Job Announcement: HR2026:06
Position Title: Traditional Arts Instructor
Advertising: Publicly
Department: Cultural
Division: Community Services
Immediate Supervisor: Supervisor–Traditional Arts
Department Director: Director-Cultural
Employment Status: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Regular Full–Time
Mandatory Reporter: Yes
Background Check Required: Yes (child-sensitive) **
Opening Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Preference shall be given in accordance with the Title 33 (Tribal Employment Rights) of the Tribal Code/DFWP.

The Poarch Creek Indians place a high value on individuals who share our commitment to community, tradition, and progress. As Alabama's only Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, we take pride in a history that spans generations and is deeply rooted in resilience and cultural heritage. Our mission is to uplift the lives of our Tribal Members, preserve our traditions, and drive innovation for a thriving future. If you are passionate about serving with purpose and authenticity while fostering trust, unity, and growth, we welcome you to join us on this meaningful journey.

Overview
In our hourly positions, we look for dedicated individuals who value respect, take pride in accountability, and embrace a culture of collaboration and excellence. As an integral part of our team, you will contribute to a positive and supportive environment where every effort is appreciated, and every role is essential. Your commitment to upholding our values and maintaining a strong work ethic will help us achieve shared success.

Primary Objectives
The Traditional Arts Instructor is a key line-level position responsible for working with all age groups, giving instructions and demonstrations on various traditional Southeastern American Indian Art forms and techniques. This job description is not an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of this position. PCI Employees are expected to perform all duties and responsibilities necessary to meet the goals and objectives of applicable programs and departmental objectives, as assigned.

This role plays a strong commitment to understanding and embracing the Poarch Creek Indians Values of Perseverance, Opportunity, Accountability, Respect, Culture, and Honesty.

Essential Functions

• Performs traditional/cultural demonstrations, including but not limited to basketry, patchwork, and other traditional Southeastern Indian Art forms.
• Prepares materials for Traditional Art classes, demonstrations, and events.
• Commits to encouraging a positive learning environment.
• Teaches beginning and intermediate classes in Creek basketry, patchwork, sewing, and other traditional Southeastern Indian Art forms, such as, but not limited to finger weaving, Creek moccasin making, and beadwork.
• Tracks and inventories all supplies and property purchased through programs overseen by the Traditional Arts and submits reports to the Supervisor-Traditional Arts on a quarterly basis.
• Provides schedule of demonstrations on a monthly basis to the Supervisor-Traditional Arts detailing activities for the following month.
• Assists with other traditional programs and cultural presentations requested by various groups.
• Utilized on an as-needed basis to support Tribal sewing projects.
• Maintains cleanliness and good housekeeping in Traditional Art Rooms and Storage areas.
• Maintains accurate inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Prepares, plans, demonstrates, and oversees traditional/cultural relate events/projects for all age groups.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate person.

Job Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Business or related field and/or a combination of education and related employment experience in a confidential setting equivalent to two (2) years required.
• Experience and knowledge with designing and sewing of Poarch Creek regalia and/or outfits required.
• Demonstration and/or instructional experience in traditional art forms such as early Creek Indian history and Poarch Creek history required.
• Must possess certification of “Mandatory Reporter Training” or obtain during the first week of employment.
• Must possess and maintain First Aid/CPR certification or obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Must possess certification of “ServSafe Training” or obtain within thirty (30) days of employment.
• Ability to work odd and irregular hours, as needed.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license and an insurable driving record according to Tribal insurance guidelines.
• Must successfully pass the required criminal and character background check.
• Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events.
• Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities of this position adequately and successfully.

Core Competencies Required

• Must submit portfolio of experience in the manufacture of traditional art forms.
• Knowledge and experience with sewing machine operation required. Must successfully pass a sewing and patchwork test.
• Must be extremely knowledgeable in Native American culture, especially Poarch Creek culture. Must successfully pass a cultural test.
• Must have a working knowledge of computers with the ability to work in a Windows environment with various software programs such as Word and Excel. Must successfully pass pre-employment computer skills exam.
• Absolute confidentiality.
• Able to understand interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Must be able to work independently and relate effectively with the public.
• Mature in making judgements, demonstrate the ability to establish workload priorities and balance diverse projects.
• Must be able to work with all age groups including but not limited to children in Fred L McGhee Early Learning Center, Boys & Girls Club, Tribal Youth Council, Pow Wow Club, and Elders.
• Must be people oriented and relate well to people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to provide all visiting guest/vendors with superior customer service and provide any assistance when needed.
• Required to work all cultural events sponsored by the Cultural Department.
• Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events.
• Ability to serve as a chaperone for Youth and other culturally-related trips as requested.
• Ability to remain engaged until assignments are completed and overcome obstacles.
• Takes accountability for performance and results.
• Open and honest communicator and follows policies and procedures.

Compensation and Benefits

• The starting pay will depend on factors such as experience level and skillset.
• Voluntary full-time benefit offerings include the following - medical, dental, vision, and life insurance and other volunteer insurance options. We also offer an Employee Assistant Program (EAP), paid time off, paid holidays, 401K with matching, bonuses, and COLA increase.

Every applicant must complete an application provided by Human Resources. A resume will not be accepted in the place of an application.

**Please note ALL individuals selected for employment are required to complete a background investigation. Individuals being placed in positions designed as child-sensitive or data-sensitive must successfully complete a background check prior to employment.

INDIAN PREFERENCE, SPOUSAL PREFERENCE, OR FIRST GENERATION:

In the event more than one applicant meets the requirements, as stated in a job description, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Tribal Member (2) First Generation Descendant of a Tribal Member (3) Spouse of Tribal Member (4) Indian (5) Non-Indian

In the event that a position of employment is funded in whole or in part my any federal grant and/or contract or other public funding, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Indian (2) Non-Indian

In order to receive preference, the appropriate documentation must be submitted.