The Chelángen and Xws7ámeshqen Director is responsible for program development, administration, and management of the Chelángen Department and Xws7ámeshqen Program. This includes staff supervision, project management, and budget administration. Continuation of these activities depends on accurate and timely work products and developing the capacity of the Samish Indian Nation Chelángen and Xws7ámeshqen programs to implement policy, procedures, and projects that benefit both the Nation and its citizens and the agencies that fund those related activities. 

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a competitive compensation package. 

Benefits Summary

• Health Insurance including Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term & Long Term Disability insurance
• Vacation/Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid Jury, Bereavement & Cultural Leave
• Wellness Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Salary/Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)

1. Responsible for the overall supervision of management and employees of the Chelángen Department and Xws7ámeshqen Program and ensure that all personnel policies are followed, and yearly performance-based evaluations are conducted on time.
2. Work with relevant committees on issues related to Tribal culture and Xws7ámeshqen.
3. Coordinate the development and implementation of annual and long-term Chelángen Department and Xws7ámeshqen Program goals.
4. Oversee all interdepartmental collaboration on culture and language projects and internal requests from Samish programs.
5. Provide oversight for the development, implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of all language projects.
6. Manage and oversee all grant applications and award deliverables as well as any external and internal reporting.
7. Manage the Samish Culture budget in conjunction with the Culture Committee and prepare all internal reports.
8. Develop and oversee Xws7ámeshqen Program budgets working with Tribal Leadership, and prepare all internal reports.
9. Maintain the administrative and electronic records of the programs or delegate as appropriate. Provide oversite of the artist contracts for the Beaver Lodge, and other contracts or handshakes to teachers and artists as needed. When appropriate, be point person to work with outside groups such as Canoe Family and Carving Circle.
10. Learn and disseminate Xws7ámeshqen.
11. Attend and periodically present at professional conferences and meetings.
12. Periodically revise exhibits of archaeological and cultural materials.
13. Prepare written quarterly and annual department progress reports.
14. Attend tribal meetings as requested.
15. Other duties as assigned.
    

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

1. Knowledge of Coast Salish culture, both contemporary and historical. 
2. Must possess strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills
3. Must be highly proficient with Microsoft Office to include Word, Access, Excel, and Outlook

**Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**

Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.

Physical Demands: Long periods of sitting (60% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (20% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 20lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, cash-handling, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: Work environment varies depending on project and can include indoors office work with heat and some air conditioning, as well as field work with varying weather conditions. Must be able to sit or stand at desk for the majority of shift, as well as withstand adverse weather conditions (rain, cold, wind) in the field. Occasionally works alone without benefit of supervisor or co-worker. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions and environmental safety precautions. Protective clothing or equipment may be required.

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473. 

CONFIDENTIALITY:  This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position.  The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.