Senior Director / Director Keya Wakpala Woicageyapi
REPORTS TO: REDCO CEO; Sicangu CDC Executive Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
TYPICAL SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week
SALARY RANGE: Senior Director: $110,000 - $125,000 / Director: $85,000 - $100,000
***Note: Because of the specialized experience required to lead the breadth and depth of the KWW project, we are utilizing an adaptable recruitment process for this role. We are only hiring for one position, but the title and compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience. Senior Director or Director, depending on the experience level of the candidate. The responsibilities of either role are essentially identical, and a candidate hired as a Director of KWW will have the opportunity to be promoted to Senior Director of KWW, based on performance.
ABOUT SICANGU COAs 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. We are guided and inspired by the 7Gen Vision, which imagines the type of world we'd like to see our descendants living in 175 years from now. We ask, how do we Live today to create a healthy, just, abundant world for our grandchildren? Grounded in our ancestral and cultural wisdom, with a deep understanding of the profound challenges faced by our people, see Sicangu Co is working towards Wicozani or “the good way of life” for the Sicangu Oyate - holistic health, economic self-sufficiency, cultural revitalization, sustainable housing, food sovereignty, climate resilience, and shared lasting prosperity.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Key Wakpala Woicageyapi (Turtle Creek Regenerative Development) will be a living community that nourishes the Sicangu spirit and way of life. The Keya Wakpala Woicageyapi (KWW) site comprises 590 acres that eventually will be home to anywhere from 200-600 affordable and accessible quality-built, energy efficient homes, centered around a community garden and a multi-use gathering space, with places for people to shop and work and for children to play together. Keya Wakpala offers a pathway to reclaiming who we are as the Sicangu Lakota Oyate.
The Senior Director or Director of Keya Wakpala provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for the housing and community development initiatives within the 590-acre Keya Wakpala development. Responsible for coordination of multi-phase housing, commercial, and industrial projects and associated stakeholders—including community members, tribal leadership, contractors, and external partners—the position ensures all aspects of development align with the cultural, economic, and sustainability goals of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate.
This role will directly supervise staff focused on housing outreach and engagement and grants/special projects, and will work collaboratively with internal and external project managers, consultants, and ecosystem partners like Tatanka Funds and Rosebud Construction, Inc. (RCI) to deliver high-quality, affordable, and energy-efficient homes for tribal members.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
● Develop and oversee long-term housing, retail, and industrial development strategies in partnership with Sicangu Co leadership, defining objectives, evaluating progress, and addressing challenges.
● Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of a robust campaign to design, construct, and sell quality homes to tribal members, developing and meeting key targets and goals each year; and supporting continuous improvement and value engineering to find cost effective methods, partners, and approaches that continue to improve the economic and financial standing of the development.
● Manage vendors and partners to ensure a phased, future-forward, and comprehensive investment and implementation of needed KWW infrastructure to support current and future needs related to water, wastewater, electricity, public space, and others.
● Lead the coordination, sequencing, and collaboration among the varied components of the KWW project, including the Sicangu Innovation Center; a flexible, multipurpose facility designed to support and enhance the socioeconomic landscape of the Siċaƞġu Lakota Oyate envisioned to accommodate a wide range of programs and uses furthering economic development, entrepreneurship, and community-based initiatives and services.
● Manage the associated programming and community engagement efforts aligned to the diverse aspects of the project, including entrepreneurial incubation and support, homebuyer education and coaching, and other grant supported efforts.
● Develop and strengthen relationships with tribal leadership, funders, and other stakeholders to secure resources and advance community-focused housing solutions.
● Oversee the programmatic aspect of grant activities (including deadlines, deliverables, and reporting responsibilities) related to KWW, including (but not limited to):
● Represent Keya Wakpala initiatives at community events, tribal meetings, and other forums, advocating for the project and sharing its progress with key stakeholders.
● Partner with current and emerging ecosystem entities like Tatanka Funds, Rosebud Construction Inc. (RCI), and Sicangu Built,as well as external consultants and contractors to advance development goals, while ensuring alignment with Sicangu Co’s mission.
● Provide strategic oversight for homeownership education and engagement programs, supervising and mentoring outreach staff and project managers, fostering a collaborative team culture that aligns with Sicangu Co’s values.
