Director, Department of Education

Job Title: Director, Department of Education

Closing Date : 04/08/2026

DEADLINE: Attach any required documents, i.e., Transcripts, Certificates, diploma and Motor Vehicle Record, to your online application by midnight on the closing date. Late Applications or documents will not be considered.

Job Number: 26-360

Job Type: Full-Time Regular

Department: Tribal Education Department

City: Chandler, AZ

Location: 7050 W. Allison Rd.

Area of Interest: Education

Salary/ Hourly Rate: $103,792.00 - $163,792 / Salary

Tribal Driving Permit Required: Yes

(This position is considered “full-time regular status”, the incumbent’s employment with the Community is “At-Will” and termination of employment is not subject to the Disciplinary Grievance Procedure) .

Distinguishing Features Of The Class

The Director, Department of Education is responsible for administering a variety of activities in support of the educational objectives of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). This includes reservation and off reservation schools, overseeing Early Childhood Primary and Secondary Education, Adult Education programs, as well as Student Services and Compensatory Programs Curriculum. Direction provided by the Governor and Community Manager is limited to policy direction and progress review of Community education programs to ensure they reflect the goals of the Gila River Indian Community.

Essential Functions

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction to Community education programs in support of the administration of Community educational services to Community students and members.
• Develop policy recommendations for achieving educational excellence on behalf of the Community education programs.
• Develop, administer, and monitor departmental budget; report to specific Community, State and Federal agencies.
• Monitor and coordinate education programs with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Education, State, and County school officials, public, parochial and other schools which serve the Gila River Indian Community students.
• Review and ensure compliance with contracts, budget proposals, and modifications prepared by program coordinators.
• Review quarterly funding activities with educational institutions within the Gila River Indian Community.
• Recommend changes to program policy and procedures when appropriate.
• Inform Community education program staff on issues that affect them such as latest trends and data in the field of education.
• Ensure professional development and growth among Community Education department staff.
• Coordinate and communicate with other tribal agencies that work with Community education programs such as Public Health Services, Community Social Services, Environmental Health, Legal Services, Community Enrollment; and with outside entities such as colleges, universities, Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), State and Federal agencies.
• Inform Community Administration, Education Standing Committee, and Community Council of all education issues, concerns, policy direction, and needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skill, And Ability

• Considerable knowledge of the educational, economic and social challenges of the Pima Maricopa and other Native American people.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of educational procedures, program development, administration and trends.
• Knowledge of Community, federal and Arizona State Department of Education requirements and regulations pertinent to Community education programs.
• Knowledge of curriculum development and implementation.
• Knowledge of Community administrative management and budget/fiscal procedures.
• Knowledge of Community and federal financial requirements in relation to P.L. 93-638 contracts and grants.
• Skill in identifying, analyzing and solving unprecedented problems using a high degree of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Ability to effectively plan, supervise, organize, and direct the activities of professional and technical staff, and multiple project activities.
• Ability to effectively supervise many employees.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community officials and the general public.
• Working knowledge of computer hardware and software.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; maintain a drug-free workplace.
  
  

Required Education And Experience

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Education and eight (8) years progressively responsible experience in education administration including five (5) years supervisory/management experience.

Additional Requirement

Experience in Indian education is preferred.

• Copy of current Fingerprint Clearance Card must be provided when applying for this position and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Required to pass a background check.
• Tribal Operator’s Permit can be required.
  
  

Supervisory, Salaried Position

Reports to Assistant Community Manager or designee

Benefits

The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473) . The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the required documentation to the completed Employment Application .

Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)

Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)

Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)

Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.

Visit our GRIC website and apply online: www.gilariver.org