Circle Keeper Application
Circle Keeper, Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition
MIWSAC is currently seeking applications from individuals committed to ending sexual violence who possess expertise in accounting and finance, nonprofit legal or compliance, charitable philanthropy, fund development, or strategic partnerships.
These skills are critical to strengthening MIWSAC’s fiscal health, legal compliance, and long-term sustainability. We look forward to hearing from qualified candidates who share our mission.
Term: October 2026 to October 2029 (3 Year Term)
Applications are due by September 1, 2026 to Chief Operations Officer, Linda Thompson at [email protected] or fax to 651-646-4798.
For additional information contact: 651-646-4800 or 1-877-995-4800
Circle Keeper Description: The purpose of the Circle Keepers is to support the Mission and Vision of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC), provide governance to MIWSAC, represent the organization in the community, personify MIWSAC’s Native values and grassroots identity, and provide fiscal and administrative direction for MIWSAC.
MIWSAC Mission Statement
Through unity we will strengthen our voices and build resources to create awareness and eliminate sexual violence against Indian women and children. We will vigorously apply our efforts toward influencing social change and reclaim our traditional values that honor the sovereignty of Indian women and children.
MIWSAC Vision Statement
Creating Safety and Justice Through the Teachings of Our Grandmothers.
MIWSAC Purpose
MIWSAC is a statewide Tribal coalition and national Tribal technical assistance provider that has worked since 2001 to end gender-based violence and enhance Tribal, state, and federal responses to sexual violence and sex trafficking.
MIWSAC uses culturally based training, technical assistance, strategies, resources, tools, and a wide range of events and activities to engage and support survivors of sexual violence, advocates, service providers, community, and allies that are working to end sexual violence and sex trafficking across Minnesota’s 11 federally recognized Tribal Nations, urban Native bases, and Tribal communities across the country.
Embody and Cultivate the Matriarchy:
Uphold the highest standard of attendance, timeliness, and adherence to tribally grounded decision making, where each voice matters, is heard and respected.
Circle Keeper Leadership and Development:
Support and engage in decolonizing strategies and liberatory practices to end gender-based violence. Participate in planning and approving long-range plans with Staff and Membership.
Hiring and Supervision of the Executive Director:
Hire the Executive Director. Evaluate their performance annually. Support the Director in maintaining a healthy organization.
Financial Oversight, Care and Compliance:
Work with staff to prepare financial reports, budgets, and ensure sound fiscal oversight, adherence to tribal, state and federal laws, and responsibility to MIWSAC. Candidates possessing specialized professional backgrounds in auditing, accounting, nonprofit fiscal management, or the complexities of grant compliance are highly encouraged to seek this role to help ensure the highest level of financial integrity and rigorous care for MIWSAC’s resources.
Culturally Honoring Ambassadorship:
Represent MIWSAC as a Native woman-led, survivor-centered organization in the community, on social media, with funders, tribal leadership, and other stakeholders.
Legal Stewardship and Resource Development: Provide guidance on nonprofit legal frameworks and regulatory compliance, oversee organizational risk management, and support and work to champion the development of philanthropic strategies, major gift initiatives, and strategic community partnerships.
- Steadfast commitment to attend regularly scheduled Circle Keepers meetings, (in person, or virtually via phone or zoom); must have stable connection or access to reliable internet in order to receive documents and to participate in meetings, read meeting and background information, and come prepared to discuss information.
- Specialized expertise in auditing, accounting, or the complexities of nonprofit fiscal management.
- Knowledge of nonprofit legal frameworks, regulatory compliance, risk management, or Tribal law.
- Proven record in charitable philanthropy, major gift initiatives, strategic community partnerships, or corporate and foundation relations.
- Deep knowledge of nonprofit legal frameworks, regulatory compliance, risk management, or nonprofit law.
- Ability to model personal and professional development, place value on self-reflection and growth, and provide inspiration and leadership.
- Adherence to MIWSAC Mission, Vision, Purpose, Indigenous Values, and legal and fiscal responsibilities.
- Skills, Experience and Interest list:
Community organizing
Public speaking
Technology
Education
Marketing
Advocacy
Finance
Legal
Non-profit Governance
Other:__________________
MIWSAC CIRCLE KEEPER APPLICATION
New Circle Keepers (Board of Directors) will be seated at our Annual Membership Meeting in October 2026. Circle Keepers meet bi-monthly, are responsible for fiscal oversight of the organization, help to represent MIWSAC, and serve 3-year terms.
Applications are due by September 1, 2026 to Chief Operations Officer, Linda Thompson at [email protected] or fax to 651-646-4798
MIWSAC seeks to enhance its ability to support survivors and their communities by actively encouraging applications from individuals with professional expertise in legal compliance, accounting, resource development, and philanthropy.