Director, Center for Indian Education

Job Description

About the Role:
The Director of the Center for Indian Education (CIE) will serve as the academic and administrative leader of a nationally recognized center committed to advancing educational equity, research, and policy for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Indigenous communities. This role is ideal for an educator-scholar with a strong record of culturally grounded leadership, collaborative engagement with tribal nations, and a commitment to Indigenous self-determination in education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership for the Center’s academic, research, and community outreach missions
• Lead and support Indigenous education research initiatives at local, regional, and national levels
• Foster partnerships with tribal communities, Native organizations, schools, and governmental agencies
• Oversee Center operations, budget, staff management, and strategic planning
• Facilitate grant writing, fundraising, and development of externally funded projects
• Mentor Indigenous students and faculty, and support Indigenous-led curriculum development
• Serve as a thought leader on Native education policy, language revitalization, culturally responsive pedagogy, and decolonial research practices
• Represent the Center at professional conferences, tribal consultation meetings, and national education forums

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) in Education, Indigenous Studies, or a closely related field
• A strong scholarly record in Indigenous education, policy, or related disciplines (for tenure-track roles)
• Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous values, sovereignty, and culturally rooted education
• Substantial experience working with tribal nations, Native-serving institutions, or community-based organizations
• Proven leadership experience in academic or community-based program administration
• Excellent communication, grant writing, and cross-cultural collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Indigenous heritage and/or lived experience in Native communities
• Experience leading interdisciplinary research or community-based participatory projects
• Familiarity with federal and tribal education policies (e.g., BIE, Title VI, Indian Self-Determination Act)
• Fluency or working knowledge of a Native language (preferred but not required)
• Previous success in securing competitive research or programmatic funding

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to shape and lead nationally recognized Indigenous education initiatives
• Supportive academic community with Indigenous faculty, staff, and students
• Competitive salary and full benefits including health, retirement, tuition assistance, and leave
• Institutional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigenous self-determination
• Platform to contribute to educational justice, language revitalization, and policy transformation

How to Apply:

Submit your application, including a cover letter, CV, leadership philosophy statement, and contact information for three references via the university’s official career portal.
Subject Line: Director – Center for Indian Education Application – [Your Name]
Priority Deadline: [Insert deadline if known]; applications reviewed on a rolling basis