Program Manager (IIN-ADMIT) (Grant position)

JOB PURPOSE:

IIN-ADMIT is a developmental project to create economic opportunity through technology transfer in advanced manufacturing to engage the Navajo Nation and other Tribal nations in the Southwest with higher education institutions, and industry. The objective is to create a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem that furthers Tribal economic prosperity goals. Additionally, the project will enable rural and remote Tribal communities to participate in emerging supply chain operations in the space industry as an initial focus.

We have tentative approval to hire a full-time program manager for an initial two-year limited term contract. This individual will lead and coordinate project resources. This individual will be responsible for coordinating project activities, working with Navajo Technical University (NTU), Arizona State University (ASU), the American Indian Higher Education Consortium colleges and universities, and staff members from other organizations involved in this project. The objective is to seed a future for distributed manufacturing in communities to grow the regional economies through research, innovation, and partnerships consistent with traditional Tribal values.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required or assigned to this position. This position will be funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, whereby NTU is the lead institution and ASU is the sub-grantee partner.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate activities across a regionally distributed project team involving multiple institutions and organizations.
• Establish and maintain communications across the IIN-ADMIT network of stakeholders.
• Generate reports and create and present outcomes in a timely manner and coordination with the IIN-ADMIT project team.
• Achieve outcomes described in the IIN-ADMIT plan of work by adhering to NTU and NSF requirements, guidelines, and procedures.
• Collaborate with the established leadership team and committees or subcommittees to manage project activities.
• Identify and engage potential partners from the government, non-profit, and private sector.
• Conduct extensive resource mapping to determine existing resources and initiatives relevant to the project.
• Conduct regular individual and focus group interviews with community leaders, business owners, and other economic development stakeholders across Navajo Tribal communities over the project's duration.
• Provide logistical support for
• Collaborate with ASU staff to help coordinate two stakeholder summits to be held at the Twin Arrows Casino and Resort outside of Flagstaff, to engage all interested stakeholders in developing a consensus about the goals and processes necessary to establish the IIN.
• Establish partnership agreements that identify roles and commitments of the IIN-ADMIT partners.
• Oversee the facilitation of federal grants, business expansion and retention, loan assistance, training schemes for local businesses and unemployed people, and land disposition, as it directly relates to the IIN-ADMIT plan.
• Assess project performance, developing achievable goals, and implementing processes that improve the effectiveness of the IIN-ADMIT plan.
• Finalize the IIN-ADMIT plan, concluding the 2-year planning period with the development of an IIN-ADMIN implementation plan for a more substantial 10-year NSF Engine project.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises students during laboratory work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Master Degree in Business Administration, Project Management or Public Administration
• 2 years of prior experience in a comparable position
• Demonstrate ability to write grant proposals
• Demonstrate ability to network with university official, faculty, and students, private and tribal sector businesses and organizations, and governmental agencies
• Experience using strategic planning techniques
• Ability to speak Navajo

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions, or transfers of individuals into this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience identifying project goals, objectives, and scope to create and evaluate a project plan.
• Experience delegating tasks, outlining timelines, identifying risks, and managing administrative and financial resources to ensure successful project completion.
• Ability to travel on a need-based basis (all travel expenses will be reimbursed).
• Ability to create an inspiring team environment with an open communication culture.
• Strong networking and coordinating skills, such as ability to guide, monitor, and lead multiple stakeholders, including private sector, tribal government, state government, federal government, and principal investigators on the project.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate, conduct, and oversee interviews and focus groups in-person.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations before diverse groups of professionals, people from the private sector, and the American Indian community.
• Understanding or willingness to learn federal grants management.
• Understanding of economic development and strategic business planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft software and other web-based project management tools.
• Ability to work with NTU's and ASU's financial systems, such as evaluating budget proposals and financial requests, tracking results, and comparing them to key financial targets, and preparing necessary reporting, documentation, and financial assessments for cost estimates and plans.
• Conversational fluency in the Navajo language.
• Understanding or willingness to learn from, communicate with, and effectively interact with indigenous peoples and their communities.
• Understanding or willingness to learn from, communicate with, and effectively interact with indigenous peoples and their communities.
• Self-knowledge and awareness about one's own cultural worldview as well as an open attitude towards other cultures.
• Knowledge of higher education accreditation processes and issues;
• Understanding of and commitment to the philosophy of tribal community Universities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit for prolonged periods, walk and stand.
• Travel may be required to collaborate with all vested parties
• Use of hands for the dexterity of motions, and repetitive movement of both hands.
• Have normal auditory, and visual acuity, and verbal communications skills.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally performed in an office setting.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.