Education Director

Job Description

**This Job is Located in Flandreau, SD**

JOB SUMMARY: The Education Director performs the following tasks in compliance with the 638 BIA Contract Program- BIA/AVT Higher Education. Oversees the implementation and supervision of grant programs awarded to FSST Education under the authority of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. Assists in developing, planning, evaluating, and coordinating activities related to community education and program development. Targets FSST enrolled youth and FSST members to recruit into higher education programs and universities, adult education programs, or other related assistance. Works collaboratively with Dakota Language and other Educational Grant project employees to avoid duplication of services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs all necessary functions in relation to administration of BIA/AVT tuition grant programs as outlined in the Higher Education Administrative Manual and FSST Student Handbook on Educational Funding.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality regarding student files, reports, and information. Must uphold the privacy of information with documentation within the Tribal and Education Departments. Must adhere to any mandatory reporting and confidentiality laws, policies, and regulations.
• Performs all necessary functions in the budget management of BIA Higher Education, Grant Programs and Community Fund budgets as outlined in the FSST Financial Management Manual.
• Create, update, manage, and implement departmental tasks, policies, and procedures, if and as needed, for the Education Department’s programs and services to function effectively, fairly, and efficiently for the FSST membership and community at large.
• Prepares and submits quarterly reports on all Contracts, education grant programs, and education-related projects to the Contract Administrator and FSST Executive Committee for review by the FSST General Council.
• Promotes, mentors, recruits, educates, and provides junior high and high school-aged Tribally enrolled children about various higher education programs, scholarships, universities,s and technical school offerings through advising, workshops, field trips, and classes.
• Provide career and occupational information for the tribal community, including assistance with occupational exploration, resume building, cover letters, interviewing tips, and professional etiquette through advising, handouts, and workshops/classes.
• Assists and offers guidance to students and targeted groups with college and university enrollment, FAFSA, and other higher education paperwork if needed.
• Researches and offers various scholarships for Native Americans/American Indians or fields of study for existing higher education students receiving scholarship funding through FSST.
• Prepares report summaries and recommendations according to the FSST Student Handbook for Educational Funding of existing students for the Higher Education Committee to review and vote on. Works closely with the Committee for suggestions of possible onsite education or new programs to be introduced.
• Serves students currently enrolled in the Higher Education program as an advisor and helps check in with students and direct them to school resources to aid in FSST tribal members’ retention rates in colleges/universities.
• Acts as a liaison between the South Dakota Board of Regents, tribal colleges, and local colleges and universities, and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe to establish a network of communication and awareness.
• Implements and/or collaborates with other departments and programs to create community education classes that promote educational, occupational, cultural, wellness, or art-related learning. Responsible for program evaluations.
• Monitor the Learning Classroom including classroom reservations, computer usage and sign-in sheets, and the computer use policies. Develop online learning opportunities for the local tribal community.
• Increase the recruitment and retention of the number of tribal members without a high school diploma to attain a GED or the equivalence to a High School Diploma.
• Manages the FSST Adult GED Preparation Program including program evaluation, policy updates, budgeting, recruitment, classes, managing resources, student orientations, and tracking and supporting students in the program.
• Promotes/Supports and assists with FSST’s Dakota Culture and Language Program staff and the after-school program, if or as needed.
• Collaborates and assists with the Demonstration Grant and JOM Program staff, if or as needed.
• Promote outreach activities and community programs through advertising events, newsletters, and contacting students on a regular basis.
• Assist in the development of any college readiness or summer bridge programs to recruit students into higher education with college-level ready skills.
• Promote and/or develop appropriate programming that enhances Native American student achievement such as mentorship programs, scholarship programs, workshops, classes, and/or other national/state-wide student success programs.
• Continually explore and apply for grants and other funding opportunities for Education departmental programs and services.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree required with Education focus preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience with higher education programs, grant writing, scholarships, or other similar related duties strongly preferred.
• Possession of a valid SD Driver’s license and insurable by the FSST. Willingness to use personal vehicle in the course of employment.
• Must submit to a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and P.L. 101-630 background check.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and/or projects and occasionally work odd hours.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to interface with a wide range of stakeholders, internal staff, advisory/school boards/parent boards, committee members, and community members as well as young people and parents.
• Direct experience with native youth and cultural sensitivity and knowledge education program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation is strongly preferred.