Job Description

JOB TITLE: Program Manager for Digital Connect (Program Development, Curriculum Design, Project Management, Fund Development)

REPORTS TO: GRTI CEO

SUBSIDIARY: Digital Connect

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

RATE OF PAY:  $60,000-80,000 DOE

JOB SUMMARY

Digital Connect is a nonprofit initiative of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC), established by and operating under GRIC’s wholly owned telecommunications carrier, Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. (GRTI). Reporting directly to the CEO of GRTI, the Program Manager for the Digital Connect initiative (DCI) is responsible for designing, leading, and managing a comprehensive array of services, programs, and offerings in furtherance of DCI’s mission.

The position will be responsible for evaluating, designing, planning, and implementing specific programs, including online and in-person learning modules and a variety of technology-related training processes, and for driving projects toward successful completion of core objectives and intended outcomes. The position will conduct or facilitate needs assessments and review on an ongoing basis services being offered and develop new programs as needs emerge. The position is responsible for overseeing or coordinating activities relating to licensure and strategic partnerships in connection with education and training programs. The position will also be responsible for working with other GRTI executives and managers to coordinate equipment purchases and needs, staffing for education and training programs, and the use of physical facilities.

The Program Manager also supports strategic fundraising efforts for Digital Connect by working with GRTI personnel and outside consultants to design, implement, evaluate, and refine DCI’s fund development activities, with an emphasis on funding from within the Gila River Indian Community and federal grants. The Program Manager is responsible for fostering collaborative relationships with colleagues as well as executives and managers in other divisions, agencies, departments, and enterprises of the Gila River Indian Community and outside strategic partners, coordinating joint efforts, developing internal processes and procedures, and aligning outreach efforts for multiple development programs and initiatives within the overall Digital Connect initiative.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Provide effective and inspiring leadership in designing, implementing, and overseeing programs, services, and offerings that advance the mission of the Digital Connect Initiative. Implement and lead a continuous quality improvement process throughout the technology education and training program, focusing on curriculum development and course offering, systems and process development and improvement, and long-range sustainability planning and leadership. Promote regular and ongoing opportunities for feedback and input on program operations from participants, staff, volunteers, Community leaders, strategic partners, and other constituents.

·         Help develop and lead a high-performing team to the next level by assisting with future staffing plans and recruitment, training, and retention strategies for education and training programs.

·         Work with GRTI’s CEO and the relevant governing boards to establish core objectives for the Digital Connect initiative for each calendar year and each quarter, with specific measurable outcomes (key results) for each objective.

·         Partner with GRTI’s CEO, other executives, and the relevant governing boards to engage with external constituency groups, including Community leaders and groups, governmental and private organizations, funders, strategic partners, and others on matters relating to program offerings.

·         Ensure that all program activities are consistent with the cultural values and customs of the Gila River Indian Community, are accessible to people with disabilities and others who may need special accommodations and operate consistently and ethically within the mission and values of DCI, GRTI, and the Gila River Indian Community.

·         Prepare and submit an annual operating budget for program development and operations to the GRTI CEO and GRTI Controller for review and approval, manage effectively within this budget, and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered.

·         Ensure the continued financial viability of DCI’s programs and service offerings through sound fiscal management and by participating in fund development efforts. Provide programmatic leadership and input for all strategic planning processes with the GRTI CEO, other executives, and staff.

·         Develops and maintains relationships with training providers in order to develop necessary and responsive workforce solutions.

·         Build and maintain productive relationships with public-sector, private-sector and non-profit employers to create career pathways for future talent.

·         Build and maintain strong partnerships with economic development entities, chamber organizations and other workforce development agencies to ensure alignment and execution of workforce training strategies.

·         Gathers labor market information, talent demand, skills requirements and translates that data into meaningful information to create workforce development strategies.

·         Develop and manage a database of employers and/or industry representatives and maintain regular communication through appropriate channels.

·         Ensure Grant Requirements are implemented successfully.

·         Monitor and track participant progress through accurate data collection and management to identify their employment barriers, assist with employment and educational needs. 

