Program Manager, Arctic Willow Advisory Group (AWAG)

Background

Spruce Root, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) creating a sustainable future for Southeast Alaska’s people, communities and environment. We are shifting the paradigms of power to support localized economies grounded in Indigenous values and ways of living. Spruce Root is a team of ambitious people dedicated to a new way of working in our region; working collaboratively with others, prioritizing family and well-being, and honoring our ancestors while building for the future. As a federally-certified Native CDFI, Spruce Root works to create positive change and equitable access to economic development through financial products and services to individuals in Southeast Alaska. Other programs include Path to Prosperity, Resilience Circles, workforce development, financial wellness, community planning and facilitation, and the administration of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP) and the Seacoast Trust.

Summary

About AWAG

Established in 2024, the Arctic Willow Advisory Group (AWAG) is a group of Alaska Native leaders with the goal of regranting Chorus Foundation funding (called the Sinew Fund) in the state of Alaska. AWAG meets virtually on a quarterly basis and once a year in person to provide oversight and decision-making for the annual and future spend-down strategy of the Sinew Fund. AWAG also has established a Community Planning Circle of individuals from across the State of Alaska who help to inform the decision-making of the AWAG on an annual basis. 

Job scope

In conjunction with the Spruce Root, Inc. team, and AWAG, the Program Manager is responsible for maintaining the administrative and overall coordination of the Sinew Fund and AWAG going forward and ensuring that the project continues over the next 10 years. Responsibilities include the identification and development of new investments, projects, and initiatives that align with the fund investment decisions of AWAG. The position is also responsible for representing Spruce Root, Inc. within Southeast Alaska communities to achieve the objectives of the organization. 

Responsibilities

Primary tasks and areas of responsibility 

• Proactively communicate with stakeholders and partners in the communities on a regular basis so that AWAG has open channels and rapport within the communities
• Work with AWAG to develop and implement a fund investment strategy through strong collaboration and outreach with the Community Planning Circle through an annual in-person convening.
• Serve as the main point of contact for all Sinew Fund recipients and funded partners.
• Develop and track measures of success for the Sinew Fund
• Communicate controversial, politically sensitive, or unique program initiatives to all stakeholders
• Work will require regular travel throughout the State
• Perform related duties and complete special projects as assigned
• Administer all logistical meeting coordination, meeting preparation and due diligence, and 
• Establish organized record-keeping procedures for AWAG meetings, funds and funded projects
• Maintain relationships across the project
• Carry out the initiatives and policies of the Sinew Fund
• Work with Sinew Fund recipients to complete annual grant reports

Requirements

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to lead, plan, organize, control, and administer projects
• Working knowledge of financial statements and GAAP standards. 
• Strong ability to work as a productive team member
• Strong attention to detail and organization
• Ability to take accurate notes and track meeting outcomes
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies and partners to maximize performance, creativity, problem-solving, and results
• Ability to initiate and develop project plans, and act and operate independently with minimal daily direction
• Knowledge of grant writing and administration
• Ability to write and negotiate contracts
• Proficiency in Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office software
• Ability to type 40 words per minute
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Required education and experience

• Experience and knowledge in working with Alaska Native communities
• Bachelors or higher degree in business, finance, public administration, community development, or a related field with private sector experience
• Minimum of three years of experience in community development, administration, project management, or related experience
• Strong personal passion for Spruce Root’s mission

Additional requirements

• Valid driver’s license
• Satisfactory completion of a background check
• Satisfactory completion of a reference check

Working conditions:

• Standard 35-hour work week with occasional evening and weekend assignments
• The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bending or crouching; talk or hear. The employee must be able to lift/carry and/or move up to 30 pounds safely. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions and other elements prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. This job requires regular travel in commercial planes, AMHS ferries, float planes, and twin engine planes.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits

$70,000+ starting annual salary

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance as well as 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution, a wellness program, personal leave, wellness leave, sabbatical program, and professional development. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications by January 31, 2025. Application review and interviews will be held starting in February 2025, and the position will remain open until filled. There may be additional rounds of application reviews and interviews, as necessary. 

To apply, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “AWAG Program Manager – [YOUR NAME].”  

In the email, please include the following as a single PDF attachment:  

• Your resume 
• 1-page cover letter explaining your interest in the organization and position 
• List of 3 professional references with contact information and relationship to you 
• Short answers to the following questions: 
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years and how will this position support you on that path? 
  • Spruce Root conducts background checks, is there anything you want to share with us about your background? 

In the body of the email, please also copy and paste the content of your short answers and include your name, phone number, and email address. As attention to detail is critical for success in this role, only applicants who follow these specific application guidelines will be considered.  

With the goal of providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Spruce Root, Inc. bases its employment decisions on merit, qualifications, and abilities.  With the important exception of its commitment to hiring Alaska Natives and Sealaska Corporation shareholders and their family members, Spruce Root, Inc. does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local law.  Spruce Root, Inc.’s commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in the operations of Spruce Root, Inc., and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Spruce Root, Inc., including supervisors and coworkers. 

Spruce Root, Inc. has affiliations with Sealaska Corporation, a Native Regional Corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).  As permitted by law, Spruce Root, Inc. promotes employment opportunities for Alaska Natives and Sealaska Corporation shareholders and their spouses and descendants by giving them preference in hiring.  

For questions regarding the position or employment at Spruce Root, please reach out to Aldyn Brudie, Administrative & Human Resources Director, at [email protected].