Job Details

Description

Application Closing Date: Monday, July 27, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m. PST Mission Statement
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria exists to exercise its inherent sovereign powers, customs, and traditions; to perpetuate its unique native heritage; to preserve and protect the rights and privileges of the Tribe; to establish justice in the conduct of tribal affairs; to work for the social and economic betterment of all the Tribal Citizens; and to foster the value of education.
Position PurposeThe Higher Education Specialist will provide support, assistance, and guidance related to the Tribe's post-secondary education programs. The Higher Education Specialist will assist and advise Native Americans and Tribal Citizens to successfully navigate educational opportunities and enroll in FIGR higher education programs and services. The Higher Education Specialist will encourage and support an enriched standard of living for Native Americans and FIGR Citizens through life-long learning and educational achievement. Essential Duties, Functions & Responsibilities

• Works with students to establish education and vocational goals.
• Identifies post-secondary academic, vocational, certification, and licensure.
• Supports, guides, and coordinates access to higher education institutions, career development, and vocational opportunities.
• Collects, reviews, and processes education plans and services for FIGR students and lineal descendants.
• Assists the Higher Education Manager in developing programs and tracking systems to measure student success and retention.
• Supports students in identifying and securing available sources of financial assistance, counseling, disability resources centers, Native American student centers, and educational opportunity programs.
• Assists students with curriculum determinations, including course selections, registration, and class scheduling, selection, change of majors and minors, and provides referrals to specific departments, schools, or colleges as appropriate.
• Reviews and assesses academic records to assist and guide students through academic transitions.
• Assists students in identifying educational and career placement programs and services.
• Maintains awareness of educational requirements and policy related changes at the tribal, county, state, and federal levels.
• Monitors information for Native Students at the county and state levels in the areas of Education, Housing, Counseling, and Health.
• Performs individual academic advising and counseling meetings to track and monitor student progress towards graduation.
• Other duties as delegated and/or assigned by the department Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities None

Requirements

Minimum Mandatory QualificationsA combination of experience and education may be acceptable.
Experience

• Four (4) years of directly related experience working in educational/vocational/career counseling, student advising, and/or student affairs.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Native American Studies, Education, Counseling, Human or Social Services, Sociology, Psychology, or other closely related field.

License/Certification:

• Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under the Tribe's policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Native American Studies, Education, Counseling, Human or Social Services, Sociology, Psychology, or other closely related field.

• Professional experience in post-secondary education, demonstrating proficiency in academic planning, scholarship management, student support services, and coordination of post-degree initiatives.

Skills, Abilities, and Other Qualifications

• Ability to work independently within established policies, procedures, and schedules.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and possess problem-solving skills involving variables in standardized situations, and the ability to make decisions that are varied, and, in many cases, when there is no precedent to draw upon.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion, particularly regarding sensitive or confidential personnel or organizational matters.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively when in high-pressure situations and under deadlines.
• Ability to master and effectively use the database and software systems used at FIGR.
• Ability to adhere to the highest level of professional ethical standards.
• Demonstrate advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, with the ability to monitor own work to ensure quality.
• Demonstrate a record of satisfactory performance in all prior employment as evidenced by positive employment references from previous employers.
• Demonstrate strong cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively within a Native American tribal government environment.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Successful clearance of all pre-employment testing, background, and credit checks.
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned.