Senior Director Indigenous Peoples Institute

FLSA Status: Exempt

Months Per Year: 12

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: On-site

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Position Description

Seattle University is seeking an inaugural full-time Senior Director for the Indigenous Peoples Institute (IPI). IPI is an endowed Institute founded by faculty member Dr. Christina Roberts in 2016. Under the direction of the Vice Provost for Global Engagement, the Senior Director of the Indigenous Peoples Institute will play a leading role on campus as a planner, strategist, and collaborator with other centers and initiatives serving (a) Indigenous students in recruitment, retention, persistence, well-being, and graduation and (b) students, faculty, staff, and community members by working with the Faculty Director to continue to build academic and other programming that fosters research, service, and engagement with Indigenous peoples and communities.

The ideal candidate will have a deep and demonstrable understanding of the importance of affirmation and celebration of identity, culture, traditions, and language in the human development of Indigenous students and communities.

The Senior Director will continue to develop campus and community partnerships that make it possible for activities to be sustained, including high-level collaborations with on and off campus organizations, including Tribal governments and organizations. The Senior Director will develop, implement, and manage policies and procedures relating to scholarship/grant money for Indigenous students, while developing strategies for raising additional funds working with University Advancement team members.

The Senior Director will support affinity groups and other programs for faculty and staff that celebrate their tribal and cultural identity and assists with contributing to a positive work climate; work with University Admissions on recruitment of Indigenous students; and foster relationships at high levels with Student Success, Jesuit Mission Integration, Student and Campus Life, Athletics, and Diversity & Inclusion community members, and other professionals to refer students and provide academic support and coaching to students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative, programmatic, and operational oversight of the Indigenous Peoples Institute, overseeing its daily operations and campus physical space (currently Xavier 160), ensuring it is an open and vibrant gathering space for students, staff, faculty, and community members.
• Work with the Vice Provost for Global Engagement and other campus partners to develop and implement a strategic plan for the IPI.
• Work with undergraduate, graduate, and law school Admissions teams to increase the number of Native American/Indigenous students at Seattle University, actively building and supporting outreach efforts in relevant communities.
• Develop and manage pre-collegiate training and support for university-bound Indigenous students. Work with Advancement on fundraising efforts to (a) support the work of the IPI, including IPI’s academic and non-academic programs supporting Native American/Indigenous students at Seattle University and (b) increase scholarship support for Native American/Indigenous students at Seattle University.
• Work with the Office of Student Success to design, develop, implement, and assess programs that create a “student success oriented” atmosphere for Native American/Indigenous students on campus. Build effective strategic alliances internally and externally that support Native American/Indigenous student access and success.
• Provide consultation to and support the needs of Indigenous students, making referrals to appropriate resources on and off campus.
• Respond to a variety of complex and sensitive issues related to students, faculty, and family members. Support the work of the IPI’s Faculty Director, including the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of academic programs and courses.
• Work with Marketing & Communications to create a marketing plan and build the awareness and reputation of the IPI; coordinate ordering and inventory of all promotional items for the IPI.
• Hire, train, and supervise IPI staff and volunteers, and evaluate them on ability to achieve the vision, mission, and goals of the Center.
• Recruit and manage faculty fellows, peer mentors, graduate student assistants, student assistants and interns. Collect, compile, analyze, and evaluate data and make verbal or written presentations based on the data.
• Prepare various documents including operations manuals and procedures, program and activity schedules, requisitions, proposals, and monitor budgets.

• Oversee and manage the center operational budget including forecasting and projecting annual expenses in collaboration with the Vice Provost for Global Engagement.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous peoples’ experiences in higher education.
• Demonstrated understanding of social justice and the intersections of identities and oppression including Indigenous peoples and other underserved and minoritized communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the diverse tribal and cultural heritage of Native American/Indigenous students, reservation and urban Indigenous communities, and their histories.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports.
• Ability to advise potential students, parents, high school, and community college staff individually and in group settings.
• Technology experience and command of software applications such as: word, spreadsheet, database management, and software communication tools.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate degree or combination of education and experience to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the role.
• Three years of experience in student affairs, Tribal affairs, or higher education administration.
• Experience in working collaboratively with a wide range of constituencies including students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Experience developing programs.
• Experience working with Indigenous students on a college campus.
• Apply judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality in performing complex tasks.
• Ability to travel to and work with Tribes locally and nationally as needed.
• Ability to travel to conferences and/or retreat sites overnight as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with and supporting Native American and Indigenous students in higher education.
• Demonstrated understanding of theoretical issues within Indigenous student discourse.
• Experience partnering with Tribal Nations and Leadership, and/or Native organizations.
• Experience in working with urban and reservation based Indigenous communities.
• Experience with developing and implementing retention initiatives for historically underrepresented students.
• Experience working in engendering and integrating the values of diversity, inclusion, and teamwork.
• Experience working with intersectional identity groups.
• Experience collaborating with faculty.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Experience in revenue generation, fundraising, and grant writing.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified. 

Compensation at a Glance:

Salary Range: $85,000 - $102,600

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance:

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

To apply: https://apptrkr.com/4673830