The Special Projects Coordinator supports two critical initiatives led by the Qawalangin Tribe of
Unalaska: (1) planning and development of a future AmeriCorps program focused on food
sovereignty and community wellness, and (2) providing trauma-informed support services for
youth victims of crime or abuse. This position is split 50/50 between these two grant-funded
programs. The Coordinator reports to the Special Projects Director, with additional oversight
from the Culture Director for culturally aligned activities and advocacy efforts. The role requires
strong community engagement, cultural awareness, and project coordination skills.
Key Responsibilities
1. Core Functional Duties
AmeriCorps Planning Grant (50%)
- Work under the direction of the Special Projects Director to implement the grant work
plan, meet project timelines, and ensure progress toward the development of a
competitive AmeriCorps operating grant.
- Coordinate and participate in culturally appropriate outreach efforts to gather
perspectives on local food systems and service priorities.
- Work with the Culture Director and Mentors to integrate traditional knowledge into
proposed AmeriCorps activities, including:
o Support the development of materials that reflect cultural protocols, language use,
and community-specific customs for future AmeriCorps members and the
community.
P.O. Box 334 Unalaska, Alaska 99685 (907) 581-2920 FAX (907) 581-3644
o Help ensure that the logic model, Theory of Change, and sustainability plan
include culturally relevant metrics and long-term outcomes that support
Indigenous self-determination.
o Document and preserve cultural narratives and food stories shared during
community engagement to inform program development and educational
components.
Youth Victim Advocacy Program (50%)
- Provide direct, trauma-informed support to youth who have experienced or been exposed
to violence, abuse, neglect, or other crimes, using approaches grounded in cultural respect
and community care.
- Support youth in accessing safety planning, referrals, and healing resources, and help
coordinate services such as counseling, emergency assistance, or transportation.
- Collaborate with the Culture Director to ensure all support services are culturally aligned
and incorporate traditional healing methods, family involvement, and Unangax values.
- Coordinate with local schools, law enforcement, behavioral health, and social services to
ensure youth victims are not retraumatized and receive wraparound support.
- Assist in the development and facilitation of youth outreach programs, including
educational presentations on:
o Healthy relationships
o Violence prevention
o Consent and boundaries
o Resilience and wellness
- Organize and support cultural and peer-led healing activities, such as talking circles, art
expression, land-based learning, and storytelling to foster community connection and
recovery.
- Maintain accurate and confidential case documentation in compliance with Tribal
policies and federal grantor requirements.
- Help create informational materials and culturally appropriate messaging to promote
community awareness of youth advocacy services.
2. Additional Responsibilities
- Participate in regular check-ins with the Special Projects Director and Culture Director to
ensure alignment of both program areas with community priorities and cultural protocols.
- Assist with coordination of community events, such as listening sessions, workshops,
food distribution events, and youth healing gatherings, as part of outreach and program
development.
- Contribute to the development of grant documentation, including progress reports,
budgets, logic models, and sustainability plans.
P.O. Box 334 Unalaska, Alaska 99685 (907) 581-2920 FAX (907) 581-3644
- Track key data related to youth advocacy cases and AmeriCorps planning activities using
appropriate databases or tracking systems (e.g., Excel, SharePoints, confidential case
logs).
- Attend required trainings and technical assistance sessions related to AmeriCorps
planning, trauma-informed care, mandatory reporting, and cultural competence.
- Support internal communication and collaboration between departments, such as Special
Projects, Tribal Services, and Cultural Programs, to enhance project coordination.
- Serve as a point of contact for community members seeking information about either the
AmeriCorps program-in-planning or available youth support services.
- Remain adaptable and responsive to emerging community needs, especially in times of
crisis, by taking on appropriate coordination or support tasks.
- Other duties as assigned that support the mission and goals of the Qawalangin Tribe and
the well-being of the Unangax people.
Qualifications
Education:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in social work, public health, education, or a related
field preferred.
Experience:
- 2+ years of experience in community outreach, program coordination, advocacy, or
Tribal program support.
- Understanding of Unangax culture and values.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Experience working with youth and/or vulnerable populations preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and communication platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams).
Experience working with Tribal governments or Alaska Native organizations preferred.