PRESIDENT - ATCH

EXEMPT 

SALARY: NEGOTIABLE

GENERAL DEFINITION:   The President is responsible for leading the unique opportunity to continue the development of the A:shiwi Tribal College (ATC) as a cultural empowered, community responsive and independently accredited Pueblo institute of higher learning serving the Zuni tribal community. Essential Responsibilities: The President shall perform all duties listed herein and any duties assigned by the Board.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:   Work is performed under the general supervision of the Education and Training Division Director and the A:shiwi Tribal College Board of Trustees.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:  Provides supervision of the Executive Assistant, Indigenous Curriculum Director, ATC Finance Director, and ATC Human Resources Director (See ATC staffing chart).

DUTIES:

Serves as the Chief Executive Officer of A:shiwi Tribal College with authority derived from the ATC Board of Trustees.

• Provides executive leadership for the College and Board, advising on policy development and strategic decision-making.
• Leads the development of a unified vision and direction for all College programs and services in alignment with Board policies and legal requirements.
• Makes recommendations to the Board on instructional and cultural education programs that strengthen community, student learning, and student services.
• Models leadership that builds trust, confidence, and mutual support between the College and the Zuni community.
• Ensures that the A:shiwi Core Values, Code of Ethics, and Declaration of Responsibility are upheld by all employees and representatives of the College and Board.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and a welcoming environment for all.
• Engages in active listening to understand and respect the culture, history, and needs of students and the broader community.
• Leads the development of partnerships at the tribal, state, federal, and international levels to advance the College’s mission.
• Oversees the administration, management, and operations of the Zuni Instructional Site, contingent on the partnership with Navajo Technical University.
• Collaboratively develops and implements programs aligned with the mission and vision of the College.

Leads the A:shiwi Tribal College accreditation process and planning, including collaboration with other Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

• Uses the Strategic Plan for Accreditation to guide and implement actions that prepare the College and Board for successful accreditation.
• Coordinates all document filings with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to initiate and maintain accreditation status.
• Ensures all required documents for accreditation and institutional operations are properly developed, reviewed, and submitted to accrediting agencies.
• Ensures Board members, employees, and faculty are knowledgeable about accreditation standards, including HLC’s Assumed Practices.
• Collaborates with consultants and the Board to prepare self-study reports and plan for HLC site visits.
• Maintains clear and consistent communication with the ATC Board and the Zuni Tribal Council on key accreditation matters.
• Maintains active engagement and communication with AIHEC and other Indigenous accreditation organizations, including pursuing membership and institutional support.
• Represents the College at accreditation-related meetings and events, including those hosted by AIHEC and HLC.

Provides management and operational oversight of A:shiwi Tribal College, including sound fiscal management.

• Ensures that the operating budget aligns with and supports the Strategic Plan and works with all funding agencies to secure appropriations for College priorities.
• Collaborates with Board-appointed and President-appointed committees to complete documents required for accreditation, accountability, and reporting.
• Meets regularly with all College departments and key staff to ensure student needs are met and that operations effectively support academic programs.
• Leads and supervises organizational development to strengthen the College’s capacity for fiscal and operational independence.
• Prepares and submits annual budget recommendations to the Board; implements the approved or amended budget and actively seeks to increase revenue.
• Works with key staff to establish fiscal accounts and ensure accountability for all tribal, state, federal, and non-profit funds.
• Ensures the accuracy and timely submission of financial reports required by local, tribal, state, and federal agencies, and oversees audits resulting in unmodified (clean) opinions.
• Initiates planning for the creation of the A:shiwi Tribal College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS to receive donations and gifts in support of operations, initiatives, and scholarships.
• Supports the development of fiscal procedures, fund accountability measures, and audit standards to ensure proper financial management.
• Develops a strong Institutional Advancement program to generate funding and other revenues to support the College’s mission and sustainability.

Actively supports the development of programs rooted in ancestral knowledge, oral history, and cultural perspectives to celebrate Zuni cultural and community strengths.

• Supports the development and implementation of Zuni language programming and provides professional development opportunities to enhance services to A:shiwi Learners.
• Collaborates with key staff and departments to develop and expand career and technical education programs.
• Promotes the development of creative arts, entrepreneurial, and agricultural programs to support family-based businesses, college and career readiness, and the continuation of Indigenous agricultural skills and practices.

Coordinates meetings, activities, and related matters with the A:shiwi Tribal College Board of Trustees.

• Collaborates with the Board President to develop agendas for regular and special meetings to ensure effective outcomes.
• Schedules regular monthly meetings and keeps the Board President informed of major activities and ATC developments.
• Assists the Board President in implementing the activities of standing committees.
• Prepares and distributes monthly and annual progress reports for the Board and the public.
• Manages public relations and promotes special events involving the Board.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge

• Understanding of Zuni tribal language, culture, history, government, and sovereignty.
• In-depth knowledge of postsecondary education policies, accreditation processes, and institutional governance.
• Familiarity with Indigenous knowledge systems, culturally responsive education, and Native language revitalization challenges and opportunities.
• Understanding of federal, state, private, other relevant funding mechanisms for Tribal Colleges and Universities.
• Knowledge of organizational finance, grant management, and budget management.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting higher education and tribal institutions, including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title IX, and federal compliance reporting requirements.

Skills

• Skills in leading an organization while honoring cultural values and community priorities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for addressing diverse audiences.
• Skills in strategic planning, program evaluation, academic assessment, and data-driven decision-making.
• Skills in securing and managing public and private funding, including grants and philanthropic partnerships.
• Skills in hiring, mentoring, and managing diverse teams.
• Skills in handling institutional crises and resolving conflict.

Abilities

• Ability to embed tribal values, language, and traditions into the College mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to promote academic innovation that aligns with the College mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to lead Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and community members toward shared goals.
• Ability to represent the College effectively at tribal, state, and federal levels.
• Ability to build relationships with tribal communities, K-12 systems, industry, and local/state/federal entities.
• Ability to ensure that the College remains mission-aligned, upholds ethical standards, and works successfully toward achieving and maintaining accreditation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A terminal academic degree (Ed.D., Ph.D., MFA, J.D., etc.)
• A minimum of five years of successful leadership in complex organizations and higher education environments.
• Successful experience working with culturally, linguistically and economically diverse tribal communities.
• Teaching experience at the higher education level.
• Leadership experience in a Tribal College University setting

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES: Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver’s License with no DWI/DUI convictions within the last three years. Driving is not an essential part of the duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS. Position is subject to Pre-Employment drug testing. Position is Safety Sensitive and will be subject to random drug screening for duration of employment. Must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation including FBI Fingerprints. Ability to travel and attend evening and extended day events.