The International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA²), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian elders and their families, seeks to hire a Deputy Director. This remote/virtual executive level leadership position will provide strategic oversight of the organization’s programs, operations, partnerships, and organizational systems to support IA²’s mission, long-term sustainability, and national impact.
The Deputy Director will oversee the implementation and management of IA²’s programmatic initiatives, including IA2’s Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia and elder justice initiatives. The position will also lead organizational operations, including internal systems, staff supervision, project management, and cross organizational coordination to ensure efficient and mission-aligned operations across the organization.
The primary focus of the position is to strengthen organizational infrastructure while advancing high-quality, culturally grounded initiatives and partnerships that serve Indigenous elders, their families, and communities. This role will be responsible for supervising all program staff (approximately 6 team members) and contractors, supporting organizational growth, managing operational processes, helping develop and sustain strategic partnerships and funding opportunities, and participate in specific programmatic activities, as needed. The position will apply principles of Indigenous community engagement and culturally responsive leadership across all areas of work.
The Deputy Director will work closely with and report to the President and collaborate with staff, consultants, community partners, and the Board of Directors to advance IA²’s strategic priorities and organizational development goals.
An ideal candidate will be passionate about serving American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities and elders; have experience leading programs and operations within nonprofit, Tribal, public health, or aging-focused organizations; possess strong staff supervision and organizational leadership skills; and demonstrate a commitment to culturally grounded, community-driven approaches.
Duties and Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Internal Alignment
- Oversee all internal programs, staff, and workflows
- Ensure alignment between strategic goals, program delivery, and operational systems
- Lead internal planning, prioritization, and execution across the organization
- Translate organizational vision into actionable internal workplans and priorities
Staff Management & Supervision
- Directly supervise all staff (employees and contractors)
- Lead hiring, onboarding, performance management, and staff development
- Build a strong internal culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and Indigenous values
- Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and coordination across teams
- Support program leads in execution and troubleshooting
Operations, Finance & Compliance
- Oversee organizational operations, systems, and administrative infrastructure
- Ensure compliance with funder requirements and internal policies
- Monitor budgets, financial tracking, and operational reporting in partnership with finance support
Grants Management & Grant Writing
- Oversee all grant management processes across the organization
- Support or lead grant writing, reporting, and compliance tracking
- Ensure alignment between grant deliverables and program execution
- Works closely with President on funding strategy execution
Requirements, Preferences, and Other Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master of Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum of 7–10 years preferred of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, health, aging, Indigenous programs, operations, or related fields
- Demonstrated experience overseeing organizational operations, programs, staff supervision, strategic initiatives, and cross-organizational project management
- Strong leadership and people management skills, including experience supervising and mentoring staff and consultants in a collaborative, mission-driven environment
- Background in grant writing, grants management, contracts, budgets, reporting requirements, and organizational compliance, especially with federal agencies preferred
- Experience supporting organizational growth, strategic planning, systems development, and operational improvement initiatives
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and virtual collaboration tools (Zoom and Teams) and comfort with other technology systems and programs supporting project operations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with Tribal elders and leaders, Board members, funders, community partners, public officials, and diverse audiences
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality
- Experience working with American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian populations, organizations, or Tribal communities is strongly preferred
- Strong commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, cultural humility, and social justice
- Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people and build strong collaborative relationships internally and externally
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines and budget expectations
- Excellent follow-up, problem-solving, decision-making, and change management skills.
- Proactive, flexible, collaborative, and solutions-oriented leadership style
- Ability to work independently while also contributing positively to a team-oriented organizational culture
- Ability to support business development activities including partnership cultivation, grant writing, fundraising, and strategic relationship development
The ideal candidate is a collaborative and mission-driven leader who thrives in a national nonprofit environment and brings a balance of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and relationship-centered leadership. They are adaptable, resourceful, and highly organized, with the ability to lead complex initiatives while supporting staff development and organizational sustainability. The successful candidate will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, be technologically proficient, and demonstrate the ability to navigate change with professionalism and creativity.
This position requires a deep appreciation of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian traditions, cultures, values, and socioeconomic needs, along with the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with Tribes, Tribal organizations, elders, caregivers, and Indigenous communities. The position requires tact, discretion, sound judgment, cultural humility, and the ability to manage sensitive matters with professionalism and care.
Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). Applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit verification of Indian heritage certified by a Tribe of affiliation or other acceptable documentation of Indian heritage.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other non-merit factors.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA²) complies with the ADEA and considers age a non-merit factor in all employment decisions and considerations.
Job type: Full time
Salary: $90,000 – $110,000 per year, negotiable based on experience
This is a grant and contract-funded position. Employment is contingent upon funding availability.
Schedule: Monday to Friday, business Hours w/ some flexibility. Occasional evening and weekend time and travel may be necessary.
Location: This position is 100% remote/virtual
High-speed internet access and professional desk/office space must be in place before the employment start date. IA2 will supply a company-owned laptop (if needed) that includes the suite of MS Office software and includes virtual conference software, including MS Teams and Zoom.
Travel: This position requires periodic travel to conferences and meetings, including to Washington, DC.
Benefits: Health reimbursement program, paid time off, holidays, eligibility for public service loan forgiveness (PSLF).
US work authorization: Required
Start: Immediate
To apply: Submit a resume and cover letter specific to the position you are applying for at email to [email protected] with the subject line “Deputy Director.” Submissions without a position-specific cover letter will not be reviewed.
No phone calls.
