Executive Director, Indigenous Futures Institute - 134015

The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science is dedicated to creating and promoting public health innovations to advance equity, justice, and wellbeing for all. The School focuses on health, diversity, inclusion, and social equity in everything we do. We believe this starts in the workplace, where we actively strive to ensure a sense of belonging for everyone and honor the idea that through our differences, we are better together. In working to fulfill that vision, we are comprised of more than 125 primary appointed faculty and academics, 200 staff members, and 25 secondary appointed faculty and provide mentorship and instruction to 750+ BSPH undergraduate major students and 225+ postgraduate students across six degree programs as well as a clinical residency. We conduct research and instruction in public health disciplines such as Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Climate & Environmental Health, Community Health Services & Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Behavior, Health Equity & Justice, Health Policy, Public Mental Health & Substance Use, and Technology & Precision Health, totaling ~$255M in grants and contracts and housing five research service cores. We engage in research and teaching collaborations across the University and the community at-large. Partnerships with the community and with health agencies are fundamental to the School.

The Indigenous Futures Institute (IFI) is a new interdisciplinary community action research incubator focused on advancing science and research design co-created by Indigenous guardianship. Under the general direction of the Faculty Director, the Executive Director of the Indigenous Futures Institute independently provides high level direction and oversight of the IFI. Provides strategic leadership on community partnerships, academic initiatives, and research with an Indigenous focus. Collaborates with national and regional foundations to develop funding partnerships that benefit the IFI mission. Establishes and maintains strong professional networks with Native Tribes and tribal organizations at state and national levels. Will create and lead an endowment campaign to sustain the IFI mission. Develops and supports symposiums and conferences that forge meaningful relationships among Tribal Nations, UCSD, and the UC and CSU systems. Leads IFI strategic planning sessions with IFI members. Oversees all administrative operations, finance, human resources and facilities for program. Designs and develops major program components, and administers the full range of the program's operational requirements. Works with faculty on formulating short-term planning and procedures. Develops and organizes conferences and other public forums. Works with the Faculty Director to establish center agenda, funding, objectives.

• Terminal degree in a related field (PhD, JD, MD, etc.) and/or equivalent experience/training.

• Five or more years of relevant experience.

• Academic background and experience in selected area of research. Demonstrated experience working with Native American Tribal governments, with strong experience working with Tribes in California.

• Advanced knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices. Demonstrated experience with project development and oversight. Demonstrated skill at developing, designing, and implementing operational and procedural policies, new administrative policies, reports, procedures and practices. General knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, risk management planning, website content management (non-technical), accounting and payroll, procurement, business travel, etc.

• Advanced oral and written communication skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain trusting, effective, productive, and cooperative relationships with individuals at all levels within the University, in Native American communities (including individuals, Tribal governments, Tribal Elders), and other community partners such as NGOs, advocacy groups, local governments, etc., those with and without technical knowledge or experience, and work collaboratively with all to understand the needs and desires of all parties and incorporate their ideas and adapt to their needs. Communication and leadership skills to effectively direct others.

• Advanced ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills. Strong skills in analyzing, researching and synthesizing data for preparing sound and relevant proposals / analyses. Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments, manage complicated long-range projects and proposals, evaluate workload and resources, and deal effectively with changing priorities and meet deadlines.

• Advanced interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results. Experience with academic and community engagement / community research programs. Actively cooperates and supports the work of others. Ability to communicate and work productively with anyone regardless of background. Empathetic and aware of impact on others. Strong problem- solving skills to assist learners and resolve issues.

• Advanced ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers. Demonstrated experience as a supervisor and providing work direction. Demonstrated experience in managing / coordinating multi-site or inter-organization projects or initiatives. Must be able to create an environment for collaborative work with external partners. Prior experience leading and motivating others to achieve objectives with the ability to plan and organize projects involving multiple steps and participants.

• Highly skilled fundraising experience. Demonstrated experience with grant writing, donor engagement, and endowment planning. Demonstrated knowledge of academic process and procedures with regards to fundraising activities with public sector (e.g., grant mechanisms, funding agencies, proposal components, steps, and review) and private sector (e.g., gift funding and service agreements).

• Excellent project management skills and a background in program evaluation, including proven experience planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating projects with the ability to prioritize multiple and complex responsibilities and to work effectively in an environment that may be rapidly shifting demands and priorities. Advanced experience in assessing stakeholder needs, program development and evaluation, and reporting to general and professional audiences.

• Must have access to reliable means of transportation to report to work at various locations throughout the San Diego and southern California community.

• Master's degree in public health, education, social science, or related field.

• Ten or more years of relevant experience at an academic institution strongly preferred.

• Hands-on professional experience working with Native American communities and Tribal governments.

• Current UC San Diego employee.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.