Executive Director of Minnesota Indian Affairs Council

Executive Director of Minnesota Indian Affairs Council

This position serves as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC), a statutory, unclassified role that manages the operations and programs of MIAC.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for MIAC.
• Develop and advocate for policies and programs aligned with Minnesota Statutes, section 3.922.
• Serve as spokesperson to the Governor's Office, legislature, and state agencies.
• Manage agency operations, budget, and staff in Bemidji and St. Paul.
• Coordinate Council meetings and support effective decision‑making.
• Strengthen state‑tribal relations and promote cultural understanding.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of professional and progressive leadership experience sufficient to lead a small agency.
• Knowledge and understanding of Tribal Governments, sovereign jurisdictions, and state and federal anti‑poverty policies, programs, laws, and regulations.
• Knowledge of the legislative process.
• Knowledge and experience with project management and/or strategic planning.
• Experience advocating for policy changes or working on issues of concern for the American Indian community.
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships with Tribal governments, the American Indian community, state agencies, legislature, and the general public.
• Ability to travel intrastate and interstate as required by duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Minnesota statutes, policies, and rules.
• Ability to prepare a variety of reports and press releases.
• Experience with budget development and administration.
• Ability to communicate and present clearly and effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public policy analysis and development principles.

Additional Requirements

• Successful applicants must pass an employment reference check and a criminal background check through American Databank.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (eligible positions may qualify)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Confidential program that helps employees and families with life challenges affecting health, well‑being, or job performance
• Supports mental health, relationship challenges, grief, finances, legal issues, and daily living convenience services such as chore services, home repair, and child/elder care

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Equal Opportunity Employers

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disability related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at View phone number on ca.talent.com or email View email address on ca.talent.com.