Job Description

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association AIANTA invites applicants for five Community

Navigator positions as part of a dynamic one-year project aimed at advancing Native tourism. The five

Community Navigators will be based regionally across the United States in Alaska, Arizona,

California, Minnesota and Washington .* As a Community Navigator, you will support implementation

of an exciting new program launched in partnership with AIANTA 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 (5 project-based positions to be hired)

Location: Remote in the following locations AK, AZ, CA, MN and WA

Type: Project Specific, Full-time Exempt

About AIANTA: AIANTA 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 AIANTA’s work and mission. AIANTA 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 Navigators 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 Navigators will play a key role in implementing this initiative by providing outreach,

technical assistance, 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. Community Navigators will also support AIANTA's broader tourism development

initiatives, including upcoming quality certification programs that enhance Indigenous tourism

businesses' market readiness.

The Community Navigators will also further AIANTA'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.

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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. They will support the development and implementation of

AIANTA’s community navigator support network to accomplish the following:

1. Assist Native Nations and communities in identifying federal funding opportunities available

through a wide variety of existing and emerging U.S. Forest Service programs;

2. Provide guidance on completing high-quality grant, contract, and partnership applications;

3. Provide post-application financial and reporting compliance mentorship; and

4. 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.

5. Connect communities with AIANTA's tourism development and education resources and

emerging certification opportunities 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 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 Navigators

report directly to the Community Navigator Program 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 4-6 years of

experience leading projects and programs to completion. Additional experience and qualifications

include:

• 4-6 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
• Extensive experience in building collaborative projects and programs
• Experience working with federal partners and initiatives
• Experience or interest in tourism development, business certification programs or initiatives is a

plus.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

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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-$68,000, dependent on experience. AIANTA 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, AIANTA at arichardson@aianta.org by Friday, October

31, 2025, 5:00 p.m. MT. Please specify “Community Navigator” in the subject line.

AIANTA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

AIANTA 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 five dedicated Community Navigators to contribute to the success of

AIANTA and to promote healthy communities and environments through cultural tourism and

recreation across our Native Nations and communities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $63,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Remote

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