Dean Of Graduate Studies

JOB PURPOSE:

Responsible for strategic planning for the University Graduate Studies onsite location. Oversees, develops and implements institutional policies related to the areas of graduate education, graduate student scholarship, the academic quality of graduate programs, faculty recruitment, and graduate student recruitment including: admission, retention, financial aid, and academic achievement. Responsible for supervision of the university library and the Dine Studies degree programs and special projects.

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:

• Develops and approves plans, goals and objectives for the Graduate School.

• Ensures compliance to contractual obligations, requirements, strategic and academic master plans.

• Achieves financial objectives by preparing and administering the operational budgets of all graduate programs and the university libraries.

• Develops methods and procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of graduate programs.

• Promotes active research opportunities for each program.

• Represents programs in the Graduate School to governmental and financial entities outside the university.

• Provides final approval of student admission to the college as well as their graduation.

• Develops, implements and maintains the academic and admissions standards of the Graduate School.

• Oversees the program review process to ensure maintenance of the highest standards of excellence.

• Coordinates with Deans, Office of Institutional Data & Research, and Provost on matters of graduate student education, curriculum, enrollment, student support, and research.

• Ensures all graduate committee work adheres to the goals and objectives set forth by each committee.

• Promotes graduate-specific efforts for enhancing diversity in graduate programs and coordinates with other diversity programs and initiatives on campus.

• Oversees the graduate teaching assistant appointments.

• Assists the Provost in developing budget requests associated with graduate programs and department budgets.

• Monitors faculty evaluation, faculty development, and curriculum development.

• Provides leadership, and advice, and helps to implement strategic planning, vision, and mission of the University.

• Establishes, implements and monitors short- and long-range department goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.

• Teaches a one-credit seminar per

• Represents the University at various community and/or business meetings

• Promotes existing and new programs and/or policies as directed by the needs of the institution and/or Navajo Nation.

• Supports entrepreneurial activities of the various graduate programs as proposed by faculty and students for the benefit of the Navajo Nation.

• Keeps Provost informed of the status of department activities by attending Provost Leadership Team meetings and submitting reports.

• Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Hosts regular staff meetings to ensure communication among personnel regarding departmental activities, supported by meeting minutes.

• Oversees the supervision of staff, including work allocation, scheduling, training, and problem resolution.

• Increases staff and faculty effectiveness by overseeing recruiting, hiring, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, evaluating, disciplining, and making recommendations for all hiring and terminations of personnel in accordance with the established university policies & procedures.

• Communicates values, strategies, and objectives as aligned with the university mission, vision and philosophy.

• Obtains, develops, and maintains necessary personnel, training, and equipment to achieve financial, operational, and compliance expectations.

• Prepares and maintains departmental budgets and oversees compliance throughout the fiscal year, including time keeping and approvals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Earned doctoral degree

• Five years progressive work experience in overseeing graduate studies, and administrative and operational functions in higher education.

• Valid and clean state driver's license.

• Must be able to pass background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies and no history of child abuse and/or neglect.

• General working knowledge of University library functions

Preferred Qualifications/Requirements:

• Proficiency in oral and written Navajo language

• Understanding of the foundations of Navajo culture

• Knowledge of Navajo Nation and local governance systems

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 applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.

• Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, and objectives of higher education.

• Knowledge and understanding of graduate studies.

• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.

• Skilled in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.

• Skilled in planning, organizing, coordinating and prioritizing work activities.

• Skilled in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.

• Skilled in supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.

• Skilled in budget preparation and administration.

• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.

• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.

• Ability to be persuasive and tactful in controversial situations.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

• Ability to communicate effectively in the Navajo and English language.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently sits, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and squat.

• Use hands for dexterity of motion, repetitive movement of both hands.

• Have normal auditory, visual acuity, and verbal communications skills.

• The employee must occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is typically performed within an office or interior environment with normal noise levels.

• Travel may be required.

• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.

• Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.