Wicahpi Olowan (WO) Studio + Music Assistant (Oglala Lakota Artspace)

ABOUT FIRST PEOPLES FUND:

First Peoples Fund is a national non-profit organization founded in 1995. First Peoples Fund honors, supports, and elevates the Collective Spirit of Native artists, culture bearers, and their communities. First Peoples Fund envisions a world of thriving, culturally-centered, and connected Indigenous communities.

ABOUT OGLALA LAKOTA ARTSPACE:
The Oglala Lakota Artspace (OLA) is the first dedicated art space in the Pine Ridge Reservation. The facility includes artist studio spaces, the Wičahpi Olowaŋ Studio Recording Studio, workshop and classroom spaces, a performance space, and offices for partner organizations. This position is integral to providing a safe and welcoming space for the community to engage in cultural, creative, and educational activities based in Collective Spirit®.

PAY: $27.00 to $29.00 per hour, non-exempt & part-time (up to 30 hours per week)

LOCATION/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: This position is on-site at the Oglala Lakota Artspace building located at 7904 Lakota Prairie Dr, Kyle, SD. This position requires moderate local travel, primarily within the Pine Ridge Reservation and surrounding communities. Travel may include on-site events, schools, and community sites. Travel is generally planned in advance and scheduled during regular business hours, with occasional evening or weekend events.

PRE-SCREEN: Upon offer, employees will be required to complete and pass a background check. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Wičahpi Olowaŋ (WO) Studio + Program Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operations and long-term growth of OLA's culturally-rooted music programming. This position provides both in-person and online support, including assisting with virtual community events like the Wicaglata Circles, staffing the recording studio, and helping to coordinate school-based outreach. 

The role is grounded in relationship-building with students, schools, artists, and community culture bearers while managing behind-the-scenes administrative duties like attendance tracking, event planning, data reporting, and program evaluations. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in hosting online Wicaglata Circles and in-person Drum Circles, including setup, Zoom hosting, and community support.
• Support artist sessions in the studio; help with setup, coordination, and basic tracking assistance (training provided).
• Coordinate and support school-based outreach with the WO Program Manager.
• Survey and observe student and school interests to help align programming with community needs.
• Help plan and organize guest workshops, field trips, and seasonal events.
• Maintain communication and scheduling with artists, schools, and OLA team members.
• Provide regular attendance data and evaluation reports.
• Support preparation and outreach for music-based programming rooted in Lakota culture.
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants and artists.
• Communicate with OLA’s Communications Manager to help promote events and services.
• Help with administrative tasks, record-keeping, and event planning as needed.

Who You Are:

• You're passionate about music, community, and culture
• You’re friendly, dependable, and confident working with youth, artists, elders, and community members.
• You enjoy helping behind the scenes and don’t mind setting up chairs, organizing schedules, or jumping into new tasks.
• You're interested in learning more about audio recording, creative spaces, or arts-based education.
• You bring respect, curiosity, and humility to your work, and you're guided by values like compassion and integrity.
• You're open to feedback, collaboration, and ongoing learning—whether from colleagues or community members.
• You have reliable transportation and are willing to travel between OLA and area schools or event locations.

• Associate degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred—but we value equivalent work experience and lived experience equally.
• 2–5 years of experience in community engagement, youth programs, music, studio work, or cultural coordination is helpful.
• Comfortable with basic computer tools (Google Docs, Zoom, email, calendar apps).
• Willingness to learn basic studio operations and help facilitate music-related programming.
• Experience working in community programs, education, cultural art and music, or youth services is helpful, especially in the community of the Pine Ridge Reservation

BENEFITS

Due to the part-time status of this position, it is not eligible for Health, Dental, or Vision insurance.

Sick Leave: 2 hours/month - available at date of hire and can be used as earned

12 Paid Holidays with 1 Personal Culturally Significant Day

• Regular, part-time employees will be paid their regular scheduled hours for the holidays for which they otherwise would be scheduled to work

Summer Fridays - Half-day Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day

After the 180-day Introductory Period

• Annual Leave: 35 hours for the first year of employment
• 401(k) with company match (must be 21 years of age)

First Peoples Fund is an eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Visit studentaid.gov/pslf/  for more information if this applies to you.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
First Peoples Fund celebrates the diversity, strength, and resilience of Indigenous communities and all peoples. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone, regardless of background, age, identity, or lived experience, has the opportunity to thrive.