Job Summary
The Director of Hocokata Ti provides visionary leadership for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's cultural center, establishing and executing a long-term strategy that preserves, promotes, and advances Dakota culture, history, and traditions for current and future generations. This role is responsible for developing innovative programs, experiences, and partnerships that position Hocokata Ti as a premier cultural, educational, and community resource while maximizing the use and impact of the facility and its offerings.
The Director fosters meaningful connections between the cultural center, Community members, team members, educational institutions, researchers, and visitors by creating opportunities for immersive learning, cultural exploration, and hands-on experiences. Through strategic partnerships with schools, and other organizations, the Director expands access to Dakota cultural education and encourages the integration of history and culture into educational curricula and lifelong learning opportunities.
The Director champions community engagement by creating programs, events, and experiences that inspire Community members and their families to actively participate in, celebrate, and share Dakota culture. This position ensures the cultural center remains a vibrant gathering place that strengthens cultural identity, encourages intergenerational learning, and promotes meaningful connections within the Community and beyond.
In addition to strategic leadership, the Director is responsible for the overall administration and operation of Hocokata Ti, including staff leadership and development, collections stewardship, facilities and grounds management, exhibits and displays, retail operations, budgeting, marketing, program development, recordkeeping, and special events. The Director collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the cultural center's visibility, sustainability, and impact while ensuring operational excellence and an exceptional visitor experience.
Primary Job Duties
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Develop and execute a long-term strategic vision for Hocokata Ti that advances the preservation, promotion, and understanding of Dakota culture, history, language, and traditions.
- Identify opportunities to expand the reach, impact, and utilization of the cultural center while ensuring alignment with the Community's values, mission, and long-term objectives.
- Evaluate emerging trends, visitor needs, and educational opportunities to continuously enhance the cultural center's programs, exhibits, and visitor experiences.
- Establish goals, performance measures, and strategic initiatives that strengthen Hocokata Ti's role as a cultural, educational, and community destination.
Cultural Preservation & Stewardship
- Ensure the respectful preservation, interpretation, and presentation of Dakota cultural heritage through exhibits, collections, programs, educational resources, and special events.
- Oversee the stewardship, care, documentation, and maintenance of cultural artifacts, collections, archives, and historical resources.
- Support initiatives that preserve and share Dakota stories, traditions, language, and cultural practices for future generations.
Educational Partnerships & Outreach
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with K-12 schools, colleges, universities, research institutions, and community organizations.
- Expand opportunities for students, educators, researchers, and academic institutions to engage with Dakota culture through educational programming, field experiences, research projects, internships, and curriculum-based learning.
- Serve as an ambassador for Hocokata Ti by cultivating relationships that increase awareness, attendance, and educational impact.
Community Engagement & Programming
- Lead the development of innovative cultural, educational, and experiential programs that engage Community members, families, team members, and visitors of all ages.
- Create opportunities for hands-on learning, intergenerational engagement, and cultural participation that strengthen Community connection and cultural identity.
- Ensure programs, events, and exhibits provide meaningful and accessible learning experiences that encourage repeat visitation and active participation.
Operational Leadership
- Direct all operational, administrative, and programmatic functions of Hocokata Ti to ensure efficient, effective, and sustainable operations.
- Ensure the cultural center delivers a high-quality visitor experience while maintaining operational standards.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational practices that support organizational goals and continuous improvement.
Marketing and Communications
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to promote Hocokata Ti's programs, exhibits, events, and educational opportunities.
- Enhance the visibility and reputation of the cultural center through strategic marketing, public relations, community outreach, and partnership initiatives.
- Represent Hocokata Ti in professional, educational, cultural, and community forums.
- Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the cultural center's mission and strategic objectives.
Special Events & Visitor Experience
- Establish the vision and strategy for cultural events, community celebrations, educational programs, and special exhibits.
- Ensure programs and events provide meaningful cultural experiences that strengthen community engagement and attract diverse audiences.
- Monitor visitor feedback and performance metrics to continuously improve services, programs, and experiences.
Financial & Resource Management
- Develop, administer, and monitor departmental budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources.
- Identify opportunities to maximize resources and improve operational efficiency while enhancing programming and visitor experiences.
- Monitor financial performance and prepare reports, recommendations, and budget forecasts for leadership.
Leadership & Talent Development
- Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to department staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, excellence, and cultural respect.
- Recruit, hire, train, develop, and evaluate team members to support departmental goals and succession planning.
Build strong cross-functional relationships throughout the organization to advance cultural center initiatives.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, CERTIFICATION and EXPERIENCE required to meet the expectations of this job:
- Bachelor’s degree in Museum studies, Native American Studies, History, Education, Cultural Resource Management or related field.
- Knowledge of Dakota history, culture traditions, and values required.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in cultural center, educational institution, tribal government, community engagement organization, or related environment.
- Collaborative, innovative, and visionary leaders
- 7+ years of leadership experience leading teams, budgets, programs and strategic initiatives.
- Experience overseeing exhibits, collections, educational and cultural programs, and visitor experiences.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Strong public speaking, presentation, and facilitation skills
