Application Guide
How to Apply for Regional Outreach and Education Manager- NW Region
at Intertribal Agriculture Council
🏢 About Intertribal Agriculture Council
The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) is a unique, tribally-guided organization founded in 1987 to promote the conservation, development, and use of Tribal agricultural resources across more than 56 million acres of Tribal land. Working at IAC means directly supporting Native producers and Tribes through technical assistance, marketing, natural resource management, and youth programming—making a tangible impact on Indian Country's agricultural sovereignty. The IAC's member-driven approach and nationwide reach offer a rare chance to blend agricultural expertise with community empowerment.
About This Role
As the Regional Outreach and Education Manager for the NW Region (Alaska, Northwest and California, Nevada, Southwest, Western and Southern Plains, Rocky Mountain and Great Plains, Great Lakes, Southeast, Northeast and Eastern Oklahoma), you will be the primary liaison between IAC and Tribal agricultural communities in your assigned area. You will develop and deliver outreach, education, and technical assistance programs, organize events, and build partnerships to advance Tribal agricultural priorities. This remote role requires regular travel throughout the region and country, ensuring that IAC's resources and advocacy reach even the most remote producers.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve coordinating a workshop for Tribal producers on grant writing, traveling to a remote reservation to meet with a farming cooperative, or drafting educational materials on regenerative practices. You'll spend time on the phone and email with Tribal leaders, IAC colleagues, and federal agency representatives, while also planning logistics for upcoming regional events. No two days are alike, but all are focused on empowering Native agricultural communities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Intertribal Agriculture Council Is Looking For
- Deep understanding of Tribal agriculture, food sovereignty, and the unique challenges facing Native producers in the assigned regions.
- Proven experience in outreach, education, or extension services, with the ability to design and deliver culturally appropriate programming.
- Strong relationship-builder who can engage diverse stakeholders, from Tribal leaders to individual farmers and ranchers, and work effectively with minimal supervision.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively across the region and nationally, sometimes to remote locations, while residing within the assigned coverage area.
📝 Tips for Applying to Intertribal Agriculture Council
Highlight any direct experience working with Tribal communities or Native agricultural producers—specific examples of successful outreach or education initiatives will set you apart.
Demonstrate your knowledge of the assigned regions (Alaska, Northwest and California, Nevada, Southwest, etc.) by referencing local agricultural issues, key Tribes, or relevant projects in your application.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and manage travel logistics, as this role requires self-motivation and organization across a vast territory.
Connect your cover letter and resume to IAC's mission of Tribal agricultural sovereignty; show that you understand the organization's history and member-driven approach.
If you have experience with federal grants, USDA programs, or agricultural policy, explicitly mention it—IAC often navigates these systems to support producers.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific connection to and experience with Tribal agriculture in the NW region or similar areas, including any relationships with Tribes or producers.', "Concrete examples of outreach or education programs you've developed, including how you measured their impact and adapted to cultural contexts.", 'Your ability to work independently and travel extensively, with a clear understanding of the remote nature of the role and the regions covered.', "Your alignment with IAC's mission and values, and how you would contribute to advancing Tribal agricultural priorities."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore IAC's website, annual reports, and recent news to understand their current initiatives, such as the Native American Agriculture Fund or international marketing efforts.
- → Research the agricultural landscape of the assigned regions, including key Tribes, major commodities, and pressing issues like water rights, land tenure, or climate impacts.
- → Look into IAC's leadership and staff, especially the Technical Assistance Associate Director, to understand their priorities and management style.
- → Familiarize yourself with federal policies affecting Tribal agriculture, such as the Farm Bill, and IAC's advocacy positions.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic language about 'helping communities' without demonstrating specific knowledge of Tribal agriculture and sovereignty—this can come across as performative.
- Do not ignore the travel requirement or express hesitation about residing in the assigned region; this is a non-negotiable condition of employment.
- Avoid focusing solely on your agricultural background without connecting it to outreach and education; this role is about sharing knowledge, not just farming.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Intertribal Agriculture Council!