Executive Director – Friends of the Children – He Sapa
Friends of the Children – He Sapa is an Indigenous‑led, culturally specific nonprofit organization located in Rapid City, South Dakota. The organization is the first Indigenous‑led, culturally specific location of the national Friends of the Children network and serves children and families in Rapid City and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
The Executive Director will lead the organization’s executive team and oversee all aspects of organizational development, financial health and culturally grounded operations. The role includes fundraising and relationship development, cultivating partnerships with tribal nations, community organizations, donors, public officials and nonprofit partners. The Executive Director will provide strategic and visionary leadership, partner with the Board on governance and planning, foster a culture grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and living, and collaborate with national leadership to ensure program fidelity and growth. The Leader will also oversee program and operational management, including staff development, financial performance, administrative systems and organizational structure to support high‑quality, culturally appropriate services.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead fundraising and partnership development
- Strategic vision setting and operational management
- Governance and planning with the Board
- Program development and growth
- Financial and risk management
- Staff recruitment, development and retention
Qualifications for the role are:
- Deep knowledge of Indigenous culture and ways of knowing
- Minimum seven years of demonstrated success working collaboratively within tribal communities or tribal‑serving organizations
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit management, fundraising or similar capacities
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- Strong financial acumen, strategic risk mitigation, exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to solve problems in a fast‑paced, startup‑style environment
The annual salary range for this position is $97,000 – $117,000, including incentive compensation. Friends of the Children offers a comprehensive benefits package and a culture that values collaboration, belonging, professional growth and work‑life harmony.
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