Life Long Learning Manager

SUMMARY

The Life Long Learning Manager serves as the senior operational and administrative leader of the Life Long Learning Department and is responsible for the overall planning, direction, and performance of all departmental programs, staff, and services. This position oversees education and learning initiatives serving Tribal members across the lifespan, including Indian Education and Indian Child through Adult Education programs.

The Life Long Learning Manager is accountable for ensuring that departmental programs are responsive to community needs, aligned with Tribal priorities, and compliant with all applicable Tribal, state, federal, and funding-source requirements. This role provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of staff, budgets, reporting, and program operations, and serves as a key liaison to Tribal Council, executive leadership, funding agencies, and community partners. The position requires strong leadership, fiscal oversight, and analytical skills to evaluate outcomes, guide continuous improvement, and ensure effective and sustainable delivery of education services that support lifelong learning within the Tribal community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Services, or a closely related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in education, training, program management, or human services, including leadership or supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple programs, staff, and operational activities within a public, nonprofit, or government environment.
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and evaluate programs that serve diverse populations across multiple age groups.
• Demonstrated experience with budget preparation, fiscal monitoring, and resource allocation.
• Working knowledge of applicable Tribal, state, and federal laws, regulations, and funding requirements related to education or human services programs.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports and presenting information to leadership or governing bodies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and database or reporting systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations.
• Valid, unrestricted Michigan Driver's License and ability to be insured under the Tribe's insurance policy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide overall leadership, management, and direction of the Life Long Learning Department and all assigned programs.
• Exercise full supervisory authority over departmental staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, coaching, and discipline in accordance with policy and law.
• Establish clear expectations, priorities, and accountability standards for staff and programs.
• Promote a collaborative, professional, and service-oriented work environment aligned with Tribal values.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate one-year and five-year departmental plans based on Tribal Council direction, community needs, and program performance.
• Identify emerging educational needs and recommend new programs, services, or initiatives.
• Evaluate existing programs and recommend modification, expansion, or discontinuation based on effectiveness, outcomes, and community impact.
• Direct and oversee implementation of approved program changes through subordinate staff.
• Oversee preparation, administration, and monitoring of departmental budgets.
• Conduct timely and in-depth fiscal reviews of all programs in coordination with program supervisors.
• Allocate, prioritize, and reprogram departmental resources to respond to changing conditions and service demands.
• Prepare and approve purchase requisitions, check requests, fees, charges, and operational hours within delegated authority.
• Ensure departmental programs are cost-effective and, when applicable, financially sustainable.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of all required reports to funding agencies and oversight entities.
• Provide regular statistical, fiscal, and programmatic reports to Tribal Council, the Division Manager, and executive leadership.
• Monitor compliance with Tribal, state, federal, and funding-agency regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Establish and maintain internal controls and safeguards to protect Tribal resources from fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Assess program effectiveness through data analysis, site visits, stakeholder feedback, and performance metrics.
• Analyze workload, costs, service quality, and community satisfaction to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Identify program shortcomings, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve outcomes.
• Maximize the department's contribution to the community through effective, responsive, and high-quality services.
• Maintain open and effective communication with Tribal programs, service agencies, schools, and community partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for policies and practices related to the Life Long Learning Department.
• Arrange and participate in meetings with Tribal Council, leadership, staff, and external partners to coordinate departmental initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate departmental and Tribal representation at meetings, trainings, and events related to Life Long Learning programs.
• Support public awareness and outreach efforts to inform the community of available programs and services.
• Keep the Division Manager informed of significant initiatives, challenges, risks, and accomplishments.
• Evaluate recommendations, concerns, and feedback received and implement appropriate adjustments or elevate issues as needed.
• Provide guidance to staff to ensure uniform and consistent application of policy and operational standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong leadership, management, and supervisory skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage complex programs, budgets, and competing priorities.
• Knowledge of business practices including budgeting, accounting, purchasing, and planning.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and administrative requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database applications.
• Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Services, or a closely related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in education, training, program management, or human services, including leadership or supervisory responsibility.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid, unrestricted Michigan Driver's License and be insurable under GTB policy
• May be required to operate Tribal vehicles in connection with school and GTB site locations.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to pass a criminal history background investigation and drug and alcohol screening.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality, ethical standards, and GTB fiscal and personnel policies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Exercises full supervisory authority over all Life Long Learning Department staff.
• Responsible for planning work, assigning duties, evaluating performance, addressing grievances, and administering discipline in accordance with policy and law.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment including computers, printers, copiers, phones, and related technology.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily sedentary with occasional lifting, walking, standing, and movement throughout Tribal facilities. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

Requires judgment, analytical thinking, and decision-making in managing programs, personnel, budgets, and deadlines. Periodic time pressure and competing priorities are expected.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Primarily office-based work with regular on-site presence across Tribal facilities and programs as needed.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a criminal history background check with no felonies or serious misdemeanors and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval from the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Life Long Learning Manager Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians