Nikaitchuat Director

TITLE: Nikaitchuat Director
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
DEPARTMENT: Language Program
GRADE LEVEL: TBD
STATUS: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general guidance of the Executive Director, accomplishes the strategic objectives of the Language program by directing, leading, and administering all programs within the  Nikaitchuat Ilisagviat school. In collaboration with the Steering Committee, manages the facilities, finances, programs, and staff. Establishes positive relationships with parents and other staff to improve the success of students in accordance with Tribal vision, mission, and values and in accordance with established laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices.

Upholds the organization’s mission, and values as well as demonstrates an understanding of and compliance with organization’s policies and procedures.

Promotes the organization’s mission and vision and demonstrates integrity, professionalism, accountability, cooperation with and consideration of others.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and implements a strategic plan to maintain the capacity to deliver top quality educational services that result in successful student outcomes.
• Directs the establishment, implementation, and communication of goals, objectives, policies and procedures in accordance with strategic plan and applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, and regulatory agencies.
• Contributes to the effectiveness of the School’s programs by identifying short-term and long-range issues and goals that must be addressed; providing information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommending options and courses of actions; and implementing directives.
• Achieves the School’s financial objectives by overseeing control and implementation of the budgetary processes.
• Directs the pursuit of grant funding for the continuation or expansion of program services and functions.
• Develops and presents reports on the status, activities, and plans for current and future operations; keeps leadership informed of status of School activities by attending meetings and submitting reports. 
• Interacts with state and federal government to ensure compliance with laws and regulations; ensures compliance with required licensing for operation of Nikaitchuat Ilisagviat with the State of Alaska Department of Education and other appropriate agencies.
• Manages daily operations of all facets of the School including overseeing the billing process for tuition.
• Collaborates with professional staff to establish standards of student behavior, curriculum, assessment schedule, and any matters needed to achieve a functional positive learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Develops, implements, and monitors School policies and procedures, ensuring appropriate training for staff; ensures security, emergency, and crisis policies are in place and well communicated to staff, parents, students, and the community.
• Engages in faculty and student activities.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with School staff, students, parents, and the public.
• Supports parents and community members in the areas of language acquisition and use, and family-oriented cultural activities through ongoing development of program activities and projects.
• Represents the School at national, state, and local meetings/conferences to promote and explain the School’s objectives. 
• Serves on boards and committees as required or requested.
• Ensures timely repairs and maintenance of school facility; prepares and submits work orders; and follows up on completion of repairs and maintenance.
• Fills in for teachers when required; drives school bus as needed.
• Ensures compliance with governmental regulations, ordinances, laws, grants, policies, and other guidelines.
• Builds and fosters effective working relationships with others.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSBILITY:

• Supervises the Lead Teacher, Teacher, and Teacher Aide.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Tribe’s policies and applicable laws.
• Improves staff effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining staff; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; integrating functional objectives; and providing and participating in educational opportunities.
• Ensures full staffing of teachers and substitutes for all school days.
• Observes and evaluates teachers’ educational styles, methods, and practices in accordance with School guidelines.
• Plans, organizes, and provides for professional development activities for teaching staff.
• Support the Tribe’s teachers in teaching methodologies, classroom management, and development of cultural activities.
• Hosts and participates in regular meetings to ensure effective communications about School expectations, activities, and progress.
• Maintains a positive work environment by motivating team members, fostering teamwork, and addressing and resolving conflicts as they arise.
• Oversees and enforces adherence to administrative and personnel policies and procedures.
• Develops techniques and standards for evaluation of program activities.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of all program functions.
• Assumes and exercises signing authority for the program.
• Serves as a contact person for vendors, contractors, and other project partners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education Administration, Education Leadership, Education Counseling, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in school setting program, as a teacher, or related experience.
• Two (2) years in a supervisory capacity preferred.
• A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
• Must meet the requirements of the Child Care Associate under the State of Alaska Child Care Licensing Program within a year of accepting the position.
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be insurable under the Village’s vehicle insurance policy
• Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation and drug test.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check under the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C., 3301. Cannot have been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Policies, functions, and responsibilities of the Native Village of Kotzebue, Northwest Arctic Borough, and Alaskan Native lifestyle, culture, traditions, history, and needs.
• Federal programs including PL 93-638 contracting, Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, as amended, the Indian Self Determination and Education Act; NAHASD, ICWA; and Tribal Courts, ANCSA Act of 1971; and the Alaska Native Interest Land Conservation Act.
• Guidelines, principles, practices, trends, terminology, methods, and techniques pertaining to pedagogy, education, childhood development, and special education.
• Principles and practices of budget and project management.
• Grant and contract writing and management.
• Sources of federal, state, local, and private funding for the Nation’s programs.

Skill in:

• Planning, directing, and leading complex projects.
• Hiring, supervising, training, developing, and evaluating assigned staff.
• Presenting, explaining, and teaching using differing methods depending on the student.
• Classroom and records management.
• Budget development and administration, financial planning, and cost control.
• Office software and industry-related applications.
• Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Interpret applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Analyze and develop curricula.
• Motivate students to learn and develop.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Speak persuasively in groups.
• Prepare comprehensive and concise reports and plans.
• Maintain a calm and even demeanor in stressful situations.
• Interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Work with, serve as a role model, and mentor children and teenagers.
• Make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines. 
• Uphold strong ethics and integrity.
• Remain in compliance with Tribal Drug Free Policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; move throughout the facility; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; taste or smell; lift up to 25 pounds; and communicate effectively. Specific vision abilities include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance. Employee may be exposed occasionally to dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens; excessive noise; and violent, hostile, or offensive individuals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is generally performed in an office or school setting with a moderate noise level; some work outdoors with exposure to varying temperature and weather conditions. Evening and/or weekend work are typical.  Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.  Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.

Native Preference will be given in recruiting and hiring, consistent with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, P.L. 93-638, as amended.

The Native Village of Kotzebue is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran protected status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.