Employment Opportunities

Cultural Specialist

This position has been filled.
Public?: 
Internal
Division: 
Language/Culture
Reports To: 
Language/Culture Director
Type of Position: 
Regular Full Time
Location: 
Absentee Shawnee Tribe / 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. / Shawnee, OK 74801

General Description
The Absentee Shawnee Cultural Specialist is responsible for supporting, preserving, and promoting the Shawnee cultural knowledge, traditions, and life ways within the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. This role ensures cultural accuracy and sensitivity in programs, educational initiatives, community outreach, and institutional practices. The Cultural Specialist serves as a bridge between traditional knowledge holders, community members, and external partners, ensuring that cultural values are upheld and respected in all activities. Most of all take pride in working to revitalize, preserve, and maintain the Shawnee language and culture.

Responsibilities & Duties
  • Collaborate with elders, knowledge keepers, and community members to document and share traditional stories, practices, and teachings in a respectful manner.
  • Develop and implement educational programs, workshops, and presentations on Native American history, culture, and traditions.
  • Provide cultural training for staff, students, or external partners to promote cultural awareness and sensitivity.
  • Assist with planning and facilitating cultural events, ceremonies, and community gatherings.
  • Support youth engagement and intergenerational learning initiatives.
  • Build relationships with tribal communities, organizations, and cultural institutions to strengthen cultural partnerships.
  • Serve as a cultural advisor to leadership, program staff, and external agencies.
  • Ensure that cultural protocols, intellectual property rights, and community priorities are respected in research, publications, and program development.
  • Provide input on curriculum, exhibits, publications, and other materials to ensure cultural authenticity and respect.
  • Help maintain archives, language resources, and cultural collections following appropriate community protocols.
  • Support the development of culturally relevant learning materials, digital resources, or curriculum.
  • Collaborate on grant proposals and reports to sustain cultural initiatives.
  • Must adhere to Absentee Shawnee Tribe Personnel Policies and Drug and Alcohol Policies
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Qualifications
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the Absentee Shawnee history, culture, traditions, and values (through lived experience, community recognition, or education).
  • Experience working with Native communities, cultural programs, or related fields.
  • Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
  • Commitment to cultural preservation, community priorities, and respectful representation.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, or tribal policies related to Native American cultural heritage and intellectual property rights.
  • Fluency or proficiency in a Native language. (Preferred)
  • Experience in cultural education, museum work, or heritage preservation. (Preferred)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies, Education, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related field (or equivalent lived/community experience). (Preferred)
  • High School Graduate or GED Equivalent.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Must be able to pass a drug test for pre-employment for the Tribe
  • Must have a valid Oklahoma Driver’s License. 
  • Must be able to pass a background check. 
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
  • Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, bend or kneel for long periods of time.
  • Sitting or standing or walking for long period of time; occasional bending, squatting, kneeling, stooping; good finger dexterity and feeling; frequent repetitive motions; talking hearing and visual acuity.
  • Frequent lifting (up to 15 lbs)
  • Occasional lifting (up to 30 lbs)
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma (AST) is committed to Equal Employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. However, in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25 U.S. Code 472 and 473) preference in filling vacancies are given to qualified Indian candidates. AST will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its amendments.
Native American Preference/EEO/Drug Free/Smoke Free Workplace
Posted Date: 
1 week 2 days ago


Tribal Preference/Native American Preference/EEO/Smoke Free/Drug Free Workplace
Indian preference applies to all positions, but all resumes will be accepted.

Apply for This Job
Forward Completed Absentee Shawnee Tribe applications with resume to:
Absentee Shawnee Tribe
Human Resources Department
2025 South Gordon Cooper Dr.
Shawnee, OK 74801
Fax: 405-273-2710
Email: HR@astribe.com
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