Director of Legislative & Government AffairsLegislative Affairs DepartmentOffice of the PresidentTsaile CampusDuty Schedule:8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, occasional travel and hours after hours.
Summary/Objective of Position:The Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Projects will contribute to Dine College's advocacy and research agenda through directing legislative and special projects that will advance the College's higher education agenda policy. This includes Navajo Nation, New Mexico, Arizona, and federal legislative bodies and the tracking of legislation. This position is responsible for providing administrative support for the Office of the President.
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.- Coordinate and collaborate with legislative personnel within the Navajo Nation government, the Arizona and New Mexico State Legislatures, and federal government offices to advance legislative priorities, strengthen intergovernmental partnerships, and support advocacy and lobbying
- Is responsible for monitoring developments and alerting the 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 Monitor and report on findings from academic and other research organizations that relate to Diné College's policy agenda.
- Develop and maintain knowledge of current and emerging trends, issues, and perspectives in higher education within federal, state, institutional, nonprofit, and foundation 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.
- Summarizes and interprets relevant legislative, judicial, and executive actions.
- Draft articles and other member communication materials, including grassroots initiatives and special project
- Assists, under the direction of the President, in the development of special projects to further the economic well-being, academic mission, and nation-building of the Navajo Nation.
- Works in collaboration and directs the Grant Proposal Developer in identifying opportunities that require grant proposals to potential funders.
- Coordinates and directs Diné College staff in the crafting and research for special projects.
- Coordinate and assist the President in the development and distribution of scholarships and funding opportunities related to scholarships.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONSEducation & Experience Minimum:- Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.
Preferred:- Master's Degree in policy, public administration, education, economics, government, political science, or related
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 Indian self-determination and higher education.
- Understanding of the legislative process at the federal, state and Navajo Nation level.
- Understanding of project development and project management, understanding of project budgeting and creation of funding plans.
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 at tribal, state, and federal levels.
- Oral fluency in Navajo is highly desirable, but not mandatory.
- Proficient in writing and creating written analysis of legislative and policy
- Capability of understanding the financial impact of such policies and legislative initiatives is a
- Ability to facilitate a team environment to foster creativity.
Abilities:- Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and maintain strict
- 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
- Understanding of economics to provide a financial aspect to research.
- Ability to operate flexibly and consistently.
- Ability to represent the President in making decisions that require mature
- Detail-oriented in coordinating
- Ability to ensure all voices are heard and facilitate such dialogue to develop special projects.
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
- Ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to travel and use of a College vehicle is
Other Requirement(s):- Must have and maintain a valid state-issued driver's license and successfully pass a background
- Other licensing may be required depending on position and/or area of assignment.
Please upload all documents relevant to the position you are applying for. This should include at a minimum; - (1) Resume,
- (2) Three Letters of Recommendation (Dated within One-Year from the Application), and
- (3) Copies of Academic Transcripts.
- Other documents may be required for the position, for example, if claiming Navajo Preference, upload your CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood) or DD-214 if claiming Veterans Preference. Please upload and appropriately title those documents if the position requires additional certification and/or licensures.
Note: if any documents are missing or not uploaded, your application will not be complete and therefore not considered. 
