Regional Director of Operations, Montana

The Director of Regional Operations for the Indigenous Food Lab in Bozeman, MT is a senior leadership and entrepreneurial role responsible for launching and expanding NATIFS’ presence in the Northern Plains and Rocky Mountain regions. As the founding regional lead, the Director’s initial focus will be to establish the Indigenous Food Lab facility, grow a regional client and partner base, grow the team, lead event-based programming, and lay the foundation for Indigenous culinary support across the Montana region. This role requires a visionary leader with startup energy, a strategic mindset, and a deep commitment to Indigenous food systems and community self-determination. Our Organization is centered on growth, both in our mission and for our employees. Opportunities for advancement in compensation will continue as the Food Lab expands its impact, and operations.The Director oversees region-based initiatives, building and managing a team, partnerships, and community engagement while aligning local programming with NATIFS’ national strategy. This is a high-impact, growth-oriented position within a mission-driven organization, offering the opportunity to shape NATIFS’ regional identity and drive long-term systems change. The Director is responsible for driving project outcomes and as a self-motivated and highly organized leader, the Director removes obstacles, aligns stakeholders, and maintains focus on timelines, budgets, and impact. This role will be supported by the administrative and operational team in the flagship offices in Minnesota. Highly preferred qualifications include: prior nonprofit experience, direct engagement with Indigenous communities, and experience/expertise in Indigenous food systems.Core Responsibilities & Essential Functions ● Regional Leadership & Strategy: Serve as the functional lead of operations in the MT area, responsible for launching and expanding NATIFS’ presence across the Northern Plains and Rocky Mountain regions, ensuring all regional operations align with NATIFS’ national strategy and standards of excellence. ● Team Development & Management: Build and oversee a high-performing regional team, including hiring, onboarding, supervision, and professional development to support long-term organizational growth and impact. ● Program & Project Implementation: Design, implement, and manage regional initiatives - like Indigenous food events, youth education, startup incubation, and research - ensuring successful implementation of timelines, budgets, and measurable outcomes. Track project/organizational milestones and evaluate implementation effectiveness of projects and programs. ● Stakeholder Engagement: Lead project scoping and planning while building strong relationships with tribal partners, Indigenous food producers, clients, and community allies; represent NATIFS in public forums, stakeholder meetings, and speaking engagements. ● Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with NATIFS’ central operations team in Minnesota for integrated support across administration, finance, HR, and organizational development. ● Community-Driven Project Management: Create and manage project plans aligned with community needs, including charters, deliverables, communication structures, and evaluation tools for continuous improvement. ● Problem Solving & Adaptability: Proactively and collaboratively identify and address challenges, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure responsive, solutions-oriented delivery in dynamic environments. ● Fiscal Accountability: Oversee regional budgeting, financial reporting, and cost monitoring to ensure responsible stewardship of funds and compliance with grant and partner requirements. ● Communication & Transparency: Establish and maintain clear, consistent communication with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders; provide timely updates to NATIFS leadership and the Board of Directors, as needed. ● Mission Alignment & Flexibility: Support the broader mission of NATIFS through collaborative leadership, innovation, and willingness to take on evolving responsibilities as regional needs grow. ● Perform other duties as assigned to support the broader mission of NATIFS.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities ● 10 years of professional and progressive leadership experience sufficient to lead a regional office including; ○ Meaningful knowledge and understanding of the 12 Federally-recognized Tribal Nations sharing land with Montana ○ Knowledge and experience with project management and planning ○ Shown success establishing and maintaining productive partnerships, particularly with Tribal governments, Tribal communities, working with Tribal Government. ● Bilingual or multilingual skills (Spanish and /or Indigenous languages) valued ● Experience collaborating with multiple and often remote departments, accepting feedback, and integrating diverse perspectives ● Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to remain composed and professional in high-pressure or stressful situations ● Demonstrated success in program development, project management, and cross-functional implementation—ideally in nonprofit, food systems, or community development settings ● Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse, remote, and intergenerational teams, including mentoring and guiding professional development ● Exceptional organizational and planning abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple initiatives, timelines, and deliverables while meeting or exceeding expectations ● Proven ability to collaborate across departments, accept and integrate feedback, and navigate diverse perspectives with professionalism and cultural competency ● Highly skilled in both verbal and written communication, including the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable strategies ● Effective problem-solver who remains composed under pressure and adapts to changing priorities in high-stakes environments ● Proficiency in budgeting, operations management, and grant reporting; familiarity with nonprofit governance and Indigenous-led organizational structures is preferred ● Strong relationship-building skills with experience engaging tribal governments, regional stakeholders, and community partners ● Knowledge of facility operations, food safety standards, or culinary programming is a plus ● Proficient in Google Workspace and modern digital collaboration tools; able to work independently and remotely as needed ● Willingness and ability to travel, including to rural and remote communitiesLead by ExampleActively model Indigenous values and NATIFS workplace cultureRepresent the organization with integrity and convey the NATIFS values in all public and community interactionsContribute ideas that enhance organizational strategy, funding, and sustainabilityProactively take initiative when needed, contribute innovative ideas, and actively engage in the development of strategies, programs, and funding opportunitiesAttend and participate in relevant events and meetingsEngage meaningfully with the NATIFS board and external partners, as appropriateCommunicate clearly and consistently with internal teams regularly and in a timely mannerBenefits403(b) match: Employer contributes 3% of salary with a minimum 1% employee contributionGenerous leave: Four weeks of PTO for full-time (or pro-rated for part-time), plus 12 paid holidays annuallyAdditional Job  RequirementsAbility to sit or stand for extended periods, work at a computer, and lift up to 40 poundsOccasional nights, weekends, and travel as required by project scope, including travel to Minneapolis several times a year to meet with the NATIFS teamReasonable accommodation will be made upon request in compliance with applicable lawsWritten and verbal communication necessaryVariable work schedule (occasional nights, weekends, and holiday work required) and regular attendance necessary  Travel may be required, including car travel, depending on project needsReasonable accommodation can be provided, as neededTo Apply or InquireSubmit your resume/CV and a cover letter to HR@natifs.org. Use the subject line format:MT_(Last Name)_(First Name)NATIFS will provide reasonable accommodation (e.g. a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) for the application process, upon request as required to comply with applicable laws.  If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please reach out to HR@natifs.org for additional information.