Lakota Language Program Manager
JOB TITLE: Program Manager – Lakota Language Programs
REPORTS TO: WT Head of School
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
TYPICAL SCHEDULE: Full-time, 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
SALARY RANGE: $63,000 annually
About Sicangu Co
As the economic engine of the Sicangu Lakota Nation, Sicangu Co’s purpose is to improve the financial and social well-being of our tribal relatives. Guided by the 7Gen Vision—which imagines the world we want our descendants to live in 175 years from now—we continually ask: How do we live today to create a healthy, just, abundant world for our grandchildren?
Grounded in our ancestral and cultural wisdom, and deeply aware of the challenges faced by our people, Sicangu Co works toward Wicozani, “the good way of life” for the Sicangu Oyate. This includes holistic health, economic self-sufficiency, cultural revitalization, sustainable housing, food sovereignty, climate resilience, and shared, lasting prosperity.
About Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci Wounspe Oti (WT)
Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci Wounspe Oti (WT) is a Lakota language immersion school and nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and sustaining the Lakota language and culture through education. Our mission is to nurture the next generation of fluent Lakota speakers who are grounded in their identity, values, and traditional ways of life.
Position Summary
The Program Manager for Lakota Language Programs supports WT’s long-term efforts to strengthen Lakota language learning across classrooms, families, and community partners. This role oversees the Teacher Assistant (TA) development pathway, coordinates language-related professional development for staff, and supports families in building at-home language learning practices.
The Program Manager also administers the ANA Esther Martinez Grant Project—ensuring compliance, reporting, and successful delivery of grant-funded activities—while integrating these activities into the school’s broader language revitalization strategy. The position will design program manual(s), to ensure compliance and delivery of all grant activities.
This role works closely with the Head of School, teaching staff, families, and community partners to strengthen language capacity at all levels of the school and support our vision for Wicozani.
Key Responsibilities
A. Language Program Implementation & Oversight
Oversee the Teacher Assistant (TA) development program, including training schedules, learning pathways, mentoring, and support.
Maintain and update program manuals, procedures, and timelines.
Support the integration of Lakota language and cultural teachings across classrooms in collaboration with instructional staff.
Coordinate daily program activities to ensure consistency, cultural integrity, and alignment with immersion goals.
B. Professional Development Coordination
Collaborate with the Head of School to design, organize, and implement professional development related to Lakota language, immersion pedagogy, and cultural learning.
Coordinate with elders, knowledge keepers, and guest speakers to support staff development.
Track PD needs, participation, and outcomes for continuous improvement.
C. Family Language Learning & Community Engagement
Create and share Lakota language-learning resources and at-home materials for families.
Organize family language gatherings, workshops, and community learning events.
Support families in building confidence and consistency in at-home language use.
Maintain strong relationships with elders, culture-bearers, and community partners.
D. Grant & Project Management (Esther Martinez Grant)
Oversee all activities funded through the Esther Martinez Grant and ensure alignment with WT’s language strategy.
Maintain data collection systems to track progress, outcomes, and cultural indicators.
Prepare timely, accurate reports for funders and school leadership.
Ensure compliance with all federal, grant, and organizational requirements.
Monitor timelines, budgets, documentation, and communications with collaborators.
E. Sustainability & Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities to strengthen program design, TA development, and family engagement initiatives.
Contribute to future grant proposals, reporting, and strategic planning.
Recommend systems and improvements that support the long-term sustainability of WT’s language programs.
Qualifications
Associate’s degree in Project Management, Education, Indigenous Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
3–5 years of experience in program or project management, preferably in education, Indigenous language revitalization, or grant-funded initiatives.
Strong organizational, communication, and coordination skills.
Experience with data tracking, reporting, and compliance.
Commitment to WT’s mission, cultural values, and language revitalization.
Knowledge of or connection to Lakota language and culture preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data tracking systems.
Work Environment
Full-time, 40 hours per week (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).
Based on-site at WT.
Occasional evenings or local travel for family events, community gatherings, or trainings.
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
