The posting
Open: September 24, 2026
Close: October 8, 2026
Job Title: Director
Department: Language
Reports To: Heritage Division Manager
Hours: 40 Hrs./Wk. – Full Time
Salary: Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits
Requisition: 955
*Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email [email protected]. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.
Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Administrative Manager, the Language Program Director will direct and manage the Language Program operations and ensure integration of the Lushootseed language into the Puyallup Community. Additionally, this position will meet the demands of the community by offering Lushootseed classes, materials, consultations, and translations to uphold the ancestral language of the Puyallup people. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsible for the operation and management of the Puyallup Language Program. Provides leadership, vision, coordination, and decision making for the Language Program’s overall daily operation. Oversees operating budget, approves financial controls, and creates reports necessary for grants and other funding sources. Oversees the program’s content that is created and distributed to students, community members and Elders to ensure that all learning needs are met and unique to each individual. Oversees the consistent development of curriculum for all students and creation of day to day tasks to normalize the Lushootseed language. Performs curriculum research, development, and archiving of new and old Lushootseed material. Works with all staff to consistently evolve teaching techniques to ensure that all students’ needs are being met through teacher training. Works on the Puyallup Language Program policies with the Lead Language Teacher and Multi-Media Language Web Developer to ensure accuracy and protection of the Lushootseed language. Oversees staff meetings and agenda to ensure all staff and community needs are met. Oversees the Certification Program for all Lushootseed Teachers within the Puyallup Tribe. Provides Tribal Administration and Council with a quarterly report. Oversees the online presence of the Puyallup Language Program with the Multi-Media Language Web Developer. Frequently collects data on the level of Lushootseed being used in the community and workplace of the Puyallup Tribe to provide statistics when requested. This allows for proper tracking of Language speakers and ways to increase the numbers annually. Oversees the program’s events such as the Lushootseed Language Institute, community/online classes and Traditional Storytelling offered to the community. Works closely with Grandview Early Learning Center and Chief Leschi Schools Administration to ensure integration of the Lushootseed Language. Provides consultation to Tribal Council and Puyallup Tribal community to integrate Lushootseed in Tribal Government, community and local events such as; Government correspondence, Tribal newspaper, Canoe Journey, place naming, signage and public speaking events. Works with other Tribes that have successfully implemented full-immersion into their curriculum to continue the growth and success of the Lushootseed Language’s future in the Puyallup Tribe. Provides direction, insight, consultation and proofing of the Lushootseed language throughout the tribal community, universities, museums, and local institutions as well inter-tribally with other Lushootseed speaking tribes in the Puget Sound region to spread the Lushootseed language. Teaches and speaks at local schools and colleges to spread learning techniques of the Lushootseed language and to assist teachers in educating their students. Develops and maintains ethical and professional relationships with key vendors in an effort to obtain added value to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Contributes to a favorable public image of the Tribe by establishing and maintaining relationships and participation in the community (civic, industry, and professional). Serves as a Language Teacher when needed. Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities This position will supervise all staff within the Language Program. Supervisory duties include responsibility for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of the department’s staff. This position will carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Qualifications and Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience BA in Education, Native American Studies, or other related field from an accredited university and four years of experience as a Language Teacher. Must demonstrate two years of supervisory experience and two years of experience in program coordination/management; or satisfactory equivalent combination of education and demonstrated experience as a Language Teacher and Program Coordinator/Manager, including two years of supervisory experience. Must demonstrate intermediate computer skills in Microsoft word. Must be a Puyallup Tribal Member. Note: Part-time work is prorated in crediting experience (e.g., if you work 20 hours per week for a 12-month period you will be credited with 6 months of experience). Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards. Mathematical Skills Ability to assist in the preparation of detailed budgets and to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Reasoning Ability Ability to define and solve practical problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Other Skills/Requirements Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted Washington State driver’s license and proof of auto insurance. Driver’s License restrictions must not otherwise prevent an employee from complying with the Tribe’s Vehicle Use Policy. Must have and maintain a First Aid/CPR certification. Must have ability to speak, understand, read, and write the Southern Lushootseed language. Must have strong communication skills and be able to educate and train others in Lushootseed. Must be able to acceptably pass a background investigation prior to and periodically throughout employment. Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Requires the ability to operate a personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier. Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level is low to moderate. The physical exertion is low to moderate. Work is performed in a classroom setting throughout the community. Position may be stressful at times due to confidential issues being addressed.
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law
Online Application Tips: 1. If you are using a PC, use Chrome. If you are using a MAC, use Safari. 2. Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, proof of Indian blood, etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to [email protected] and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded. 3. Indian Hiring Preference – send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, email us at [email protected] or call (253) 573-7863. 4. Provide 3+ references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members – mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co-workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, habits, and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to [email protected] 5. To add more employment, education, references, etc., click on the small + sign at the top right corner of the page. 6. When entering salaries, only use numbers. Do not use any other characters (such as, or $) 7. After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission. *Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic. If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863 or email [email protected]. 3001 Puyalupabsh St. Tacoma, WA 98404
