Director, Native American Student Affairs

Position Overview

The Office of Native American Initiatives seeks a dynamic, results‑driven leader to support Native American and Indigenous students at the University of Arizona. The Director will advance student success by fostering belonging, affirming cultural identity, and supporting academic persistence and graduation.

Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes. Native American students at the U of A represent nearly 200 Nations and make up 3.6% of the student population. This position is essential in affirming and celebrating their culture, language, and traditions within the university setting.

• Center Management & Oversight:
  Train, manage, and evaluate staff; allocate budget; manage events to build community and support cultural identity.
• Program Development:
  Collaborate with campus partners to develop and implement programs that support academics, career paths, student success, and financial aid.
• Student Support:
  Refer students to campus resources and support services; coordinate outreach to new students at orientation events.
• Communication & Outreach:
  Maintain a weekly or bi‑weekly newsletter; oversee website updates, shared calendar, and social media; communicate with students about events, opportunities, and deadlines.
• Campus Coordination:
  Partner with admissions, financial aid, counseling, and external stakeholders to enhance student success; collaborate with Tribal Nations and Indigenous student organizations.
• Leadership &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Provide crisis prevention, intervention, and referral; support student advisory committees and annual reporting to the Native American Initiatives office.

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Master’s Degree
• Experience working with and leading Native American and Indigenous students.
• Experience partnering with Tribal and leadership.
• Experience working with intersectional identity groups.
• Experience in revenue generation and/or grant writing.

Contact:
Tessa Dysart – tdysart