President

Invitation

The Board of Regents of Diné College invites nominations and applications for the position of President/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

About Diné College

Founded in 1968 Diné College is the first tribally controlled and accredited college in the United States. Its establishment was a visionary step by the Navajo Nation to empower its citizens through education. Today Diné College remains the oldest and largest tribal college serving as both an academic institution and a cultural home for the Navajo people.

The main campus in Tsaile (Tsééhílí) Arizona near Canyon de Chelly and the four sacred mountains is complemented by campuses in Window Rock Tuba City Shiprock and Crownpoint; the Newcomb microsite in New Mexico; and the Aneth microsite in Southeast Utah. Together they provide affordable accessible and culturally grounded higher education across the Navajo Nations 27000 square-mile territory.

Diné College enrolls 1500 students annually offers certificates associate and bachelors degrees and select graduate programs all grounded in Diné philosophy language and worldview. With a low student- to-faculty ratio the College fosters academic success and personal growth while blending traditional knowledge with modern learning. Through teaching research and community engagement Diné College strengthens the sovereignty culture and future of the Navajo Nation.

Role of the President

The President/ CEO provides strategic leadership for Diné College ensuring the institutions mission rooted in Diné educational philosophy is fulfilled. Reporting directly to the Board of Regents the President advances academic excellence strengthens cultural identity and promotes the long-term vitality of the College in alignment with the priorities of the Navajo Nation.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

• Financial Strength Strengthen the colleges finances through strategic budgeting partnerships funding diversification and revitalizing the colleges foundation.
• Government & Community Relations Rebuild relationships with state Navajo Nation and federal partners and advocate for legislative support including reauthorization of the Diné College Act.
• Enrollment & Student Success Increase enrollment and retention through community-driven recruitment scholarships dual credit flexible scheduling and expanded online/hybrid sufficient course offerings available at all campuses that allow timely graduation and cultivate future leaders. Increase tutoring opportunities at branch campuses.
• Institutional & Administrative Strength Fill key positions improve staff retention and enhance campus operations facilities and housing.
• Program & Workforce Development Expand programs that meet community and workforce needs.
• Research & Academic Excellence Strengthen bachelors and graduate programs advance research capacity and promote culturally relevant scholarship in partnership with the Navajo Nation.
• Communications Enhance transparency timeliness and frequency of internal and external communications.

Performance Indicators

• Achieve strategic goals and accreditation milestones.
• Increase enrollment retention and graduation rates.
• Enhance student success research capacity and program quality.
• Secure external funding and strengthen donor engagement.
• Promote Indigenous scholarship and raise visibility of Diné College.
• Foster faculty/staff retention and ensure policy compliance.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Strategic centered leadership grounded in Diné philosophy and principles.
• Deep understanding of tribal higher education student learning and community needs.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills building trust with faculty staff students and community. Able to manage conflict and build consensus.
• Listens actively is open-minded and leverages knowledge and expertise of others.
• Skilled in organizational development financial management governance and policy compliance.
• Innovative adaptive problem-solving and decisive leadership during change.
• Commitment to inclusive supportive and collaborative environments for students faculty and partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Promote Diné language traditions and philosophy across all aspects of the College.
• Partner with the Board to define a long-term vision aligned with the Colleges mission Diné values and community needs.
• Guide strategic planning and assessment to advance higher education grounded in Navajo values and collaborative decision-making.
• Oversee high-quality academic student support and workforce programs aligned with community and national standards.
• Foster a culturally grounded inclusive and healing campus environment supporting students faculty and staff.
• Strengthen institutional advancement through partnerships advocacy fundraising and resource development with private entities and at state Nation and Federal levels.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards college policies and partner agreements.
• Responsible for stewardship of fiscal human and physical resources.
• Promote diversity equity inclusion and belonging while maintaining transparent frequent communication with all stakeholders.

Interpersonal Expectations

The President must be a visible trusted leader who honors Diné lifeways models humility and compassion engages all campuses and fosters inclusive safe and culturally grounded spaces for the College community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in Higher Education Organizational Leadership or a related field or equivalent education and experience.
• 35 years of senior leadership experience in higher education.
• Experience with tribal colleges or Indigenous-serving institutions.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising grant acquisition and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with Higher Education accreditation and strategic planning cycles.
• Commitment to Diné and Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in Higher Education Administration Organizational Leadership or a related field with executive leadership experience.
• Proficiency in both Navajo and English and a proven commitment to tribal higher education
• Familiarity with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Title III/V and Tribal College federal policies.
• Strong understanding of tribal sovereignty and governance.

Navajo Preference Statement: Diné College will give preference in employment to enrolled members of the Navajo Nation in accordance with the provisions of the Navajo Preference in Employment Act (15 N.N.C. Sections 601-619).

Compensation and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with the candidates qualifications and experience. The compensation package includes housing utilities and a vehicle.

How to Apply -

This is a confidential search process. For full consideration applications should be submitted no later than November 10 2025. The position will remain open until it is filled.

Required materials:

1. Applicants should submit a letter of application (max 5 pages) addressing the opportunities and challenges in this profile demonstrating their vision relevant experience and strategies to address these priorities.
2. Applicants should submit a current resume (with email and cell) and eight references23 supervisors 23 direct reports and 23 faculty/staff from current or previous institutions. Each reference should include name title organization phone and email.

For questions nominations or confidential inquiries contact:

Cindy LopezACCT Director of Search Services and Tribal College Initiatives

Email: Phone:

Required Experience:

Chief