Deputy Director

The Deputy Director is a senior operational leadership role responsible for driving the coordination, execution, and implementation infrastructure behind the organization’s highest-priority strategic initiatives. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director leads the systems, processes, and cross-divisional practices that translate executive priorities into organized, accountable, and effective action across the organization. The Director plays a central role in strengthening organizational effectiveness by building clear implementation structures, improving coordination and communication practices, and supporting work with external partners.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

The Deputy Director will focus on continual process and operations improvements, overseeing daily operations, planning, quality control, and monitoring organizational resources. The Director will create sound policies and procedures, develop tracking and reporting processes and tools, and develop information flows. They will actively engage direct reports and develop work plans, track progress toward goals, and increase their effectiveness and efficiency of team leaders.

The Deputy Director will demonstrate a passion for the vision and values of the organization, dedication to tribal communities, tribal governments, funders and partner relationships. He/she will represent the organization at public engagements, collaborations, and coalitions. He/she will assist with marketing and increasing the visibility of the organization and its programs, build and maintain key relationships, and support the Executive Director in identifying strategic opportunities.

Leadership & Management

• Partner with the Executive Director in essential organizational leadership activities, including finance, administration, fundraising/fund development, programming and organizational planning.
• Serve as Acting Executive Director in the ED’s absence.
• Support the ED and Board on strategic leadership and organizational development and alignment that meets our vision and realizes our goal of better serving our tribal communities.
• Identify best practices and optimize operational, finance, fundraising, and administrative systems, processes and policies, reporting, information flow, and organizational planning with an eye toward future needs and budget realities.
• In coordination with the ED, manage high-level organization-wide projects and events.
• Act as a visible, approachable sounding board/resource to the ED, Leadership team, and the Board;
• Provide mentoring and coaching to staff in leadership positions in the organization.

Administration

• Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and applicable policies set by the Board and regulators.
• Submit annual filings, including economic statement, business registration renewal, business tax declaration, IRS Data Match, etc.
• Develop and foster relationships with contract managers, government officials, and foundation officers, as needed.
• Lead contracts and grant negotiations with funders and in collaboration with the Director of Policy and Development, program managers, and the external accounting firm; ensure that all funds are disbursed in accordance with contract requirements and donor designations.
• Prepare monthly board packets, in consultation with the ED and the Executive Assistant.
• Attend all Board meetings and other committee meetings, provide reports on organization projects and functions.
• Foster improved collection and use of client and industry data for strategic business decision and storytelling.
• Perform contract reviews and as necessary serve as a liaison to legal counsel in addressing legal issues.

Finance

• Work with the Operations Manager and ED to ensure proper management and oversight of the organization’s finances.
• Manager core organization finance-related projects including:
  • The organization’s annual budget process, including supporting Department Directors and Program Managers in development of annual program budgets.
  • The annual audit, providing necessary reports and documentation to auditors, as necessary; and
    • Filing of annual Federal and State taxes.
  • Co-manage bank accounts with the Operations Manager including creating new bank accounts, adding vendors, checking account balances, making transfers, and stopping payments.
  • Supervise the Operations Manager and assist with the external accounting firm as needed.
  • Participate in the organization’s external accounting firm meetings.
  • Implement and evaluate effectiveness of new finance-related policies and procedures, including training of finance staff.
  • Review and approve all invoices to funders for payment as a second approver.
  • Co-lead finance review with program managers and liaise between program staff and finance consultants when questions arise.

Fundraising & Marketing

• Support the overall implementation of the organization’s Fund Development Plan, in consultation with the ED and Development Director.
• Lead all fundraising engagements, including individual donor campaigns and fundraising events.
• As needed, assist with grant proposals which may include grant writing and data collection.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with funders, individuals, and institutional donors.
• Lead the completion and implementation of the organization’s databases.
• Oversee clear communications messaging and presence on the web, social media, public campaigns, and community actions along with the Communications Manager.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for public events and media when ED is unavailable.

Other Organizational Duties:

• Lead and participate in weekly team meetings including annual staff retreats.
• Ensure smooth operations between external consultants and Indigenous Justice.

Education & Experience:

• Advanced degree in Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy, Sociology/Psychology or related field. Equivalent work experience will also be considered.
• 10+ years of experience serving in a Deputy Director role, nonprofit executive management experience or other comparable career experience.
• Program management experience is desirable in tribal rights, social advocacy, and/or direct services as well as community engagement and organizing.
• Excellent understanding of nonprofit finance and budget development.
• Track record of effectively leading a performance- and outcomes-based organization, team, and staff.
• Excellence in developing, implementing, and evaluating organization-wide systems, policies and procedures.
• An ability to set and achieve strategic objectives and manage a budget.
• Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
• Proven planning and analytical skills to evaluate complex situations and recommend next steps/solutions.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, exceptional public speaking skills and comfort representing the organization.
• Ability to work independently and in teams and to inspire others to work toward achieving common goals.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Cultural competence and understanding of Native American and Indigenous communities.

*This position is regular full-time, salaried and is benefit-eligible after 30 days of continuous employment.

There is significant travel throughout the Bay Area, Central and Northern California based on our annual activities. The applicant will be required to have a registered vehicle with current auto insurance. An MVR will be processed to determine eligibility to drive within the State of California.

Equal Opportunity: Indigenous Justice is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.