WT Director of Programs and Operations

Position Overview

The Director of Programs & Operations is a school leadership role responsible for building and leading the systems, operations, programs, grants, budgets, compliance, and cross-functional coordination that support WT’s mission and daily functioning.

Working in close partnership with the Head of School, the Director translates school priorities into clear plans, reliable systems, and coordinated implementation. The Director leads the non-instructional side of the school, supervises key program and operational staff, and ensures that responsibilities, processes, and decision-making pathways are clear across the school.

This role requires a strong systems-builder and collaborative leader who can establish needed infrastructure, manage complexity, strengthen staff accountability, and ensure WT’s programs and operations remain aligned with the school’s vision, values, and long-term goals.

About Sicangu Co

Sicangu Co is an Indigenous ecosystem of interconnected organizations and initiatives dedicated to creating a healthier, more prosperous future for the Sicangu Lakota Oyate. Anchored in Lakota values and guided by the principles of self-sufficiency and community empowerment, Sicangu Co works to strengthen the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the Rosebud Reservation.

Within the ecosystem, Sicangu Community Development Corporation leads work in education, food sovereignty, housing, health, and community development. Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci Wounspe Oti is part of this broader vision and serves as a Lakota language immersion school grounded in identity, culture, academic preparation, and Wicozani.

Key Responsibilities

School Operations & Systems

· Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of systems that support effective daily school operations.

· Translate school priorities into practical plans, procedures, timelines, and clear accountability.

· Provide direction and oversight to the School Operations Coordinator, addressing operational gaps, risks, and emerging needs.

Budget, Resources & Compliance

· Lead school-side budget planning and monitoring in partnership with the Head of School, Executive Director, and Finance team.

· Oversee the effective use of school resources and ensure purchasing and spending align with approved priorities.

· Ensure school compliance systems, required reporting, safety requirements, and operational policies are maintained in coordination with central service teams.

Programs & Grants

· Oversee the planning and implementation of assigned school programs and grant-funded initiatives, including Lakota language and Teaching Academy programming.

· Serve as the primary school liaison to Development for grant management, reporting, and proposal development.

· Ensure program and grant commitments are well-planned, appropriately resourced, and progressing toward established goals and deliverables.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Coordinate school needs and priorities with CDC Administration, Finance, HR, Development, and other Sicangu CDC program areas.

· Lead collaboration with Food Sovereignty and Health Initiative teams around meals, student wellness, local food, cultural learning, and related school priorities.

· Connect operational, programmatic, financial, staffing, and grant-related work so implementation remains aligned across the school.

Family & Community Engagement

· Support the Head of School’s family and community engagement priorities through reliable systems for communication, events, coordination, and follow-up.

· Help ensure family- and community-facing activities are timely, welcoming, culturally grounded, and aligned with WT’s mission and values.

Team Leadership & Accountability

· Supervise the Lakota Language Program Manager, School Operations Coordinator, and Lakota Foods Coordinator.

· Establish clear expectations, provide coaching and feedback, and hold staff accountable for plans, deadlines, and results.

· Clarify roles and decision-making authority while fostering a collaborative, respectful, and values-driven team culture.

Management Rights

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· At least three years of related experience in school administration, operations, program management, nonprofit leadership, grant management, or a comparable role.

· Demonstrated experience building or managing operational systems, projects, budgets, grants, compliance requirements, or other complex areas of work.

· Experience supervising staff, establishing clear expectations, and supporting accountability and professional growth.

· Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to translate broad priorities into practical plans, timelines, and follow-through.

· Strong judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify risks, navigate ambiguity, and determine when issues require escalation.

· Ability to coordinate effectively across school leadership, staff, families, shared-service teams, and community partners.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to manage confidential or sensitive information with discretion.

· Commitment to WT’s mission, Lakota language revitalization, Indigenous education, and community-rooted leadership.

Preferred

· Bachelor’s degree in education, nonprofit management, public administration, business administration, Indigenous studies, organizational leadership, or a related field.

· Experience working in a school, Indigenous organization, tribally affiliated program, or community-based nonprofit.

· Experience with federal or education grants, grant reporting, or grant-funded program implementation.

· Experience developing or managing youth programs, after-school activities, summer programs, wellness programming, or family engagement initiatives.

· Knowledge of or connection to Lakota language, culture, and community.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

● Office and public facing environment

● Ability to sit for extended periods (example: up to 70% of time sitting at a computer)

● Ability to stand for extended periods (example: up to 3-4 hours for an event)

● Periodic driving required (example: up to 1.5-hour distance)

● Regular speaking, hearing, communication with others

● Ability to work evenings or weekends

Benefits:

● Health, vision, and dental insurance

● Life Insurance

● 401(k) matching

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Siċaŋġu Co is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Indian Preference

In accordance with applicable federal law, including the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. § 5307) and other relevant regulations, Siċaŋġu Co applies an Indian Preference in employment. Qualified Native American candidates will be given preference in hiring.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year