·         Works collaboratively to develop, evaluate, and improve the metrics, methods, and modes used to monitor and evaluate the performance of education and training programs in preparing, equipping, and enabling participants to achieve professional success; practices continuous improvement techniques to ensure program quality and performance excellence.

·         Assists and/or leads in short- and long-range strategic planning activities to create and implement fund-raising goals and objectives for DCI.

·         Helps design and implement a short- and long-term fund development program for DCI and coordinates day-to-day development strategies and activities to ensure integration into the overall development plan.

·         Conducts research to identify additional funding sources, focusing on internal funding from the Gila River Indian Community as well as federal grants.

·         Assists in researching, writing, editing, and/or overseeing the preparation of persuasive, accurate, and grammatically and syntactically correct solicitations, proposals, case statements, reports, correspondence, multimedia assets, and other development-related communication materials in support of DCI’s fund development goals and activities.

·         Plans and conducts programs and activities designed to increase the visibility of DCI, the Gila River Indian Community, and internal and external constituencies.

·         May train and supervise staff, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.

·         Ensures that all job-related duties are appropriately assigned and follow-up to drive objectives and key results toward successful and timely completion.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         At least ten years of relevant professional experience overall, with a minimum of five years of senior-leadership experience supervising staff and operating multiple programs and services in a multi-cultural context. Solid educational background including, at a minimum, an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.

·         Strong relationship builder and communicator with experience leading and working with diverse work teams, developing, and managing a strategy for program excellence, engaging community partners, and partnering with multiple executives and boards of directors.

·         Record of tangible success in designing, implementing, evaluating, and reporting technology-related job skills and adult education and training programs. Demonstrates integrity, strives for excellence, and has experience leading others to new levels of effectiveness and programmatic impact.

·         Demonstrated ability in planning and implementing long- and short-range fund development initiatives in conjunction with strategic planning processes.

·         Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives.

·         Project management and database management skills.

·         Ability to help supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.

·         Ability to exercise good judgment, demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to workforce development, job training, and fund development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with various constituents and strategic partners.

·         Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in managing programs, events, and other complex activities in support of development objectives.

·         Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment.

·         Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.

·         Passionate about DCI’s mission and able to promote and communicate the philosophy, mission, and values of DCI to external and internal stakeholders.

·         Ability to travel within the Gila River Indian Community and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area to provide on-site leadership for programs and meetings with constituent groups and strategic partners.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

·         Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communication, or related field

·         5 - 7 years of experience in fundraising, sponsor relations, account management, event planning, or project management for a nationally recognized company or non-profit organization

·         Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

·         Preferred Requirements:

·         Non-profit management experience with an understanding of the non-profit environment guidelines/standards related to corporate programs, contributions, and individual donations.

·         Experience with Arizona Native American or sovereign nations communities, retail, or restaurant industries a plus

·         Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (requires strong spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and database application knowledge)

NOTE: Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would enable the applicant to satisfactorily perform and meet the duties required of the position may be considered in meeting the stated requirements.

·         ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

o   Valid Driver License; must provide 39 months driving record.

o   New hires are required to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.

_As a matter of Company policy, all employment is on an at-will basis, meaning that employment shall last for so long as mutually agreeable. Either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment at any time with or without cause. Will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check and subject to random drug screens. _

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified enrolled Gila River Community Members, other Indians, and non-Indian spouses of officially enrolled Community members in accordance with Tribal Employment Rights Office (T.E.R.O.) Ordinance (No. GR-02-09, Gila River Indian Community).

DIGITAL CONNECTION AND GILA RIVER TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER, SUBJECT TO INDIAN HIRING PREFERENCES.

Company Description

Digital Connect is a nonprofit initiative of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC), established by and operating under GRIC's wholly-owned telecommunications carrier, Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. (GRTI). The Digital Connect initiative (DCI) will report to the CEO of GRTI as well as to a separate subsidiary board that oversees DCI's programs and activities. The DCI ED will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for designing, developing, implementing, and administering programs, processes, and operations in furtherance of DCI's mission. This position will initially develop a deep knowledge of the needs and priorities of the Community, strategic and business plans to establish DCI as a Community resource and a regional technology resource, and core programs and operations to support the DCI vision.