TITLE: Director, I�upiaq Program

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.    Bachelor's degree required, Native studies, linguistics, cultural studies, or a related field preferred. Master's degree in education, administration, or linguistics preferred.
2.    Knowledge of I�upiaq language, history, and cultural traditions. Fluency in spoken and written I�upiaq preferred. 
3.    Experience working with Indigenous communities, especially in rural Alaska.
4.    Minimum of five (5) years in leadership roles; Northwest Arctic/Rural Alaskan experience preferred.
5.    Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
6.    Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multilingual and multicultural environments.
7.    Ability to work independently.
8.    Ability to establish positive relationships and work collaboratively as a part of a team. 
9.    Experience with program supervision, curriculum development, strategic planning, and educational best practices.
10.    Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing education and grant funding.
11.    Experience in budget oversight, fiscal responsibility, business planning, and resource allocation.
12.    Ability to build and maintain partnerships with state, regional, and local entities.
13.    Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and educational change.
14.    Experience in planning and delivering professional development.
15.    Proven ability to lead teams, supervise personnel, and contribute to a collaborative management team.
16.    Ability to utilize a variety of electronic resources (ie. Microsoft 365, etc.,) and multi-media technology.  
17.    Willingness to live, work, and travel in remote areas of Western Alaska.
 

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

SUPERVISES: I�upiaq Program Specialist, I�upiaq Ilitsautri, other department personnel

JOB GOAL: The Director of I�upiaq Language and Culture leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that preserve, revitalize, and promote the I�upiaq language and cultural traditions throughout the Northwest Arctic Borough School District. The director ensures that I�upiaq values, knowledge systems, and heritage are embedded into educational experiences for all students through collaboration with elders, tribal organizations, educators, families, and community partners.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.    Provide strategic leadership for the I�upiaq Program, aligning efforts with district goals and the strategic plan.
2.    Develop and support culturally responsive K�12 curriculum and language resources.
3.    Oversee program operations, including staffing, budgeting, and fiscal management.
4.    Seek and manage state and federal grants to support language and cultural initiatives.
5.    Ensure compliance with all relevant state and federal education regulations.
6.    Promote professional development and recognize staff and student achievements.
7.    Coordinate with state agencies, tribal governments, academic institutions, and cultural organizations.
8.    Facilitate community engagement in language instruction, school events, and cultural activities.
9.    Plan and execute intergenerational cultural events such as camps, celebrations, and traditional knowledge exchanges.
10.    Build strong relationships with I�upiaq Elders, local tribes, and community stakeholders.
11.    Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness using data analysis, surveys, and performance metrics.
12.    Represent the program at local, regional, and statewide conferences and events.
13.    Uphold high standards of ethical conduct and foster a culture of professionalism and accountability.
14.    Supervise and evaluate I�upiaq program staff, ensuring alignment with district priorities.
15.    Recommend program changes to support long-term growth and alignment with the strategic plan.
16.    Prepare and present reports to the Superintendent and School Board to support informed decision-making.
17.    Oversee the administration of an assessment tool to measure student proficiency in the I�upiaq language and evaluate program impact.
 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

261-day work year, 7.5 hrs. per day. Position begins when hired.
Salary as established by the Board of Education.
 

EVALUATION:Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.