Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. New Mexico Level III-B Administrative License.
2. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible school administration; six (6) or more years experience preferred.
3. Demonstrated expertise in educational leadership grant school operations program evaluation and school improvement planning.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of federal funding requirements including P.L.TCSA Title Programs and P.L.IDEA.
5. Experience working with accrediting bodies particularly COGNIA and maintaining continuous school accreditation.
6. Strong understanding of Navajo Nation educational governance legislative processes and the ability to work with Federal and State Legislatures and the local community.
7. Proven fiscal management skills including budgeting compliance procurement and audit requirements and processes.
8. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to collaborative leadership and transparency.
9. Familiarity and respect for Navajo culture language history and traditions. Must be familiar with and have respect and understanding for the history culture traditions and values of the Navajo people.
10. Must successfully pass federal state and tribal background checks.
11. Must be eligible for bonding by an insurance carrier.
12. Valid drivers license.
13. Bilingual fluency in Navajo and English is highly preferred.

NAVAJO PREFERENCE:

Preferential consideration for employment will be given to people of documented Navajo tribal membership who meet the qualifications above in accordance with the requirements of the Navajo Preference in Employment Act.

SUPERVISED BY: SASI Board of Directors

WORKING HOURS: Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: however the role demands flexibility including evening and weekend work. Fully expected to fulfill job responsibilities irrespective of hours worked and to be on call 24/7. Travel is required and overnight stays.

POSITION GOAL:

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Shiprock Associated Schools Inc. (SASI) and is responsible for leading the organization in fulfilling its mission to provide high-quality culturally relevant education to all students. Under the direct supervision and authority of the SASI Board of Directors the Executive Director provides strategic leadership operational oversight and ensures organizational accountability in compliance with federal state and tribal regulations as appropriate. The Executive Director is responsible for maintaining educational excellence fiscal integrity staff development community relations and programmatic success across all SASI schools and departments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

1. Support and efficiently carries out responsibilities in accordance with the Shiprock Associated Schools Inc. (SASI) Board of Directors Policies and Procedures Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.
2. Represent SASI with professionalism to all external stakeholders including federal/state officials tribal leaders education partners and community members.
3. Build strong relationships with the local community promoting parent engagement and cultural responsiveness.
4. Actively participate in legislative advocacy on behalf of SASI and Navajo education.
5. Protects the confidentiality of student and SASI personnel information.
6. Accepts professional responsibility to monitor and be informed on current educational topics issues and research.
7. Provide executive supervision and support to all department heads and principals via the SASI organizational chart.
8. Provides leadership role with the Board by presenting timely and accurate reports data and policy recommendation to the Board.
9. Keeps the Board informed regarding current local Navajo Nation regional and national developments problems issues and incidents impacting the overall SASI organization.
10. Formulates recommended internal policy procedures and management systems for Board consideration that will accomplish Board and organizational goals and objectives legally effectively and efficiently.
11. Implement Board-approved policies and decisions and take appropriate executive actions in areas without existing policy subject to Board review and approval.
12. Oversee hiring evaluation and dismissal of staff per policy and legal guidelines.
13. Lead development of academic programming curriculum standards and instructional improvement initiatives.
14. Ensure alignment with state standards Navajo Nation Title 10 and accreditation requirements as applicable.
15. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of school-wide programs to improve educational outcomes.
16. Coordinate with the Business Office to prepare monitor and manage school budgets.
17. Ensure compliance with all funding agency requirements and A-133 Single Audits recordkeeping and reporting.
18. Authorize contracts procurement and financial obligations as approved by the Board.
19. Execute agreements or contracts with banks or other financial institutions for the schools funds as approved and authorized by the Board.
20. Ensure full compliance with federal laws (P.L.TCSA P.L.94-142-IDEA) Navajo Nation regulations and other applicable legal requirements.
21. Submit timely and accurate reports to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Department of Din Education and other oversight agencies.
22. Foster a cohesive administrative team through regular management meetings and open communication.
23. Ensures timely completion of Annual Reporting and Audit requirements to the Bureau of Indian Education and the Department of Din Education.
24. Ensures full accreditation with COGNIA and always maintain good standing.
25. Ensures the Navajo Nation Reauthorization is current and maintains compliances.
26. Ensures SASIs Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are current and annual Certificate from the Navajo Nation Business Regulatory Commission is current.
27. Performs other responsibilities as directed by the SASI Board of Directors.

Required Experience:

Director