Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Projects

Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Projects

Office of the President

Tsaile Campus

Duty Schedule:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Monday - Friday occasional travel and hours after hours.

Summary/Objective of Position:

The Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Projects will contribute to Din Colleges advocacy and research agenda through directing legislative and policy analysis that will advance the Colleges higher education agenda policy. This includes Navajo Nation New Mexico Arizona Utah federal legislative bodies and the tracking of legislation. This position is responsible for providing administrative support for the Office of the President.

Description of Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties skills efforts requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Direct and coordinate with other legislative personnel within the Navajo Nation government State Legislature (AZ NM and Utah) and Federal government offices to coordinate with our legislative personnel and lobbying efforts.
• Is responsible for monitoring developments and alternating President of possible impacts and if needed soliciting and compiling information regarding possible actions to address legislation.
• Provide analysis of potential legislation and its impact on the College. Monitor and report on findings from academic and other research organizations related to Din Colleges policy agenda.
• Provide recommendations supported research and policy analysis on higher education and related areas. Write reports publish findings and give presentations.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of current and emerging trends issues and perspectives in higher education within federal state institutional nonprofit and foundation sectors.
• Maintains and develops various databases and materials for internal and external use that provide information about state legislators members of Congress council delegates and Din Colleges presence in legislative districts.
• Summarize and interpret relevant legislative judicial and executive actions.
• Draft articles and other member communication materials including grassroots initiatives and policy summaries.
• Develop and distribute a variety of information materials including public policy positions testimony speeches and other presentations.
• Assist in organizing annual Local and National Legislative Summits. Work with other College officials to identify and track tribal federal and state legislation that may affect higher education and a wide range of Din College programs or constituents including academic programs land grant public health and other areas of interest to Din College administrators and faculty.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

• Bachelors Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred:

• Masters Degree in policy public administration education economics government political science or related field.

Knowledge:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in policy analysis and research synthesis including writing policy memos and research briefs.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
• Understanding of Federal Indian relationship with the federal state and local governments.
• Knowledge of Federal Indian self-determination and higher education.
• understanding of the legislative process at the federal state and Navajo Nation level.

Skills:

• Successfully completing projects efficiently and on time; strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word and Excel and ability to learn other software that may be applicable.
• understanding of the political process and legislative process of tribal state and federal levels.
• Oral fluency in Navajo is highly desirable but not mandatory.
• Proficiency in writing and creating written analysis of legislative and policy statements.
• Capability of understanding the financial impact of such policies and legislative initiatives is a must.

Abilities:

• Ability to exercise sound judgement initiative and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work on a team conduct collaborative research and deal effectively and courteously with supervisor peers and external stakeholders.
• Familiar with and interested in working with elected and appointed college governing boards that represent their communities.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research in a team environment or individually.
• Understanding of economics to provide a financial aspect to research and policy analysis.
• Ability to operate flexibly and consistently.
• Ability to represent the President in making decisions that require mature judgment.
• detail-oriented in coordinating activities.

Physical Requirements Work Environment & Travel:

• Work is performed in an office setting to include but not limited to the use of a personal computer enter retrieve and analyze data;
• Ability to attend and participate in meetings and trainings.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to internal and external customers via multimedia.
• Ability to maintain confidentially ability to travel and use of a College vehicle is required.

Other Requirement(s):

• Must have and maintain a valid state drivers license and successfully pass a background check.
• Other licensing may be required depending on position and/or area of assignment.

Please upload all documents relevant to the position you are applying for. This should include at a minimum;

(1) Resume

(2) Three - Letters of Recommendation (Dated within One-Year from the Application) and

(3) Copies of Academic Transcripts.

Other documents may be required for the position for example if claiming Navajo Preference upload your CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood) or DD-214 if claiming Veterans Preference. Please upload and appropriately title those documents if the position requires additional certification and/or licensures.

Note: if any documents are missing or not uploaded your application will not be complete and therefore not considered.

Required Experience:

Director