General Summary:
The Indigenous STEM Faculty/Coordinator will actively facilitate the increased integration of
Indigenous STEM knowledge and affiliated efforts at Salish Kootenai College, especially those
related to the Headwaters Tech Hub - Supporting Tribal Education Pathways Component
Project. This is a vital link between Salish Kootenai College (SKC), area K-12 schools, and
STEM-related careers, including those within departments of the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai Tribes (CSKT). This position focuses on strengthening tribal and rural representation
in STEM fields through programming, partnerships, and culturally sustaining, place-based
practices by facilitating pathways from middle school to career that integrate Indigenous
knowledge, mentorship models, and practices into STEM education. Depending on
qualifications, the Coordinator may also teach Indigenous STEM-related courses and be eligible
for a faculty-based salary.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Development and Coordination:
○ Design, implement, and evaluate STEM pathway initiatives connecting K-12
students to SKC, local and connected non-profits, reservation school districts,
and career opportunities in STEM fields.
○ Collaborate and coordinate training with educators and professionals to support
incorporating culturally sustaining STEM curricula that integrate Indigenous
knowledge and practices.
○ Identify, collaboratively build, and coordinate internships, STEM mentorship
(industry professionals and CSKT-connected when possible), and student
scholarship opportunities in STEM for students from middle school to career.
Support and/or Lead Instruction and Curriculum Development:
○ Co-develop, assist in delivering, and/or teach culturally sustaining programming
integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary STEM education.
○ May support instructors and/or instruct Indigenous Science, Integrated
Perspectives in Science for Teachers, and other Indigenous STEM-specific
courses as necessary and qualified.
Community Engagement:
○ Build strong relationships with tribal leaders, educators, parents, and community
members to align the program with appropriate community- and culturally-based
values and goals.
○ Host and engage with ongoing outreach events such as STEM fairs, workshops,
and informational sessions to promote STEM opportunities.
Student Support:
○ Provide support for academic and career advising to students navigating STEM
pathways.
○ Develop and maintain a tracking system to monitor student progress and
success.
○ Create support systems for students transitioning from high school to the tribal
college and from the tribal college to careers or further education.
Collaboration and Partnership Building:
○ Act as a liaison between K-12 schools, the tribal college, professionals, and tribal
career pathways programs.
○ Partner with external organizations, universities, and employers to expand STEM
opportunities for Indigenous students. Explore and establish partnerships with
national, local, and tribal STEM organizations to provide additional resources,
tools, and expertise for rural and underserved areas in STEM.
○ Work with students, faculty and staff, and others at SKC to establish and
maintain a positive, professional, and respectful work/collaborative environment
in the department and division.
Data Management and Reporting:
○ Collect and analyze data on program participation, retention, and outcomes.
○ Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders to demonstrate program
impact and support sustainability efforts.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
○ Bachelor’s degree in Education, STEM, or a related field required (BS may be
substituted with an associate degree in a related field combined with eminent
scholarship); Master’s degree preferred.
○ Experience working with Indigenous communities, particularly in education or
workforce development.
○ Experience working in or with STEM fields including knowledge and capacity to
envision new and emerging STEM career pathways from a tribal lens and with
Indigenous stakeholders.
Skills and Abilities:
○ Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage
effectively with diverse groups.
○ Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and educational challenges.
○ Ability to develop and deliver culturally relevant programming.
○ Proficiency in project management, including planning, implementation, and
evaluation.
○ Familiarity with educational and workforce systems, including K-12, higher
education, and career pathways.
○ Ability to identify, utilize, and incorporate external resources (online curricula,
distance learning tools, etc.) to enhance Indigenous STEM education in rural and
underserved areas.
Preferred Qualifications
●Indigenous heritage or significant experience working with Indigenous communities,
local school districts, and/or coordinating collaborative efforts between multiple entities.
● Knowledge of local tribal languages and traditions.
● Experience in grant writing and fundraising.
Working Conditions
● Frequent travel between schools, the tribal college, and community locations.
● Occasional evening or weekend events.
● Hybrid or flexible working arrangements may be considered.
To apply you must submit an SKC application, cover letter, resume and applicable transcripts to Human Resources, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855 or email Venessa_sandoval@skc.edu David_miller@skc.edu Your application must include evidence that you have the skills, experiences and abilities indicated in this announcement. Applicants are asked to provide copies of academic transcripts and any other educational, training or applicable credential or license, which may support your application for this position. The information you provide with your application and resume will be used as deciding factors in our employment process.
As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans and women. SKC is a tribal member preference employer as set forth in SKC policy. SKC is a drug free workplace.
All pre-hires must pass a drug test before formal hiring. This includes THC.
www.skc.edu – check us out – it’s a great place to work!