Cahuilla Linguistics Program Manager

Come work for the leading employer in the Coachella Valley. Agua Caliente offers a comprehensive benefit and compensation package that includes rich medical and dental benefits, a 401k plan with employer match, more than 3 weeks of paid time off per year for newly hired employees, and other great benefits like food and beverage discounts at our three casinos, fuel discounts, tuition and wellness reimbursement, plus much, more.  

WHO ARE WE: The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in Palm Springs, California, with 32,000 acres of reservation lands that spread across Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. The Tribe currently owns and operates two 18-hole championship golf courses, three casinos located in Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and downtown Palm Springs, two world-class spas, and a fuel station. For more information about the Tribe, visit www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Cahuilla Linguistics Program Manager is responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of the ACBCI Cahuilla language revitalization program aimed at increasing fluency and long-term retention of the Cahuilla language. This role requires deep linguistic expertise and a strong background in curriculum development and language acquisition mentorship. As the subject matter expert for the Cahuilla language, the Program Manager will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of language revitalization, education, and preservation efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties may be assigned)

• Work collaboratively with the Tribal Council to define and implement the Cahuilla language revitalization program’s mission and goals.
• Design and oversee comprehensive revitalization programs that promote fluency and literacy in the Cahuilla language.
• Develop the program's annual budget, defining development, implementation, and ongoing program costs to include resource needs, staffing, training, and other costs necessary
• Development of curriculum, learning materials, and assessment tools tailored to diverse proficiency levels and learning styles.
• Organize and equip immersion classrooms in preparation for study. Instruct immersion courses, ensuring the program’s goals are being met while continuing to develop and revise existing courses. Coordinate with instructional staff, language coaches, and cultural advisors to ensure program effectiveness.
• Plan all academic and extracurricular activities, such as apprentice orientation, language workshops, and social events.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for the Cahuilla language, ensuring accuracy, cultural relevance, and linguistic integrity across all initiatives.
• Provide expert consultation to Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, Tribal government departments, and Tribal Committees.
• Develop and lead linguistic documentation and preservation efforts, including lexicon development, transcription, and archiving.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Advanced degree in Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Language Education, or a related field.
• Fluency in the Cahuilla language, with demonstrated experience as a language educator or linguist.
• Experience with language revitalization, especially in Indigenous or endangered language contexts.
• Experience with instructional design, particularly in digital or blended learning environments.
• Experience teaching and/or experience in mentoring students required. Experience with immersion-based Mentor-Apprentice teaching program preferred.
• Familiarity with language documentation tools.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including strong writing skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to stand, move, and work throughout the office area and properties, including walking up to 1 ½ miles, climbing stairs, and sitting at a desk/workstation for the duration of the shift.  Also, may be subjected to a smoke-filled environment.

Typically, the individual will be housed in an office environment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but it will escalate when located in the casino environment. Must be able to grasp, bend, lift and /or carry otherwise move goods weighing a minimum of 25lbs. on an intermittent basis, and sufficient dexterity of hand to use office equipment including, but not limited to: a computer keyboard, calculator, general office equipment and multi-line telephone.