Food and Health Education Program Manager
JOB TITLE: Food and Health Education Program Manager
REPORTS TO: Sicangu Health Initiative Director
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
TYPICAL SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week
SALARY: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00
About Sicangu Co
Sicangu Co is an indigenous ecosystem of interconnected organizations and initiatives dedicated to creating a healthier, more prosperous future for the Sicangu Lakota Oyate. Anchored in Lakota values and guided by the principles of self-sufficiency and community empowerment, Sicangu Co operates as a collective effort to strengthen the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the Rosebud Reservation.
Within the ecosystem lies Sicangu Community Development Corporation (Sicangu CDC), a nonprofit organization leading efforts to foster sustainable community development. Sicangu CDC focuses on food sovereignty, education, housing, and health while working collaboratively with other Sicangu Co entities to provide holistic support and opportunities for the community. Together, the ecosystem leverages shared resources, expertise, and partnerships to create impactful, lasting change.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Food and Health Education Program Manager serves as a vital bridge between the Sicangu Health Initiative (SHI) and the Sicangu Food Sovereignty Initiative. This role focuses on integrating health education with food sovereignty efforts to promote individual and family-level wellness through home food production and school-based food systems education. The Food and Health Education Program Manager oversees the Home Gardens Program, which supports families in establishing and maintaining home gardens, and the Hydroponics Education Program, which collaborates with schools to incorporate hydroponic systems and food education into their curricula. This position combines program management, education, and community engagement to empower participants to embrace healthier lifestyles and sustainable food practices. The Food and Health Education Program Manager will report to the Sicangu Health Initiative Director and work closely with other staff members within both the Sicangu Health Initiative (SHI) and Sicangu Food Sovereignty Initiative as a part of the Sicangu CDC.
Key Responsibilities
● Manage the Home Gardens Program, providing guidance and resources to families for successful garden implementation.
● Oversee the Hydroponics Education Program, coordinating with schools to install hydroponic systems and develop hands-on food systems education.
● Deliver culturally relevant education on home food production, nutrition, and sustainable practices to families and schools.
● Conduct interactive workshops and demonstrations on gardening, hydroponics, and food preparation to promote healthy eating and practical skills.
● Develop educational materials emphasizing the connection between health, home food production, and food sovereignty.
● Collaborate with program teams across the Health and Food Sovereignty Initiatives to align efforts and achieve shared goals.
● Build and maintain relationships with participants, community members, schools, and partners to enhance program impact.
● Track participant progress and program outcomes related to wellness, gardening, and food systems engagement.
● Provide mentorship and oversight for interns, volunteers, and other program contributors.
● Assist with planning and executing events that bridge health and food sovereignty goals.
● Develop and lead new initiatives in response to community need and interest.
● Perform other duties as assigned or approved by management.
Qualifications, Desired Knowledge, and Skills
Required:
● Relevant experience in program or project management, including managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
● Relevant experience in agriculture, gardening, or small-scale food production.
● Experience supervising or mentoring volunteers, youth, or adult interns.
● Experience working with Indigenous communities and delivering culturally responsive programming.
● Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
● Experience with program evaluation, data tracking tools, and reporting methods to assess participant metrics and outcomes.
● Strong understanding of culturally relevant agricultural practices, particularly for Indigenous communities.
Preferred:
● Progressive knowledge of hydroponics, gardening techniques, and sustainable food systems.
● Familiarity with social, cultural, and economic factors influencing food sovereignty and food security in underserved communities.
● Capacity to collaborate with educators, community members, and team members to achieve shared goals.
● Proven ability to mentor and motivate participants, addressing barriers to program participation and fostering engagement.
● Commitment to cultural sensitivity, continuous learning, and professional growth.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
● This position is based on the Rosebud Reservation with opportunities for hybrid work.
● Flexibility to work evening or weekend hours may be required to accommodate participant schedules and program needs.
● Duties may include sitting for extended periods (up to 70%), standing for workshops and events (3–4 hours), driving to program sites and schools, and occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs).
● Travel within the Rosebud community and occasionally to local and national conferences/events
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed
Education:
Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
Project management: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
Mission, SD (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
Mission, SD: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
