Estimated Interview Date: Ongoing
Work Day: Full Time, 8 hours per day
Work Calendar: 260 day Calendar
Reports to: Director of Equity & Engagement
Classification: C-4-4; Exempt
Salary: $78,057 - $91,273/annually (prorated based upon hire date)
Click link below to review the 2024-2026 Rochester Operations Professional Employees Work Unit Agreement containing salary schedule.
ROPE Work Unit Agreement 2024-2026
Benefits: Benefits available for regular positions working an average of 30 hours per week. Contact Employee Services @ 507-328-4280 for detailed benefits information. Make sure to reference the exact job posting.
If you have any questions about the job description, contact the hiring manager. Will Ruffin II wiruffin@rochesterschools.org
If you have any questions regarding a job posting, contact the office of Human Resources @ 507-328-4253 or email kyhopper@rochesterschools.org
Job Summary: The American Indian Education Coordinator will serve as a vital liaison between Rochester Public Schools (RPS), American Indian students and families, tribal nations, and community organizations. The Coordinator will lead initiatives to support the academic success, cultural identity, and well-being of American Indian students across the district, ensuring alignment with Minnesota Statute 124D.78 and the needs of local Indigenous communities. This position will also oversee the American Indian Education Program, supervise the Liaison and Elder-in-Residence program, which is designed to strengthen cultural connections, support traditional knowledge-sharing, and enhance the district's efforts to create an inclusive educational environment for American Indian students.
Key Responsibilties:
Program Development & Support- Develop and implement culturally responsive programs that promote academic achievement, cultural identity, and college/career readiness for American Indian students.
- Support the integration of American Indian history, language, and culture into classroom curriculum in collaboration with district educators.
- Monitor student progress and collaborate with teachers, counselors, and families to create individualized support.
- Manage student groups (small groups in buildings, larger intradistrict student groups, organize field trips and college visits
- Organize annual spring powwow
Family & Community Engagement - Build and maintain strong relationships with American Indian families, tribal leaders, and community organizations.
- Facilitate regular family engagement events and listening sessions to gather input and provide updates on program initiatives.
- Act as a cultural liaison and advocate for American Indian students and families within the district.
Advisory Committee Coordination - Consult and assist with the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) in compliance with state requirements.
- Organize meetings, communicate with members, and report on progress toward goals.
- Collaborate with AIPAC to assess needs and recommend improvements to the district's American Indian Education Program.
Liaison & Elder-in-Residence Program Oversight - Oversee the American Indian Liaison, ensuring that culturally responsive support and guidance is provided to American Indian students and their families.
- Coordinate the Elder-in-Residence program, which includes working with Elders from local tribal communities who will provide mentorship, traditional knowledge, cultural teachings, and guidance for students, teachers, and the wider school community.
- Ensure that liaisons and Elders are integrated into the educational process and provide culturally relevant resources to the staff and students.
Compliance & Reporting - Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, including Title VI and the Minnesota American Indian Education Act.
- Prepare and submit required reports and data related to program outcomes, funding, and student success.
- Write grants and manage program budgets tied to American Indian education initiatives.
Professional Development - Provide training and resources for staff on Indigenous culture, history, and culturally responsive practices.
- Serve as a resource within the district on Indigenous education.
Qualifications:
Required:- Bachelor's dergee in Education, Social Work, Indigenous Studies, or experience in related fields
- Demonstrated knowledge of American Indian history, culture, and contemporary issues
- Experience in working with American Idnian communities and/or youth
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Preferred: - American Indian descent or strong personal connection to an Indigenous community
- Familiarity with Minnesota tribal nations and the educational need sof Indigenous students
- Experience in managing or overseeing community programs, particularly those focused on Indigneous cultures
- Experience in public education or school systems
- Grant writing and program management experience
Work Environment & Compensation: - This position will require occasional evening and weekend work
- Travel to school sites and community locations as expected
- compensation is commensurate with experience and follows Rochester Public Schools salary guidelines
Commitment to Equity:
Rochester Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve. We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/equity-statement
Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions
Employees of the Rochester Public School District #535 are expected to support the goals, model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees.
District Information: To learn more about Rochester Public Schools, visit www.rochesterschools.org.
All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.