Director of Health Initiatives 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 provides leadership and influences public policy on American Indian and Alaska Native higher education issues through advocacy, research, and programmatic initiatives; promotes and strengthens Indigenous languages, cultures, communities, lands, and tribal nations; and through its unique position, serves member institutions and emerging TCUs.

Position Summary

The Director of Health Initiatives will lead critical networking projects aimed at supporting and inspiring TCU students to pursue careers in health-related fields and health research. They will also work closely with TCU faculty to enhance their health-related expertise. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for the AIHEC Health Initiatives team and day-to-day program management, working closely with the Vice President of Sponsored Programs to implement program activities and conduct outreach to TCU faculty and students.

This position will report to AIHEC’s Vice President of Sponsored Programs.

This position may either telework remotely, or work from our Alexandria, VA office.

Responsibilities

• Program Management: Direct daily program tasks, coordinate project activities with AIHEC staff and partner organizations, track expenditures, and manage, track and develop the project budget. Assess TCU health programming needs to build, plan, and inform the team’s initiatives.
• Network Development: Facilitate partnerships to build a network of professional researchers, faculty, and students to inspire the next generation of health science professionals.
• Outreach and Engagement: Implement strategic outreach to TCU faculty and students through site visits, webinars, and other communications. Market the initiatives and participate in relevant conferences.
• Event and Workshop Facilitation: Initiate and facilitate workshops, webinars, and an annual institute for students and faculty mentors. Coordinate mentor activities and arrange student travel for conference presentations.
• Reporting and Sustainability: Prepare and submit regular monthly and quarterly reports on project activities. Actively seek additional grant funding to ensure the continued growth and success of the program.
• Team Management: In partnership with the Vice President of Sponsored Programs, direct, mentor, and supervise the work and performance of the Health Initiatives Team.

• Support the mission of AIHEC by performing other duties as assigned.

Education, Skills, and Qualifications

• Master’s degree is required, with a doctorate preferred in public health, education, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of Tribal Colleges and Universities and a deep understanding of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
• A passionate commitment to student success and the advancement of Tribal Colleges.
• Proven project management skills and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to form and nurture meaningful and effective partnerships with internal and external partners.
• Experience mentoring staff and leading teams.
• Successful grant writing experience.
• Ability to travel sporadically for meetings and conferences.
• Native applicants are preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to read for detail, carefully analyzing and understanding all aspects of a text, including explicit information, implied meanings, and impact.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with intended audiences both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to travel to various work-related locations as needed to fulfill the essential functions of the role, which may include local, domestic, and overnight trips.
• Must be able to complete all job requirements either with or without accommodation.

Pay and Benefits

• This role is full-time and eligible for AIHEC’s robust benefits package.
• Pay Range: $ 125,000 - $140,000 per annum