Director of Tribal Relations
(Administrator II)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $8,000 to $10,500 per month 

Salary is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

Positions at Fresno State are to perform their work onsite. Some positions, depending upon University needs and operations, may be eligible for remote work, one day per week, pursuant to Fresno State's remote work guidelines and the CSU policy.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the President and reporting directly to the Director of Government Relations, the Director of Tribal Relations, on behalf of the President and campus, serves as the liaison between the university and tribal communities, with a primary focus on the CSU, Fresno service region. The Director will serve as a broadly knowledgeable representative of CSU, Fresno leadership, its academic programs, its students, faculty and staff, and resources in order to enhance, develop and create progressive and enriched relationships between CSU, Fresno and tribal communities.

The Director of Tribal Relations is also responsible for supporting the staff who provide oversight of CSU, including but not limited to Fresno State’s compliance with both NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA, and Tribal, local, state, and federal engagement. The Director will help guide the actions of the campus in meeting the goals of the NAGPRA program to develop and implement respectful and meaningful campus collaborations related to NAGPRA and Cal NAGPRA, including respectful and expeditious repatriation of Native American Ancestors and their Cultural Items to Tribes in consultation with those Tribes.

In collaboration with federally- and state-registered tribal governments, tribal groups, and affiliated organizations, the Director will be responsible for creating a holistic vision for the advancement and the success of Native American students, faculty and staff at CSU, Fresno and incorporating direct collaborative engagement with Central Valley and California tribes. The incumbent will also be responsible for working with campus and tribal stakeholders in developing a 5- and 10-year plan for enhancement of our campus, programs, and policies, as well as overseeing the planning and development of educationally-focused relationships, providing expertise for university and tribal relations, and providing guidance and assistance to the President and other university administrators. The Director will work toward the inclusion of Native American issues on campus ensuring representation of campus faculty, staff and student leaders at conversations and actions related to the diversity, belonging and inclusion of the University community. The position will work closely with faculty and staff in order to better support Native American students attending CSU, Fresno.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of national, state, and local policies and issues related to Native American education, self-determination, as well as tribal governance, economic enterprises, cultures and customs, with particular emphasis on Tribal cultural and historical knowledge within the CSU, Fresno service area.
• Significant, demonstrated experience in building relationships with and between Native American organizations and external entities like universities, local governments, nonprofit organizations and others.
• An understanding of the factors impacting the success of Native American and Indigenous faculty, staff, and students in higher education.
• Current trends and issues in higher education, particularly related to serving and retaining Native American students.
• Principles of collaboration, planning and managing a department/program.
• Passion for Native American Tribes and Communities and a willingness to be a strong advocate for them within campus and system communities.
• Serve as a strong and visible presence and role model.
• A high degree of personal motivation, independent judgment and persuasiveness.
• Collaborate with tribal leaders and educators.
• Address the needs of Native American students.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience working effectively with Native American communities, preferably with California Native American tribes and tribal communities, including engaging in genuine tribal consultation and recognition of Tribal sovereignty.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by July 31, 2024 will be given full consideration by the search committee. Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)