Director, Hocokata Ti

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.
• 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…