Seeking Executive Director
Vancouver, WA— After a thoughtful process, the Confluence Board of Directors is excited to announce that we have officially launched our search for an Executive Director. This is an amazing opportunity to build on a legacy of Tribal partnerships and find new, more expansive ways to elevate Indigenous voices in our collective understanding of America.
Confluence began in the early 2000s in response to the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial to connect people with the Indigenous side of American history. Tribal leaders along the Columbia River saw the Bicentennial as an opportunity to dispel myths about Native Americans and to strengthen the Tribal perspective in the popular narrative of American history. Meanwhile, Confluence’s dynamic founding Executive Director, Jane Jacobsen, wanted to build reminders of this history into the landscape through art installations. The founders of Confluence invited the celebrated artist Maya Lin to build a series of projects along the Columbia River. The result is five completed art landscapes that stretch from the coast to eastern Washington. The final project remains on hold.
Over the years, Confluence’s mission has evolved into a focus on education for students, teachers, and the wider public. Today, Confluence brings Indigenous artists and educators into schools, organizes public events that elevate Native voices, and creates media and publications with Tribal perspectives. Below are photos of a recent gathering of teachers in Confluence’s Learning Community, announcements of upcoming events for the public, and a summer camp for students.
The next leader of Confluence will be a visionary diplomat, a champion of Indigenous American history, and an individual eager to learn from today’s Native culture bearers on the Columbia River. This role demands a profound understanding of Indigenous American history and a commitment to its preservation and promotion.
Job Summary
Position: Executive Director
Reports to: Board of Directors
Salary: $100,000-$110,000/year
Benefits: Health Insurance, 401k with 4% match, PTO
Location: Vancouver, WA with travel along the Columbia River.
Work Environment: Hybrid work environment. Executive Director needs to be located in the Confluence Service Area.
● Experience with and knowledge of Columbia River Indigenous Tribes
● Patient collaboration
● Outstanding self-awareness
● Humility to serve a larger vision
● Desire to find consensus in sensitive scenarios with multiple perspectives that may not always align
● Collaborative approach to leadership
● Honest and clear communication
● Willing to be surrounded by elders and experts
● Does not avoid conflict but embraces ways forward so that everyone can rise
● Demonstrated experience and skills in creating, maintaining and navigating a diverse environment that embraces and advances equity and inclusion in every facet of the organization
● Experience leading or working in a values and mission driven organization where trust, patience and a commitment to learning and sharing are centered
● Able to inspire people to stretch their abilities beyond their expectations
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Nonprofit Professionals Now is proud to be working with Confluence on this key leadership position.
For a full job description and application information, please visit: https://bit.ly/3KcwDXE or contact Agnes Zach, Search Lead.
Application Deadline: June 16, 2024