JOB PURPOSE:

The Provost serves as the chief academic officer of the University and provides strategic leadership for all academic and student affairs functions. Reporting directly to the President, the Provost is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of undergraduate and graduate programs, student success initiatives, and institutional effectiveness.

The Provost works collaboratively with senior leadership to advance the University's mission, strengthen academic quality, and foster a supportive environment that promotes faculty excellence, student achievement, and long-term employee engagement. This position oversees academic colleges, enrollment management, graduate studies, student services, recruitment, registration, and institutional data and reporting.

This description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties.

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.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Academic Leadership and Strategy

• Provide visionary leadership for academic programs aligned with institutional mission and priorities
• Lead the development and execution of the University's academic strategic plan
• Oversee curriculum design, program assessment, and academic innovation
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging areas of study

2. Faculty Affairs

• Support faculty recruitment, retention, development, and evaluation
• Foster a culture of shared governance, academic freedom, and scholarly excellence
• Encourage research, creative activity, and professional growth

3. Student Success and Academic Experience

• Advance initiatives that improve retention, persistence, and graduation rates
• Oversee academic advising, student support services, and engagement strategies
• Ensure programs are responsive to the diverse cultural, academic, and professional needs of students

4. Budgeting and Resource Management

• Develop and oversee academic budgets in alignment with institutional priorities
• Allocate resources effectively across colleges and academic units
• Advocate for funding to support instruction, research, and student services

5. Accreditation and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with accrediting bodies and regulatory requirements
• Lead institutional accreditation processes, program reviews, and assessment efforts
• Uphold academic integrity and quality standards

6. Institutional Collaboration

• Partner with the President, Deans, and senior leadership to advance strategic initiatives
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and reduce organizational silos
• Support institutional planning, policy development, and decision-making

7. External Relations and Partnerships

• Develop partnerships with industry, tribal, state, and federal entities, and community organizations
• Support grant development, fundraising, and sponsored programs
• Enhance institutional visibility, reputation, and impact

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Terminal degree (PhD, EdD or equivalent) from an accredited institution
• Record of distinguished scholarship, teaching, or professional achievement
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership in higher education
• Experience in overseeing academic, administrative, budgetary, and operational functions
• At least five (5) years in supervisory or executive leadership experience
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, accreditation, and institutional management
• Experience working with higher education institutions, including Tribal Colleges and Universities

• Valid and clean state driver's license
• Ability to pass background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies and no history of child abuse and/or neglect.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven record of securing grants or external funding
• Experience in international or global education initiatives
• Familiarity with online, hybrid, and innovative instructional models

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of federal, state, county and local laws, and regulations affecting higher education
• Understanding of accreditation standards and TCU funding structures
• Strong financial and budget management expertise
• Proficiency in data analyst, institutional research, and performance metrics
• Demonstrated leadership in organizational development and change management
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and consensus-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound, independent decisions
• Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Ability to communicate in English; Navajo language proficiency preferred
• Strong technical proficiency and ability to leverage data systems
• Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, and objectives of higher education.
• Knowledge and understanding of organizational performance benchmarking and measurement concepts, principles, and techniques.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
• Knowledge of the development, preparation, and control of budgets.
• Knowledge of managerial and statistical analysis techniques and reporting procedures.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, presentation software (such as PowerPoint), and PC-based computerized accounting software.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.
• Skill in providing leadership to, supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to create and present effective financial reports, speeches and presentations.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment
• Ability to be persuasive and tactful in controversial situations
• Ability to ensure user compliance with the requirements of the contracts and grants
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent sitting with occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching
• Ability to travel between campuses and instructional sites
• Employee occasional must stand, walk, bend, stoop, and squat.
• Use hands for repetitive of motion, repetitive movement of both hands
• Adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed across multiple campuses and instructional sites, including the main campus in Crownpoint, New Mexico
• Regular travel is required
• Position involves managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Evening, weekend, and extended hours may be required