Goldbelt Heritage Foundation (GHF) is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving and revitalizing the culture, language, and ways of knowing of the Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska. Through educational programming, language revitalization, arts, and community collaboration, GHF fosters Indigenous knowledge and strengthens cultural identity for current and future generations.

Position Summary:

The Project Coordinator – SAMHSA will lead the implementation of the SAMHSA Native Connections grant initiative, Hél daa sá a yáanáx̱ x̱ʼadudlitseen haa yátxʼi (“Nothing is More Cherished Than Our Children”). Located within the GHF Youth & Education department, the position works closely with the Youth & Education Program Manager. This program focuses on reducing suicide and substance use among Alaska Native youth (ages 7–19) in the Juneau area, building protective factors through cultural identity, and expanding access to wellness supports. Additionally, responsible for overseeing the GHF Youth Traditional Tlingit Canoe Group, which will serve as a culturally grounded prevention strategy, fostering belonging, resilience, leadership, and intergenerational connection.

This is a 100% grant-funded position, contingent on continued funding. The grant ends in September 2028.

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of and respect for Alaska Native cultures, with demonstrated ability to integrate traditional values into programming.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build trust with diverse youth and community partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public health, social work, psychology, or a related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Minimum 2 years’ experience coordinating youth programs, behavioral health initiatives, or community-based projects.
• Ability to pass a background check
• Position will be exposed to multiple allergens including cedar and wool (sheep and mountain goat).

• Must be willing to travel to local and regional events via plane, car, ferry, etc. as needed

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with SAMHSA-funded or other federal grant programs.
• Familiarity with traditional canoe practices, outdoor leadership, or intergenerational cultural instruction.
• Training in suicide prevention, substance misuse prevention, or youth mental health support.
• Established connections with Southeast Alaska Native communities and service providers.

The salary for this position is $28.65-$39.07 per hour + DOE

Essential Job Functions:

• Program Development & Coordination
• • Implement the Native Connections Strategic Action Plan, informed by community needs and readiness assessments.
  • Coordinate culturally grounded interventions including:
    • GHF Youth Traditional Tlingit Canoe Group – develop curriculum, organize practices, coordinate canoe journeys, and incorporate Tlingit teachings into programming.
    • Implement suicide prevention and wellness curricula and advocacy training for youth and local adults.
    • Support and plan community-based cultural gatherings.
  • Ensure program activities align with SAMHSA deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Youth Engagement & Support
• • Recruit, mentor, and support Alaska Native youth for the GHF Youth Wellness Advisory Board and Canoe Group.
  • Facilitate culturally safe spaces where youth strengthen their identity, voice, and resilience.
  • Support youth advisory groups, ensuring their leadership and perspectives inform programming.
• Community Partnerships
• • Strengthen collaboration with tribal organizations, schools, Elders, and healthcare providers.
  • Coordinate with partners such as the Juneau Suicide Prevention Coalition, Tlingit & Haida, and the Zach Gordon Youth Center to provide culturally relevant suicide prevention, substance misuse prevention, and postvention support.
• Grant Compliance & Evaluation
• • Collect and track data on program participation, outcomes, and community impact.
  • Support quarterly and annual reports in partnership with the Project Director and External Evaluator.
  • Ensure all activities are trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and compliant with federal grant requirements.
  • Travel, attend, and report back from the annual Native Connections grantee meeting.
  • Attend all Native Connections online trainings.