NAYA Family Center is seeking an Indigenous Food Sovereignty Coordinator to support the Food Sovereignty Program and the goals of the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) Regenerative Agriculture grant. This role works closely with the Food Sovereignty Garden Coordinator to oversee garden planning, seasonal harvest operations, community events, and cross-department collaboration. The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Coordinator will spend approximately 85% of their time working in the garden and fields and 15% in the office supporting data collection, reporting, and grant requirements.

NAYA offers an exceptional benefits package, including free medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees (with affordable options for family members), a 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% match, paid vacation, and 16 paid holidays.

This is a full-time, in-person position based at our Portland campus. Work hours are typically 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional evening or weekend shifts based on community needs.

The salary for this position is $62-68k annually.

Who You Are

• You have strong knowledge of regenerative agriculture, traditional ecological knowledge, and seasonal farming practices in the Pacific Northwest.
• You’re organized and dependable, with experience managing inventory, following food safety protocols, and maintaining accurate records.
• You understand Native American history, the diversity of local American Indian/Alaska Native communities, and the Urban Indian experience.
• You have experience working with Native communities, including urban and/or reservation communities, tribes, boards, or Native-serving organizations.
• You communicate clearly and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and can adapt to different situations.
• You are organized, reliable, and able to balance hands-on outdoor work with administrative and reporting responsibilities.
• You thrive in a team-oriented workplace, are adaptable, and are willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, even when it’s not your job.  
• You demonstrate self-awareness, listening deeply, centering others, and taking accountability for your actions.
• You are consistently punctual, reliable, and dependable in support of your team and clients. 
• You possess strong communication skills, engaging effectively with diverse groups and adapting to varied contexts.
• You’re comfortable using databases, Microsoft Office, and email, and you're open to learning new systems.
• You can obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver seasonal curriculum focused on First Foods and Indigenous Food Sovereignty.
• Oversee garden planning, seasonal planting, harvesting, and food and medicine garden operations.
• Coordinate with Native food sovereignty farms, projects, and community partners.
• Organize and support educational workshops and community events in the NAYA garden and in the community.
• Collaborate with partners on campus redesign and cross-departmental NAYA programming.
• Coordinate with the kitchen and food box programs to meet fresh produce needs.
• Ensure health and safety standards are followed in garden and program spaces.
• Support data collection, grant writing, and reporting related to the PCEF Regenerative Agriculture grant.
• Collaborate with Community Health Workers and other program staff to support Food Sovereignty Program goals.
• Maintain confidentiality, input data into required systems, participate in trainings and meetings, and represent NAYA professionally at community events.

Application Instructions Providing a cover letter helps us best understand your interest in the role, so we encourage you to submit one along with your resume. If you need accommodation during the application process, please email jobs@nayapdx.org.
 

Questions? Want to chat about this role before you decide to apply? Contact Gina Mengwasser , Health Equity Manager, or the HR team.
 

NAYA is committed to building a work environment that respects and inspires every community member. Our mission is to serve Urban Native youth and families, so we strongly encourage members of the Native community to apply. We encourage applications from members of other historically marginalized groups, as well, including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who have served in the military.