Job Details

Associate Director, Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement

The Department of Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement invites applications for the position of Associate Director. This full-time, in-person role reports to the Special Advisor to the Provost and focuses on tribal and community engagement at local, state, and national levels, tribal philanthropy, Native American programming, initiatives, and educational development.

The successful candidate will assist in coordinating and supporting high-level planning and programming for the Native American Initiative, playing a key role in shaping the mission and goals of the NAATE office and developing its programs and events. To succeed, the candidate must demonstrate leadership, initiative, commitment, and the ability to motivate and influence others in alignment with UArizona's land-grant mission and institutional values.

This position requires strong leadership skills, a comprehensive understanding of Native American issues and cultures, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to build and nurture relationships internally and externally. Come join an exciting team!

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Support the Special Advisor to the Provost in establishing regular consultation schedules with Tribal leadership for meaningful engagement with the university.
• Lead efforts to advance Native American engagement and partnerships nationally within higher education.
• Spearhead initiatives to enhance the university's reputation in serving Native Nations, both within Arizona and beyond.
• Represent the university at national conferences to showcase achievements and expand networks related to Native American advancement.
• Seek partnerships with Native Nations and organizations within and outside Arizona to broaden the university's impact.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and campus partners to align Native American initiatives and priorities.
• Create communication strategies and working with university's communication and government relations to strengthen the university's reputation and promote positive engagement related to tribal relationships.
• Support university programs in securing funding and fostering relationships with federal, state, and non-profit entities for research and programming.
• Work with the university's foundation to identify development opportunities at local and national levels, including fundraising and capital campaigns for Native American projects such as Unity Plaza, Native American Student Learning Center, Tribal Micro-Campuses, and Cooperative Extension Offices.
• Oversee, implement and direct the tribal micro-campus model, future implementations, and partnering programs like Native FORGE, including managing relationships with funding agencies such as the Economic Development Administration and Johnson Scholarship Foundation.
• Manage the quarterly and annual reporting as required.
• Manage and supervise staff and student workers within the NAATE office to ensure effective execution of programs and initiatives.
• Develop, implement and direct social media efforts related to NAATE activities.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Ability to handle and maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Skill in public speaking and presenting information to executive leaders, Tribal Councils, and/or tribal representatives.
• The ideal candidate will be a team player with strong diplomatic skills and a commitment to advancing Native American engagement and partnerships.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience with Native American Tribal Communities, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University.
• Ability to travel in-state, nationally, and internationally.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master's Degree or PhD.
• Extensive experience working with Tribal leadership and Native American organizations, strong communication and writing skills, a deep understanding of cultural relations, tribal government, sovereignty, and land-grant institutions.
• Highly organized, capable of managing multiple initiatives simultaneously, and possess experience working within higher education.