S.L.A.M. Trips Director
Mending Wings | Full-Time | Yakama Nation, Washington
Starting Salary: $37,000 per year with possibility for increase to $40,000 after one year
About S.L.A.M. Trips
S.L.A.M. (Students Learning About Missions) Trips is a program of Mending Wings, a Native-led nonprofit youth organization located on the Yakama Nation in Washington State.
S.L.A.M. Trips welcomes youth, college students, families, churches and other groups to the Yakama Reservation for cross-cultural service and learning experiences. Groups come as learners. Through service, relationships and cultural immersion, participants are invited to listen, learn and gain a deeper understanding of life and community on the Yakama Reservation.
Our approach challenges colonial models of short-term missions and rebuilds the experience around Indigenous values, mutual respect and genuine relationships.
Position Overview
Mending Wings is seeking a dependable, organized and relationship-focused person to lead the S.L.A.M. Trips program. The Director oversees all aspects of the program, including group recruitment, marketing, trip planning, budgeting, staff and intern supervision, community partnerships and hosting groups while they are on the Yakama Reservation.
Spring and summer are the program’s busiest seasons. During these months, the Director hosts visiting groups, supervises interns and volunteers, coordinates service projects and guides participants through meaningful cross-cultural learning. During fall and winter, the work shifts toward recruiting, marketing, planning and preparing for the next season.
This position requires someone who can manage the practical details of a busy program while building genuine relationships with Yakama community members, visiting groups, interns, volunteers, Mending Wings staff and young people. The Director must understand and represent the mission, purpose and values of Mending Wings.
Salary and Schedule
- Starting salary of $37,000 per year
- Opportunity for an increase to $40,000 after one year, based on performance
- Full-time, year-round position
- Schedule varies throughout the year
- Long and sometimes irregular hours are required when groups are present during the spring and summer
- Fall and winter hours are generally more stable and focused on recruiting, marketing and planning
- Some evening and weekend work is required
Primary Responsibilities
Program Planning and Development
- Plan and oversee S.L.A.M. Trips in alignment with the mission and goals of Mending Wings
- Establish short- and long-term goals for the program
- Develop an annual operating plan and program budget
- Identify opportunities to strengthen the program and increase participation
- Evaluate the program annually and recommend improvements
- Attend conferences, seminars and other events to promote S.L.A.M. Trips
Group Recruitment and Marketing
- Recruit youth, college, family, church and other groups
- Respond to inquiries and guide groups through registration and trip preparation
- Create and distribute marketing and promotional materials
- Build relationships with churches, schools, colleges and community organizations
- Maintain connections with past participants and partner organizations
Trip Coordination and Community Relationships
- Coordinate trip schedules, service projects, housing, meals, transportation and cultural-learning activities
- Lead and host groups while they are on the Yakama Reservation
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners
- Develop respectful service opportunities that respond to community needs
- Ensure program activities follow Mending Wings policies and procedures
- Maintain program forms, records, supplies and materials
- Identify potential risks and take appropriate steps to protect participants, staff, volunteers and community members
Staff, Intern and Volunteer Leadership
- Work with the President to recruit, interview and select interns, staff, volunteers and participant groups
- Recruit and train seasonal interns and volunteers
- Provide orientation, supervision, support, direction and feedback
- Ensure staff and participant records are accurate, secure and confidential
- Help staff, interns and volunteers understand Mending Wings’ values, expectations and approach to working in the community
Budget and Administration
- Manage the program within its approved budget
- Maintain accurate and current program and financial records
- Provide the information needed to invoice participating groups
- Prepare program updates and reports for Mending Wings leadership
- Track participation, activities, outcomes and participant feedback
- Review evaluation findings with the President and recommend changes when needed
Support for Mending Wings Programs
The S.L.A.M. Trips Director will occasionally assist with other Mending Wings programs. This may include transporting students, chaperoning activities, serving as a youth leader, preparing meals or helping with special events.
The Director will not be expected to participate in every Mending Wings program. However, building genuine relationships with Mending Wings youth, families, staff and the Yakama community is an important part of this position.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate:
- Has strong communication, organizational and time-management skills
- Can manage details and changing priorities in a busy environment
- Is dependable, flexible and able to work as part of a team
- Has experience supervising staff, interns or volunteers
- Has experience leading groups or managing programs
- Has experience with marketing and budget development
- Is comfortable working long and irregular hours during the spring and summer
- Can build respectful relationships across cultures and communities
- Approaches the work with cultural humility and a willingness to listen and learn
- Supports and can represent the mission, purpose and values of Mending Wings
- Enjoys working with young people and participating in community-based programs
- Has a valid driver’s license and is able to safely transport participants when needed
How to Apply
Please email a resume and cover letter to [email protected].
In your cover letter, please share:
- Your relevant experience
- Why you are interested in this position
- Why you believe you would be a good fit for Mending Wings and the S.L.A.M. Trips program
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain open until filled.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $37,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Ability to Commute:
- Union Gap, WA 98903 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Union Gap, WA 98903: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
