Community Navigator

The American Indigenous Tourism Association, AIT, invites applicants for one Community Navigator position as part of a dynamic 18-month project aimed at advancing Native tourism. The Community Navigator will be based regionally across the United States, in Alaska. As a Community Navigator, you will support implementation of an exciting new program launched in partnership with AIT and the USDA Forest Service (USFS) to support Native Nations and communities to advance support for healthy forests through federal funding opportunities.

Position: Community Navigator (1 project-based position to be hired)

Location: Remotely based in Alaska

Type: Project Specific, Full-time Exempt

About AIT: AIT is a dynamic organization dedicated to advancing cultural tourism in Native Nations and communities. We are seeking highly motivated individuals to join our team to support this project and AIT’s work and mission. AIT works with Native Nations and communities, including Tribal Nations, Rancherias, Pueblos, Native Alaskan Villages and Native Hawaiian partnership organizations to ensure that cultural and recreational tourism perpetuates culture, builds economic opportunities, creates sustainable land use practices and more resilient landscapes to improve lives and provide broader access to cultural practices, food practices and recreation opportunities. By focusing on cultural tourism and recreational opportunities, Native Nations and communities can thrive alongside the lands and landscapes they steward and protect.

Job Description:

The Community Navigator will collaborate with the USFS Community Navigator initiative to serve Native Nations and communities. This project will build capacity and enhance access to federal funding opportunities that support land stewardship, natural resource management, and sustainable forestry practices.

The Community Navigator will play a key role in implementing this initiative by providing outreach, technical assistance, execute workshops and strategic support to empower Native communities to engage effectively with available programs. This work will strengthen long-term participation in healthy forests and resource development efforts. The Community Navigator will also support AIT's broader tourism development initiatives.

The Community Navigators will also further AIT's mission to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indigenous tourism that honors traditions and values through responsive technical assistance and training to Native Nations and communities within their designated regions.

Professional communication skills, the ability and desire to take initiative, and excellent relationship management experience are essential to this role. The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, and the organizational culture focuses on accountability, teamwork and a strong passion for our mission.

The Community Navigators will serve as the regional liaison supporting Native Nations and communities within the designated region and as regional support as assigned to support the program goals and deliverables. They will support the development and implementation of AIT’s community navigator support network to accomplish the following:

1. Assist in the planning, implementation, and facilitation of trainings in a workshop format.
2. Assist Native Nations and communities in identifying federal funding opportunities available through a wide variety of existing and emerging U.S. Forest Service programs;
3. Provide guidance on completing high-quality grant, contract, and partnership applications;
4. Provide post-application financial and reporting compliance mentorship; and
5. Support capacity building within Native Nations and communities to find and apply for USFS grants and other funding opportunities on their own in the future.
6. Connect communities with AIT's tourism development and education/training opportunities and resources that can complement and stewardship and economic development efforts.

This position will require travel in support of project goals. A key component of this role is delivering training and educational support through in-person workshops, designed to empower local leaders and representatives, building long-term capacity within their communities. To be successful in this role, candidates will bring excellent communication, administrative, data collection, and technical skills, along with the ability to interface professionally with partners and Native Nations and communities. The Community Navigator reports directly to the Community Navigator Project Director. Additionally, this position is part of a federally funded project and, as such, is subject to changes in project timelines, scope, and status based on federal funding and programmatic decisions.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for this position holds a bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree preferred or equivalent in the areas of public administration, business administration, tribal relations, natural resources, social science, education and/or other related fields coupled with a minimum of 2-3 years of experience leading projects and programs to completion. Additional experience and qualifications include:

• 2-3 years of experience building partnerships through outreach and relationship building with Native Nations, agencies and organizations at the local and national level
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of federal funding research, NOFOs and compliance
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in data collection, analysis and reporting
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in providing training and/or technical assistance
• Extensive experience in building collaborative projects and programs
• Experience working with federal partners and initiatives
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Candidates should have a basic understanding and respect for Native American customs, traditions, values, and beliefs, along with a strong work ethic, initiative, organizational skills, and attention to detail. A valid Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one, as well as the capacity to drive and a willingness to travel, are crucial requirements for this role.

Salary: $63,000-$70,000, dependent on experience. AIT offers a competitive benefit package.

To Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their cover letter, resume and 3 professional references to Ariel Richardson, Office Manager, AIT at [email protected] by Friday, August 14, 2026, 5:00 p.m. MT . Please specify “Community Navigator” in the subject line.

AIT is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. AIT gives preference in hiring to qualified candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC § 472).

We look forward to welcoming the dedicated Community Navigator to contribute to the success of AIT and to promote healthy communities and environments through cultural tourism and recreation across our Native Nations and communities.