American Indian Higher Education Consortium: President and CEO

LIFT

LIFT

Washington, DC, USA
Posted 6+ months ago
ORGANIZATION: American Indian Higher Education Consortium
ROLE: President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
POSITION TYPE: On-Site
LOCATION: DC Area (Relocation Assistance Available)
ADDRESS: 121 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
SALARY: $215,000-$265,000 based on experience
ABOUT AMERICAN INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION CONSORTIUM
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) is the collective spirit and unifying voice of the Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). AIHEC provides leadership and influences public policy on American Indian and Alaska Native higher education issues through advocacy, research, and programmatic initiatives; promotes and strengthens Indigenous languages, cultures, communities, lands, and tribal nations; and serves its member institutions and emerging TCUs.
Learn more about AIHEC by visiting https://www.aihec.org/
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The President & CEO is responsible for leveraging Board, staff, and partner input to shape and execute an inspiring and compelling vision, direction, and strategy to usher AIHEC into its new chapter. The President & CEO will publicly represent a strong community of Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) committed to a vision of strong sovereign nations through excellence in Tribal higher education.
The President & CEO reports to the Board of Directors (Board) and is supervised by the Executive Committee (EC). They will manage a remote and DC-based team of 27 staff members. Major areas of responsibility include:

Setting a Strategic Direction for AIHEC

  • Develop AIHEC's mission and goals into strategic objectives and actionable plans, particularly in areas such as sustainability, native language vitalization, student success, and Tribal nation-building.
  • Identify key strategic areas, including economic opportunity, Tribal health, cultural resilience, and opportunities for partnerships with corporate America for investment and co-location of research and development facilities.
  • Work closely with the TCU community and Board to create and initiate legislative or programmatic initiatives that are beneficial to the finances of AIHEC and its member TCUs.

Providing Financial Leadership & Management

  • Oversee all aspects of financial management, including linking strategic planning with budgeting, ensuring regular financial reporting to the Board, and submitting an annual budget for the Board’s review, revision, and approval in collaboration with the Vice President of Finance and Administration.

Managing Board Relations

  • Act as the primary liaison to the Board, conduct and facilitate quarterly Board meetings, develop agendas, coordinate presentations, and ensure effective communication to inform Board discussions.
  • Establish and maintain effective dialogue and communication systems between the Board and staff for regular updates and critical information sharing.
  • Serve as staff to the EC, coordinating monthly committee meetings and handling various consultations, negotiations, and actions.
  • Work with TCU Board members to identify common issues and develop strategic priorities.

People Management & Capacity Building

  • Create and maintain an inclusive work environment, select and lead qualified staff, fostering a culture of professional growth, leadership development, and high morale.
  • Maintain and adhere to HR policies and procedures as approved by the Board.
  • Mentor senior staff to enhance their working relationships with the Board and committee chairs.
  • Uphold and reinforce the AIHEC Code of Conduct.
  • Build the capacity of TCUs and AIHEC for research relevant to Tribal communities and students, including implementing the AIHEC Research Agenda.
  • Ensure that staff and consultants/contractors are aligned with the organizational goals set by the Board.

Program Development

  • Cultivates and Strengthens Partnerships: Develops and nurtures meaningful relationships with federal and state government entities, foundations, businesses, and individual supporters. Focuses on fostering collaborations and partnerships that support and enhance the programs of TCUs.
  • Program Development and Support: Coordinates efforts with the American Indian College Fund to strategically develop and implement initiatives that resonate with our partners' values and interests. These collaborations aim to not only secure support but also to build lasting alliances that contribute to the TCUs' long-term success and sustainability.

Advocacy & Coalition Building:

  • Legislative Analysis and Collaboration: Analyze legislation and appropriations affecting AIHEC members and work with federal departments and agencies to maximize AIHEC's participation in federal programs.
  • Relationship Management: Maintain strong relationships with Congressional and agency staff, update the EC and Board with legislative updates, and foster connections with the American Indian College Fund and other relevant organizations.
  • Strategic Advocacy + Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and negotiate Memoranda of Understanding, oversee the production of advocacy materials, coordinate legislative consultants, lead briefings and meetings, build consensus among external groups, and represent AIHEC in key negotiations and discussions.

Managing Communications and Public Relations

  • Develops, manages, and implements an annual public relations plan.
  • Communicates to the public on important issues facing American Indian higher education, TCUs, and their students.
  • Remains attentive to the AIHEC branding scheme to ensure it remains contemporary and relevant.
  • As publisher, provides leadership for the Tribal College Journal to ensure a focus on TCUs and AIHEC and makes recommendations to the Board accordingly.

The President & CEO is expected to be thoroughly committed to AIHEC’s vision and mission. Concrete, demonstrable experience and other qualifications include:

  • Proven Leadership and Management Expertise: At least ten years of senior management experience in a performance- and outcomes-based organization, with a successful track record of retaining diverse staff, fostering team culture, professional growth, and leadership development.
  • Experience with TCU Movement and Board Management: Demonstrated success working with the TCU movement and effectively managing relationships with a large, diverse Board of Directors.
  • Educational Background: Advanced degree required, terminal degree preferred.
  • Political Engagement and Acumen: Demonstrated successful experience with Congress, the President's office, and other governmental agencies, combined with evidence of political astuteness.
  • Financial Management: Proven experience in managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
  • Strategic Planning and Innovation: Demonstrated ability to develop an entrepreneurial, adaptable approach to planning.
  • Communication and Coalition Building: Outstanding communication skills (both written and verbal) and excellent coalition-building abilities with diverse stakeholders.
  • Understanding of Indigenous Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding or experience with Indigenous Knowledge systems, encompassing a wide spectrum of Indigenous wisdom, cultural practices, environmental stewardship, and community relations. This includes applying Indigenous perspectives and methodologies in strategic planning, educational programs, and policy development, thereby fostering a comprehensive, culturally informed approach to various organizational challenges and opportunities.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS

  • Travel is projected at 30%.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Compensation – $215,000 to $265,000.
  • Health Insurance to include Vision & Dental - Company Paid
  • Short/Long Term Disability – Company Paid
  • Life Insurance - Company Paid
  • 6% Pension Match
  • Vacation & Sick Leave - 13 AIHEC Observed Holidays
AIHEC is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.