Director of Land Grant Programs at American Indian Higher Education Consortium AIHEC – Remote

Director of Land Grant Programs Position Description

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) is the collective spirit and unifying voice of our nation's Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). AIHEC supports American Indian and Alaska Native higher education through dedicated research and programmatic initiatives designed to strengthen Native languages, cultures, and Tribal communities. By leveraging its unique position, AIHEC serves as a collaborative partner, providing essential services to member institutions and emerging TCUs. Additionally, AIHEC produces the Tribal College Journal (TCJ), a premier national publication sharing insights on American Indian education.

Position Summary

The Director of Land Grant Programs provides strategic leadership in establishing and expanding land grant and environmental programs across Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). The role focuses on supporting TCU teaching, research, and extension services—including food security, economic development, and environmental stewardship—to strengthen Native communities and Tribal Nations. 

This position will report to the Senior Director of Sponsored Programs.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership: Under the direction of the VP of Sponsored Programs, provides strategic and operational leadership for AIHEC’s Land-Grant andenvironmental programs, including supervision of staff, oversight of program implementation, and coordination of related initiatives. TCU Support: Provides technical assistance and capacity-building services, workshops and resources to help TCUs develop and sustain community-driven, culturally based land grant and environmental programs. Partnership & Advocacy: Coordinates with USDA, Tribal, state, and national partners to disseminate project information and represent AIHEC at national meetings, strengthening relationships with federal agencies, funders, and key partners. Research & Development: Leads research and education initiatives addressing policy and community priorities and leverages existing programs to secure new funding and strategic growth opportunities. Evaluation & Compliance: Monitors, evaluates, and reports program outputs and impacts while ensuring full compliance with federal grant requirements. Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree andexperiencein a relevant field.  Master’s degree preferred.

Indian Country Expertise: Must possess deep familiarity with Indian Country, including experience working within reservation-based communities and a strong understanding of Tribal Nations and TCUs. Knowledge Base: Comprehensive understanding of land grant related and related issues, American Indianand Alaska Nativeissues, and best practices for community-based engagement in Tribal settings. Program Management: Strong program and general management skills, with a proven record of successful grant management and staff development. Communication: Highly skilled in professional oral and written communication, with the ability to explain complex research to diverse stakeholders. Technical Skills: Proficient in collaborative online work environments and tools.Professionalism:Commitment to ethical standards, detail-oriented project management, and a collaborative, team-oriented approachPhysical Job Requirements

Ability to communicate information and ideas, detect,determine, perceive, andobservedetails, particularly on a screen or on paper.Ability to spend more thanhalfthe time viewing computer monitors.This position may requireremainingin astationary position 50% or more.Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.Ability to travel independently and attend off-site meetings and events as required by business needs.Candidate must be able to complete all essential functions of the job with or withoutreasonableaccommodation.Work Location and Travel Requirements

Remotepositionwith the ability to travel asrequired.Sporadic travel (up to25%) for meetings and conferences. Compensation and Benefits

$130,000 -140,000per annum401(k) with 6% matchingPremium medical insurance for employees and dependents paid for by the organizationDental, vision, life, accident, hospital indemnity, and disability insurances offered at low costHolidays and Paid time offAIHEC’s personnel policies, procedures, and practices prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation during the application process or in performing essential functions of the role, please contact Human Resources.