Director of Education

About the role

The position is responsible for the day-to-day administrative operation for the Department’s Higher Education, Vocational Training and Adult Education, Public Education, Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council (SCSYAC), Youth Employment, and the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA) programs.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the Department’s programs, including supervisory responsibility and guidance to program leaders and staff.
• Administers the personnel management function of the position, including onboarding, training, scheduling of staff and assignments, performance evaluation, counseling and disciplinary actions, and termination.
• Leads the development and implementation of the department’s 3-year Business/Operational Plan. Consistently monitors programs, identifying and recommending program and procedural changes to the Executive Office.
• Drives and manages change initiatives to improve educational programs and services; utilizes data to inform decision-making, monitor outcomes, and guide continuous improvement.
• Develops, prepares, and monitors the departmental budget in alignment with approved Business/Operational Plan.
• Evaluates resource allocation, identifies cost-savings opportunities, and ensures strategic use of funds to achieve objectives.
• Demonstrates fiscal responsibility by adhering to all applicable finance policies and procedures, maintaining compliance; responsible for approving department requisitions, purchases, capital expenditures, check requests, travel requests, and other related functions.
• Works with the Education administration to develop departmental policies and procedures that supports the Department's Business/Operational Plan, goals, and objectives.
• Identifies federal, state, local, and private funding sources to further the department's goals, preparing grants, proposals, and endowments.
• Develops a positive and productive working relationship with federal, state, and Tribal agencies, as well as public and private organizations in the field of education.
• Oversees the development and implementation plans for crisis prevention, preparedness, and response with the department.
• Oversees the facilitation of needs assessments to determine the educational needs of tribal member students every 5 years, including the development and implementation of a comprehensive educational counseling program for tribal members and families.
• Maintains communication with school administration to monitor students' standardized achievement test scores, determine trends and specific academic needs, and recommend solutions to achieve goals.
• Works with school administration and parents to address student conduct, performance, and attendance issues; ensures policy compliance; and works collaboratively with all parties toward solutions that support student success.
• Maintains oversight of the department’s role on the tribal truancy team to ensure effective support for student attendance.
• Prepares quantitative and qualitative reports on a timely and accurate basis for the department.
• Supports department-wide professional development and wellness by providing resources, coordinating training, and promoting opportunities for growth and well-being.
• Promotes, develops, and maintains succession planning strategies to ensure continuity and leadership development within the department.
• Attends meetings and training and participates in committees, work groups, and task forces to further the goals of tribal member education as requested or required.

Qualifications

• Must have an MA/MS in Education or a closely related field and 5 years of experience in an administrative capacity in a public or private educational system; or a BA/BS and 7 years of experience in an administrative capacity in a public or private educational system.
• Must have 2 years of teaching or counseling experience.
• Must have 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Must have experience using data to evaluate educational programs and student outcomes.
• Must have experience collaborating with parents, families, or community organizations.
• Must have computer experience including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must have knowledge of Montessori teaching methods and philosophy.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License for the state of residency and be insurable under the Tribal Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• Must pass a thorough background check including Criminal History and fingerprint check.