Inter-Tribal Youth Program Manager

May 1, 2026|

Status: Full-Time (1.0 FTE; 40 hours/week), Non-Exempt
Compensation: Salary based on qualifications, with a range from $ 72,798.66 to $74,982.62, with opportunity for growth
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; paid leave (2 weeks vacation, 2 weeks wellness/cultural leave, and 12 paid holidays); monthly stipend for home internet and cell phone; professional development support
Reports to: Cattail Rising CEO & Creative Director
Desired Start Date: June 1, 2026

About Cattail Rising

Cattail Rising is an inter-tribal, women-led organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous-led education, protecting cultural knowledge, and supporting Native youth through community-centered, land-based programming.

Cattail Rising operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Garden-Raised Bounty (GRuB). The Program Manager will be an employee of GRuB while working in alignment with and in service to Cattail Rising’s mission and programs.

Position Summary

The Program Manager leads the planning, coordination, and day-to-day implementation of Cattail Rising’s Inter-Tribal Youth Program, supporting Native youth and families across Washington State.

This role is grounded in relationships, communication, accountability, and collaboration. The Program Manager works alongside Tribal leaders, educators, and partners to support programs that are shaped and led by each community.

This position ensures strong coordination across multiple sites while honoring community voice, leadership, and protocols. The Program Manager plays a key role in advancing land-based learning, cultural knowledge sharing, and youth mentorship, while helping build systems that sustain community-led programming over time.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Coordination

  • Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of a year-round Inter-Tribal Youth Program
  • Co-coordinate seasonal land-based gatherings and an annual Inter-Tribal Youth Summit
  • Manage program logistics across multiple communities, including scheduling, transportation, stipends, and materials
  • Ensure strong communication and alignment across all program sites and partners

Collaborative Program Implementation

  • Work alongside Tribal leaders, educators, and mentors to support programs that are community-led and community-defined
  • Support the coordination of gatherings and activities in a way that reflects each community’s priorities and protocols
  • Demonstrate awareness of when to lead and when to step back, ensuring community ownership remains at the center
  • Contribute to building systems that support long-term sustainability of programs within each community

Partnerships & Community Relationships

  • Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Tribal partners, youth, families, and schools
  • Communicate consistently and relationally across diverse partners and communities
  • Support inter-tribal connection and shared learning across program sites
  • Uphold cultural protocols and ensure accountability to each community

Team Support & Supervision

  • Supervise and support program staff, community mentors, and
  • educators (as applicable across sites)
  • Provide guidance, coordination, and communication to ensure alignment across the team
  • Contribute to a team culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and respect

Tracking, Reporting & Systems

  • Track program participation, outcomes, and key metrics across all sites
  • Support grant reporting and internal documentation
  • Prepare monthly program updates for the Cattail Rising Advisory Board (CRAB)
  • Maintain organized systems for communication, scheduling, and program tracking

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • 3–5+ years of program management and community-based work
  • Experience working with Tribal communities and Native youth
  • Strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty and community protocols
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple sites and moving parts
  • Strong communication skills—clear, consistent, and relational across diverse audiences
  • Proficiency in Google Workspace, Excel, and Microsoft Office, with the ability to manage program systems and reporting
  • Experience building and maintaining partnerships across communities
  • Experience facilitating with youth and community groups and comfort speaking in public settings
  • Willingness to travel regularly and be present in community
  • Ability to pass a background check

Preferred Qualifications

  • Lived experience as a Tribal/Native community member
  • Experience in land-based education, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, or environmental work
  • Background in Indigenous studies, education, or related fields
  • Experience supporting Native youth leadership or mentorship programs
  • Familiarity with Tribal communities, treaties, and urban Native organizations in Washington State
  • Experience using project management tools and systems

Work Environment & Expectations

  • Remote-based, with regular in-person meetings in Olympia and frequent travel to Tribal communities across Washington State and surrounding regions
  • Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends to support community gatherings, events, and seasonal programming
  • Requires a high level of self-direction, accountability, and relational leadership
  • Ability to lead with both relational accountability and strong systems thinking—ensuring the work is carried forward in a good way

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

This role requires regular travel to Tribal communities across Washington State and surrounding regions, including time spent in rural and outdoor settings. Program activities may involve walking on uneven terrain, standing for extended periods, and participating in land-based learning in a variety of weather conditions. The role may also require occasionally lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

The position also includes extensive periods of desk-based work, particularly during planning, coordination, and reporting cycles. This includes prolonged computer use, virtual meetings, and detailed administrative work to support multi-site program implementation. The Program Manager must be able to move between on-the-ground community engagement and focused, independent planning and systems work.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter or statement (1–2 pages) sharing:
    • Who you are and where you’re from
    • Your connection to this work and Tribal communities
    • How your values align with Cattail Rising’s mission
    • Where you see yourself thriving in this role and where you may seek growth
  • 2–3 examples of your work (programs, projects, or relevant materials)
  • Optional: Portfolio of past programs or cross-functional projects
  • Optional: A short (1–2 minute) video introduction

Submit application materials (PDF format) to:
[email protected]
CC: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject Line: CRIYP MGR_Your Name

We encourage applicants who are rooted in community, committed to this work, and aligned with our values to apply—even if you do not meet every listed qualification.

This position is open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications after May 15, 2026. Only complete applications will be considered. Position includes a required 90-day probationary period.

GRuB is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, ability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

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