Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy (TTPC) is a Tongva-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2022 and dedicated to stewarding land and uplifting culture in Tovaangar, the ancestral homelands of the Tongva people. TTPC is centered at Huhuunga in Altadena, California — the first plot of land returned to Tongva stewardship in nearly 200 years. TTPC’s work supports cultural preservation, ecological restoration, community education, youth engagement, and land-based healing. Since its founding, TTPC has hosted more than 40 community gatherings, welcomed hundreds of volunteers and participants to Huhuunga, restored Native and edible plant species using Traditional Ecological Knowledge practices, and continued building physical and cultural infrastructure for future generations. TTPC is not a Tribal authority or governmental body. It is a community-based organization guided by collaboration, mutual respect, cultural responsibility, and a long-term vision to rematriate land to California Native plants and people.

Program Manager, Land & Community Stewardship (Hybrid)

Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy • Altadena, CA 

Full-Time, Exempt (Hybrid) • Management  • Salary Range: $90,000–$115,000 

WHO WE ARE  

Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy (TTPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2022 dedicated to stewarding land and uplifting culture in Tovaangar — the ancestral homelands of the Tongva people. TTPC is centered at Huhuunga, a one-acre parcel in Altadena, CA and the first land returned to Tongva stewardship in nearly 200 years. Through ecological restoration, cultural programming, youth engagement, and community education, TTPC works to restore relationships between people, land, and culture. 

 

TTPC is an inclusive Tongva-led community that welcomes Native peoples from across the United States, the broader Indigenous diaspora, and neighbors and community members who engage in a spirit of mutual respect and shared care. As a community-based organization, we are guided by the principles of collaboration, collective decision-making, and community trust — and we are committed to remaining an open and accessible space for all who engage with our work in good faith. 

THE IMPACT WE ARE LOOKING TO MAKE 

TTPC is at a pivotal stage in its growth, with an expanding team, evolving programs, and deepening partnerships across Southern California. We are also embarking on a multi-year site restoration and cultural campus project that will shape Huhuunga as a living place for culture, connection, and learning, and as a model of land restoration and sustainability. Place and programming are developing together in relationship with the land and community, supported by the internal systems and infrastructure we are building for long-term growth. The Program Manager will be part of bringing this vision to life. 

HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE  

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Manager will work closely with TTPC staff, contractors, and community members to plan, coordinate, and implement programs connected to land restoration, ecological stewardship, cultural events, youth engagement, and community partnerships, including direct supervision of Student Assistants. 

 

This role requires someone who is locally based in Los Angeles County and available to work in person at least two days per week, with additional availability as needed for programs, events, partner meetings, and community gatherings. Some weekends and occasional travel outside of the area may be required. In-person requirements may increase as the organization grows.

 

Program Coordination 

• In close collaboration with the Executive Director, coordinate assigned programs, projects, events, and community activities — including seasonal ceremonies, quarterly volunteer days, and cultural events — managing logistics, materials, outreach, and follow-up. 
• Directly supervise and mentor Student Assistants, supporting their day-to-day work at Huhuunga, providing consistent feedback, and co-developing youth and student programming with the TTPC team. 
• Develop project plans, timelines, and follow-up systems; track program progress, participation, and outcomes; and maintain accurate records and program documentation. 
• Attend team meetings and contribute to the development and refinement of internal systems, processes, and documentation that support program delivery and organizational growth. 

Community Representation and External Engagement 

• Represent TTPC at conferences, summits, workshops, panels, and community events that align with the organization’s mission, in coordination with the Executive Director. 
• Deliver educational presentations to student groups, partner organizations, and community audiences on behalf of TTPC. 
• Serve as a culturally informed ambassador to Native and non-Native partners, funders, and institutions — able to communicate TTPC’s work with clarity, care, and appropriate context for each audience. 
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with community members, Tribal organizations, youth and student participants, and environmental, philanthropic, academic, and civic partners in ways that reflect TTPC’s values. 

Communications and Grant Support 

• Contribute community voice, program updates, and participant stories to TTPC’s newsletter and social media in coordination with the Director of Communications and Design. 
• Support grant proposals by providing program documentation, participant perspectives, and community-grounded narrative in coordination with TTPC’s Grants Specialist. 
• Prepare clear communications, agendas, notes, materials, and follow-up messages for programs and partner relationships. 

Team, Collective Leadership, and Culture 

• Work as a team player — sharing information proactively, communicating clearly and promptly, following through on commitments, and showing up for colleagues and community members with consistency and care. 
• Contribute to a culture of collective leadership — where decisions are made together, when possible, all voices are valued, and leadership is understood as a shared responsibility. 
• Support Student Assistants with mentorship, guidance, and a supervisory presence that is approachable, consistent, and invested in their growth. 
• Help sustain a team culture that is respectful, accountable, and mission-aligned — one where people feel supported, and the work is carried together. 
• Bring flexibility and adaptability to the work — understanding that priorities shift; systems are still growing and working in community-based and emergent organizations requires patience, problem-solving, and a willingness to meet the moment.  

WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU WILL BRING 

• You are an experienced program coordinator or manager with a track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder work — organized, detail-oriented, and able to hold multiple priorities, timelines, and deadlines.  
• You are grounded in community-centered work and understand the long-term impact of relationships, communication, and trust.  
• You understand the importance of cultural humility, discretion, and respect, and you are able to work effectively across diverse communities and institutional settings.  
• You communicate clearly and respectfully with colleagues, community members, partners, youth, and other stakeholders — and you understand that the right register differs across Native community spaces and non-Native settings.  
• You are comfortable working independently while also collaborating closely with a small and growing team.  
• You are solutions-oriented and willing to ask questions, seek clarity, and help improve processes.  
• Experience coordinating or managing community-based programs, projects, events, or partnerships, including supervising staff or students.  
• Experience working with Native, Tribal, Indigenous, or community-based organizations.  
• Experience supporting youth, interns, or emerging leaders in participant-centered programming.  
• Demonstrated ability to represent an organization externally with professionalism and cultural grounding.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to newsletters, social media content, or grant narratives.  
• Familiarity with grant compliance, program reporting, or budget tracking in a nonprofit or community-based setting.  
• Comfort using technology to communicate, organize work, document program activities, and track follow-up, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.  
• Ability to work in person with occasional travel and weekends. 

WHAT WILL PUT YOU AHEAD  

• Existing relationships within Native community networks in Los Angeles County or the broader Southern California region. 
• Experience or strong interest in ecological stewardship, land-based programming, cultural events, or Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). 
• Experience working in a small, growing, or mission-driven nonprofit organization. 

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

A bachelor's degree in a related field is required; a master's degree is strongly preferred, with a suggested experience range of 3–5 years. We recognize that formal credentials are one measure of qualification — lived experience, community-based work, and cultural grounding carry real weight in our assessment. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role includes both office/administrative work and in-person program support at Huhuunga and other community locations. The Program Manager must be able to participate in outdoor programs, events, and site-based activities, which may include standing or walking for periods of time, moving across uneven outdoor surfaces, and occasionally helping set up or move program materials. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals in performing the essential functions of the role.

COMPENSATION 

Pay range: $90,000–$115,000. The final offer will be based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. 

 

A full benefits package is provided, including health, dental, vision, retirement contributions, and paid time off. 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants will be asked to submit a resume and responses to screening questions related to their experience, interest in the role, and availability; a cover letter or brief statement of interest is optional.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT 

 

TTPC is committed to a fair, thoughtful, and respectful hiring process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.