Deputy Director of Indigenous Programs

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Overview

The Deputy Director of Indigenous Programs will drive the growth and day-to-day development of YCEJ's Indigenous Programs, with a particular focus on building the center's Indigenous co-management program, accelerating co-management partnerships in the United States, mainstreaming Indigenous knowledge, and stewarding an appropriate global footprint for the program's international work. This role requires someone with a deep respect for and knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and environmental challenges, along with a proven ability to design, fund, and deliver programs. The Deputy Director will liaise with Indigenous communities, scholars, and leaders in the United States and internationally to develop, implement, and evaluate initiatives that further the mission of the YCEJ. The position is part-time with the possibility of conversion to full-time within the year.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-Management Program Development: Lead the development of YCEJ's Indigenous co-management program.
• Capacity-building initiatives with Indigenous communities and partners in the United States and the Amazon, with potential expansion to New Zealand.
• Design and launch of a certificate program in Indigenous co-management as the program's cornerstone offering, including curriculum development, partner and faculty engagement, and institutional approvals.
• Interim programming while the certificate program is being built, including field workshops, webinars, and community needs assessments.
• Accelerating Co-Management in the United States: Appropriately accelerate co-management work in the U.S., including building and deepening partnerships with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), and other tribal organizations and agencies engaged in co-management of lands, waters, and resources.
• Mainstreaming Indigenous Knowledge: Build and lead a program to help mainstream Indigenous knowledge within research, education, policy, and environmental decision-making, in ways that respect Indigenous data sovereignty and intellectual property and that are co-designed with Indigenous knowledge holders.
• Global Footprint: Manage an appropriate global footprint for YCEJ's Indigenous Programs, prioritizing engagements (including in the Amazon and potentially New Zealand) that align with the center's strategic vision, capacity, and community partnerships. Resource Development and Fundraising: Secure funding for Indigenous Programs, including grants, philanthropic gifts, and institutional partnerships; manage program budgets; and ensure the allocation of resources in line with strategic objectives.
• Strategic Leadership: Support the development and oversight of Indigenous programs in line with YCEJ's strategic vision, ensuring alignment with the broader goals of the center.
• Research and Scholarship: Collaborate with Indigenous communities and scholars to conduct and promote research on environmental justice issues specific to Indigenous communities.
• Teaching and Training: Teach classes and/or conduct workshops in area(s) of expertise.
• Community Engagement: Build and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities, leaders, and organizations, fostering mutual respect and collaboration.
• Team Management: Help build, lead, and mentor a team, fostering an inclusive and culturally respectful working environment.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on Indigenous environmental justice issues, challenges, and opportunities to ensure the relevancy of the center's programs.

Required Skills & Abilities

1. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

2. Proven track record of successful program development and implementation, ideally including educational or certificate programs.

3. Demonstrated success in securing and managing grants or other funding sources.

4. Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.

5. Ability to navigate academic, policy, and community spaces with cultural sensitivity and respect.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Directs one or more functional areas within an administrative department of the University and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures. 2. Directs analytic and research support for educational policies and planning and develops and approves administrative policies affecting assigned functional areas of the University. 3. Directs and establishes parameters for major projects for the department and University. 4. Interprets federal policies and regulations and educates staff and administration about regulations, restrictions, and the legal responsibilities of the University. 5. Directs and implements policy and program modifications and develops standards to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations. 6. Develops and administers an operating budget for the assigned department consistent with University policies and procedures. 7. Develops cost savings objectives and goals; authorizes major purchases and negotiates contracts that range from routine to complex in nature. 8. Establishes and implements long- and short-range goals for the functional area consistent with University goals and objectives. 9. Directs the development of related automated systems to support the function; determines office policies and procedures for use of automated systems. 10. Directs the evaluation and selection of vendors and negotiates contract details including work steps and pricing with the vendors on behalf of the assigned functional area. 11. Works with internal and external contacts to solve problems that range from routine to complex in nature. 12. Represents the University in discussions and negotiations with various governmental agencies. 13. Directs a staff of exempt and nonexempt employees. 14. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in related field. Five years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

09/21/2026

Job Category

Manager

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Senior Manager; Senior Program Leader (26)

Salary Range

$92,000.00 - $146,750.00

Time Type

Part time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model

Hybrid

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.