Application Guide
How to Apply for Regional Outreach and Education Manager- SW Region
at Intertribal Agriculture Council
🏢 About Intertribal Agriculture Council
The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) is a Native-led organization founded in 1987 to promote the conservation, development, and use of Tribes' agricultural resources across more than 56 million acres of Tribal land. Unlike mainstream ag nonprofits, IAC is guided directly by member Tribes and provides on-the-ground technical assistance, marketing support, and policy advocacy that centers Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. Working here means directly supporting Native producers and Tribal communities in building sustainable food systems and agricultural economies.
About This Role
As the Regional Outreach and Education Manager for the Southwest Region, you will be the primary on-the-ground liaison for IAC's technical assistance and educational programming across Tribal communities in the Southwest. You'll develop and deliver outreach initiatives, workshops, and one-on-one support to Native producers, while also coordinating with IAC's national team to align regional needs with broader policy and program goals. This role is deeply impactful—you'll help bridge federal resources and Tribal agricultural priorities, ensuring that Southwest producers have the tools and knowledge to thrive.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve traveling to a Tribal community to lead a workshop on federal grant applications, followed by one-on-one meetings with local producers to assess their needs. You'd also spend time coordinating with IAC's national team, drafting outreach materials, and following up on technical assistance requests. Some days are office-based (remote), but many are spent on the road, building relationships and delivering hands-on support.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Intertribal Agriculture Council Is Looking For
- Deep familiarity with Southwest Tribal communities, agricultural systems, and cultural protocols—ideally with lived experience or long-term work in the region.
- Proven experience in outreach, education, or technical assistance roles, particularly in agriculture, natural resources, or rural development.
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with Tribal leaders, producers, and federal partners.
- Self-motivated and organized, able to manage a remote workload and frequent travel across the assigned region and occasionally nationally.
- Knowledge of USDA programs, Indian Country agricultural policy, and/or sustainable agriculture practices is a plus.
📝 Tips for Applying to Intertribal Agriculture Council
Highlight any direct experience working with Southwest Tribes or Native producers—be specific about which communities and what you accomplished.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and travel regularly; mention your current residence in the Southwest region and willingness to relocate if needed.
Show familiarity with IAC's mission and history—reference their founding in 1987 and their work on Tribal agricultural priorities in your materials.
Use examples of successful outreach or educational programs you've developed, especially those that involved cross-cultural collaboration or federal funding.
If you have experience with USDA grants or technical assistance, quantify results (e.g., 'helped 20 producers secure $500K in funding') to demonstrate impact.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your connection to the Southwest region and its Tribal agricultural communities, (2) a specific example of how you've designed and delivered outreach or education that empowered Native producers, (3) your understanding of IAC's member-driven approach and how you'd uphold it, and (4) your ability to manage remote work while traveling extensively. Avoid generic statements—tie your experience directly to the role's regional focus.
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, especially in the Southwest region.
- → Research the specific Tribes and agricultural challenges in the Southwest (e.g., water rights, land tenure, traditional farming practices) to speak knowledgeably.
- → Look into IAC's key programs like the Native American Agriculture Fund, technical assistance services, and policy advocacy efforts.
- → Find and follow IAC staff on LinkedIn or other platforms to get a sense of the team culture and priorities.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being vague about your connection to the Southwest or Tribal communities—candidates who don't demonstrate regional ties or cultural competence are easily screened out.
- Treating this as a generic remote outreach job and ignoring the specific context of Indian Country agriculture and IAC's member-driven model.
- Failing to address the travel requirement or seeming unwilling to relocate to the region, as this is a strict condition of employment.
📅 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!