Project Management
● Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of housing and community development related KWW projects and initiatives, engaging stakeholders and ensuring tasks are completed on time and within budget.
● Develop and maintain systems to track project progress, compliance, and deadlines.
● Address challenges as they arise and maintain accountability for timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
● Serve as the primary liaison with government entities to navigate regulatory requirements, secure necessary permits, and fulfill reporting obligations.
● Foster strong working relationships to ensure seamless communication and compliance with contractors, consultants, vendors, and other key stakeholders.
● Work closely with contractors, vendors, and technical professionals to ensure construction projects progress according to plan.
● Implement and maintain robust knowledge management practices to ensure the integrity, accessibility, organization, and recording of key information, documents, and decisions.
Operations & Financial Oversight
● Oversee departmental budgets for housing programs, ensuring alignment with financial goals and maximizing available resources.
● Collaborate with the Sicangu Co Development team to secure funding for housing initiatives through grants, partnerships, and donor engagement.
● Regularly report progress, challenges, and opportunities to Sicangu Co executive leadership to support informed decision-making.
● Facilitate partnerships with contractors, prospective tenants, and anchor institutions to ensure the housing programs reflect community needs.
Management retains the right to assign or reassign duties as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
Senior Director — Required
● 10+ years leading complex community/economic, housing, or other private sector or social mission initiatives, including 5+ years managing staff and cross-functional teams; or equivalent combination of education and lived/professional experience.
● 5+ years managing people and leaders (hiring, coaching, performance management); to include consultants, subcontractors, and other community partners.
● 5+ years of significant executive stakeholder management experience, and a track record of successfully interfacing with important stakeholders, such as Tribal leadership, government agencies, philanthropic funders, etc.
● 3+ years of experience managing or leading fundraising or financial development, including the preparation, pitching, and reporting aspects of grant and funding opportunities in the private or non-profit sector.
● Financial fluency and budget management experience at the project or organizational level.
Director — Required
● 6+ years managing complex community/economic, housing, or other private sector or social mission initiatives, including 5+ years managing staff and cross-functional teams; or equivalent combination of education and lived/professional experience.
● 3+ years managing or supporting high level partner coordination, such as with Tribal/local governments, utilities, and funders;
● 1+ years of experiencing helping to prepare, pitch, and report for grant and funding opportunities in the private or non-profit sector.
● Financial fluency and budget management experience at the project or organizational level.
(Successful candidates will have all of these qualifications)
● Undergraduate degree and/or demonstrated history of relevant work experience
● Strong organizational and time management skills to balance competing priorities and deadlines.
● Exemplary track record of project management, with a strong ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet timelines.
● Excellent written and verbal communications skills
● Experience managing multi-faceted projects in a team setting
● Self-motivated and able to work independently
● Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel and some familiarity with PowerPoint.
● Strong internet skills.
● Experience maintaining accurate and accessible digital records for legal and administrative purposes.
● Highly collaborative and used to working in, and organizing, a team
● Based in the vicinity of Mission, South Dakota or the willingness to relocate
● Experience working with Indigenous organizations or communities and comfort operating in a mission-driven, culturally grounded environment.
Preferred:
(Successful candidates will have at least one of these qualifications)
● Professional experience as a group facilitator
● Familiarity with Lakota cultural values and history
● A demonstrated passion for grass roots community organizing or development (professionally or as a volunteer)
● Housing and community development experience preferred
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
● This position is based on the Rosebud Reservation.
● Flexibility to work evening or weekend hours may be required to accommodate program needs.
● Work in office and outdoor settings, including gardens, markets, and community events.
● Regular communication, sitting for extended periods (up to 70%), standing for events (3–4 hours), driving, and occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs).
● Travel within the Rosebud community and occasionally to local and national conferences/events.
Benefits Include:
● 401(k) with 3% employer match
● Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
● Life insurance
● Paid time off
● Flexible schedule
Note:
Sicangu Co does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Consistent with the Indian Preference Act (25 U.S.C. § 472 and § 473) and the policies of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate, Sicangu Co gives preference in employment to qualified Native American candidates, with priority for citizens of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate (Rosebud Sioux Tribe). All individuals—Native and non-Native alike—are encouraged to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Professional development assistance
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
