Director, Native American Student Affairs

Director, Native American Student AffairsThe Office of Native American Initiatives seeks a dynamic, results-driven, and inclusive leader to support Native American and Indigenous students at the University of Arizona. The Director will play a vital role in advancing student success by fostering a strong sense of belonging, affirming cultural identity, and supporting academic persistence and graduation.This role requires deep knowledge of the cultural, social, financial, and community-specific factors that influence Native student success in higher education. Building on a legacy of advocacy that led to the founding of NASA in 1989, the Director will collaborate across campus to develop and implement strategies that support the recruitment, retention, and well-being of Native American and Indigenous students.Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, and Native American students at the U of Arepresenting nearly 200 Nationsmake up 3.6% of the student population. This position is essential in affirming and celebrating their culture, language, and traditions within the university setting.Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and moreDuties and Responsibilities:Center Management & OversightTrain, manage, and evaluate NASA Coordinator, graduate assistants, and undergraduate student staff as assigned.Allocate and monitor overall budget and expenditures for Native American Student Affairs.Manage and direct social events, academic events, activities to build community and foster a sense of belonging, and events that support students' cultural identity and heritage.In collaboration with campus partners, develop and implement programs and activities that support Native American students, especially with respect to academics, career paths, student success, and financial aid.Refer students to campus resources and support services.Manage, in coordination with the Office of Admissions, outreach to new students at Orientation, Wildcat Welcome, Graduate Student Orientation, and other campus-wide student events.Communicate regularly with Native American students about events, opportunities, and important deadlines. This includes maintaining a weekly or bi-weekly newsletter, overseeing website updates, overseeing a shared calendar, and managing social media.In coordination with campus partners participate in the planning of key campus events, including, but not limited to, Indigenous Peoples' Day programming, Native Heritage Month programming, an annual Powwow, and a graduation celebration.Campus Coordination and PartnersOversee continued and ongoing services to students through active and innovative programs, events, training, activities, and collaborations with other campus units and external stakeholders including the UA American Indian Alumni and Tribal Youth Councils.Create an environment of collaboration and support for the leadership and members of Native American and Indigenous student clubs and organizations, including providing guidance to new and existing student groups on the development of their organizations.Work collaboratively with the Special Advisor, Native American Affairs for Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement (NAATE) and the Assistant Vice Provost for Native American Initiatives (NAI) to develop programs, events, and partnerships to enhance Native American and Indigenous student success, including partnerships with Tribal Nations.In coordination with the Assistant Vice Provost for Native American Initiatives create partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to continue and develop relevant ways to increase student/faculty interaction, appropriate research projects, and programs and services to support student success.Meet regularly with student advisory committee to discuss center progress and events.In coordination with the Special Advisor, Native American Affairs for Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement collaborate with and NAATE Student Ambassador.Work collaboratively with Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) and NASA's Embedded Counselor to develop appropriate outreach, education and programming to proactively address unique mental wellness issues affecting Native American and Indigenous students.Provide crisis prevention, intervention, and referral when necessary to assist students in resolving personal/academic problems and crises.Maintain a partnership with the Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid's Native/Indigenous Outreach to address student financial needs.Work with campus partners to design, develop, and assess retention, attrition, and graduation efforts for Native American and Indigenous students.Contribute to annual reports produced by NAI and NAATE.Perform other work-related duties as requested by NAI.This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree.Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.Preferred Qualifications:Master's Degree.Experience working with and leading Native American and Indigenous students.Experience partnering with Tribal Nations and Leadership.Experience working with intersectional identity groups.Experience in revenue generation and/or grant writing.ExemptFull Time401.0FiscalStudent ServicesYes - Full Benefits$65,687 - $85,393salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)9The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidates work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture.M2Student Activities & EngageStudent ServicesName-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)16/8/2026Tessa Dysart tdysart@arizona.edu12/3/2025YesResume and Cover Letter