Serve as the lead fundraising champion, enthusiastic spokesperson, and ambassador for the chapter. Diversified Funding: Partner with major donors as well as tribal and public officials (city, county, state, and federal) to secure a diverse and sustainable foundation of funding. Strategic Partnerships: Build collaborations across the broader nonprofit community to maximize regional impact. Executive Leadership and Strategy Board Development: Work with the current Board of Directors to provide ongoing board development and cultivate an effective and engaged local board. Visionary Leadership: Provide enthusiastic inspiration, strategic direction, and long‑term vision. Lead the chapter in a culturally humble way grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and living. Culture & Ethics: Model high professional and ethical standards, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect, engagement, empowerment, and support for all staff and youth. Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the Board to develop and execute short‑ and long‑term strategic plans, tracking milestones and setting 3‑, 5‑, and 10‑year goals. Network Collaboration: Work closely with National leadership to ensure program fidelity while growing the organization’s footprint both locally and nationally. Program and Operational Management Program Fidelity: Oversee the Program Director to validate effective implementation, maintain high‑quality feedback loops, and deliver culturally appropriate services. Staff Development: Ensure program staff receive continuous training focused on Indigenous‑centered skills, knowledge, and content understanding. Financial & Administrative Acumen: Monitor and drive financial performance, manage budgets, ensure accurate reporting to the Board, and leverage National resources for HR and finance. Human Resources: Maximize organizational structure and supervise staff to cultivate positive employee morale and high retention. Qualifications Deep knowledge of Indigenous culture and ways of knowing, with the proven ability to interweave this knowledge across all organizational operations. Minimum of 7 years of demonstrated success working collaboratively within tribal communities or tribal‑serving organizations. Minimum of 10 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or similar capacities, holding progressively responsible roles. Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree is preferred. Strong financial acumen, strategic risk mitigation, exceptional written/verbal communication, and a proven track record of solving problems in a fast‑paced, startup‑style environment. Compensation The annual salary range for this position is $97,000 – $117,000, including incentive compensation, depending on qualifications and experience. Friends of the Children offers a comprehensive benefits package and a culture that values collaboration, belonging, professional growth, and work‑life harmony. Statement of Non-Discrimination Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices. The equal employment opportunity policy of Friends of the Children provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants. Friends of the Children hires and promotes individuals solely based on their qualifications for the job to be filled. #J-18808-Ljbffr