Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Projects

Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Projects

Office of the President

Tsaile Campus

Duty Schedule:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Monday - Friday, occasional travel, and hours after hours.

Summary/Objective of Position:

The Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Projects will contribute to Diné College's advocacy and research agenda through directing legislative and policy analysis that will advance the College's higher education agenda policy. This includes Navajo Nation, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, federal legislative bodies and the tracking of legislation. This position is responsible for providing administrative support for the Office of the President.

Description of Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Direct and coordinate with other legislative personnel within the Navajo Nation government, State Legislature (AZ, NM, and Utah), and Federal government offices to coordinate with our legislative personnel and lobbying efforts.
• Is responsible for monitoring developments and alternating President of possible impacts and, if needed soliciting and compiling information regarding possible actions to address legislation.
• Provide analysis of potential legislation and its impact on the College. Monitor and report on findings from academic and other research organizations related to Diné College's policy agenda.
• Provide recommendations, supported research, and policy analysis on higher education and related areas. Write reports, publish findings, and give presentations.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of current and emerging trends, issues, and perspectives in higher education within federal, state, institutional, nonprofit, and foundation sectors.
• Maintains and develops various databases and materials for internal and external use that provide information about state legislators, members of Congress, council delegates, and Diné College's presence in legislative districts.
• Summarize and interpret relevant legislative, judicial, and executive actions.
• Draft articles and other member communication materials, including grassroots initiatives and policy summaries.
• Develop and distribute a variety of information materials, including public policy positions, testimony, speeches, and other presentations.
• Assist in organizing annual Local and National Legislative Summits. Work with other College officials to identify and track tribal, federal and state legislation that may affect higher education and a wide range of Diné College programs or constituents, including academic programs, land grant, public health, and other areas of interest to Diné College administrators and faculty.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred:

• Master's Degree in policy, public administration, education, economics, government, political science, or related field.

Knowledge:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in policy analysis and research synthesis, including writing policy memos and research briefs.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
• Understanding of Federal Indian relationship with the federal, state, and local governments.
• Knowledge of Federal Indian self-determination and higher education.
• understanding of the legislative process at the federal, state, and Navajo Nation level.

Skills:

• Successfully completing projects efficiently and on time; strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel and ability to learn other software that may be applicable.
• understanding of the political process and legislative process of tribal, state, and federal levels.
• Oral fluency in Navajo is highly desirable, but not mandatory.
• Proficiency in writing and creating written analysis of legislative and policy statements.,
• Capability of understanding the financial impact of such policies and legislative initiatives is a must.

Abilities:

• Ability to exercise sound judgement, initiative and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work on a team, conduct collaborative research, and deal effectively and courteously with supervisor, peers, and external stakeholders.
• Familiar with and interested in working with elected and appointed college governing boards that represent their communities.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research in a team environment or individually.
• Understanding of economics to provide a financial aspect to research and policy analysis.
• Ability to operate flexibly and consistently.
• Ability to represent the President in making decisions that require mature judgment.
• detail-oriented in coordinating activities.

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

• Work is performed in an office setting to include but not limited to the use of a personal computer, enter, retrieve and analyze data;
• Ability to attend and participate in meetings and trainings.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to internal and external customers via multimedia.
• Ability to maintain confidentially, ability to travel and use of a College vehicle is required.

Other Requirement(s):

• Must have and maintain a valid state driver's license and successfully pass a background check.
• Other licensing may be required depending on position and/or area of assignment.