Associate Director of Academic Affairs/Programs

Position Overview:

The Associate Director of Academic Affairs/Programs supports the Executive Director in providing overall leadership, direction, and coordination of educational and operational programs. The Associate Director of Academic Affairs/Programs ensures that the organization's mission-grounded in the Diné Philosophy of Education and the values of Hózhó (balance and harmony) and K'é (kinship and respect)-is implemented through effective school management. This position provides direct supervision to assigned academic departments, supports school leadership teams, assists with the school safety and emergency preparedness plan, and ensures compliance with Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), federal, state, and tribal regulations.

Qualifications:

Education

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, Public Administration, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Valid New Mexico Administrator License or eligibility for licensure preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of mid to senior-level experience in K–12 education leadership, including school or district administration.
• Strong knowledge of school governance, academic affairs and programs, school safety, and educational leadership principles.
• Experience in Tribally Controlled Grant-Funded School Systems, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities –

• Strong understanding of tribal education governance, BIE/BIA policies, school safety, and school improvement processes.
• Excellent communication, planning, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to the Diné Philosophy of Education, emphasizing balance, respect, harmony, and kinship.
• Capacity to analyze data, make informed decisions, and implement effective strategies for continuous improvement.
• Integrity, discretion, and professionalism in all leadership responsibilities.

Other Requirements –

• Must pass a background investigation and fingerprint clearance under federal, state, and local standards.
• Possess a valid driver's license and willingness to travel as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Executive Director in overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of SASI programs and departments.
• Supervise all academic affairs and programs to ensure full support of all academic goals, coordinate with all operational systems (facilities, transportation, maintenance, and security) to support academic goals.
• Serve as Acting Executive Director when designated, maintaining continuity of leadership and decision-making.
• Participate in long-range planning for school improvement and ensure that all policies are developed and implemented in a culturally responsive manner and in alignment with appropriate protocol.
• Participate in resource planning, budget development, and fiscal oversight to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Monitor compliance with grant and regulatory requirements related to school academic performance and operations.
• Support the implementation of strategic goals, policies, and procedures to ensure efficient and effective school system management.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and performance evaluations for assigned directors and staff.
• Support professional development and capacity building for staff.
• Ensure adherence to BIE, federal and tribal education regulations and reporting requirements.
• Foster a positive organizational culture rooted in mutual respect, shared accountability, and Diné values.
• Represent SASI at professional meetings, community events, and tribal education forums as delegated by the Executive Director.
• Support accreditation, program evaluation, and continuous improvement processes.
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in all organizational operations.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director to support the school system's mission and operational success.

Student Academic Preparedness

• Collaborate with school principals, certified teachers and all academic staff to ensure academic support and growth for all students.
• Will supervise school principals.
• Promote a culture of academic preparedness, awareness, partnership and accountability in coordination with school leaders, support staff and local agencies.
• Will complete, implement, evaluate and revise the BIE One Plan as needed.
• Will assure completion and implementation of Cognia for school accreditation.
• Work in collaboration with the Executive Director and principals to conduct consistent reviews of academic performance compliance with local, state, and federal regulations including BIE student count.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, emergency management, and public health agencies to enhance campus safety.
• Ensure that staff and students receive training on safety procedures, crisis response, and emergency preparedness.
• Maintain documentation of all academic affairs and programs.

Navajo Preference:

In accordance with the Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act, Shiprock Associated Schools, Inc. (SASI) gives preference in employment to qualified Navajo applicants. Non-Navajo applicants will be considered in the absence of qualified Navajo applicants. SASI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.