Position:
Tribal Education Superintendent Supervisor:
Tribal Administrator Division:
Tribal Education Department:
Tribal Administration Responsibilities:
The Tribal Education Superintendent serves as the executive leader responsible for the planning, administration, coordination, oversight, and continuous improvement of the Tribe's educational programs and youth services. Reporting directly to the Tribal Administrator, the Superintendent provides leadership for educational initiatives that support children and youth from early childhood through post-secondary readiness. The Superintendent oversees Education Directors, program managers, and educational staff responsible for Head Start, Child Care, Tribal Student Services, Summer Youth Programs, After-School Programs, the Tribal Foster Care Program, and future Tribal School operations. The position ensures that all educational and youth service programs align with the Tribe's mission, values, strategic goals, and commitment to student success, child well-being, and family support. When the Tribal Administrator is unavailable, the Superintendent may report directly to the Tribal Council on matters within the position's authority. Essential Duties and responsibilities include the following: Program Oversight Oversee, coordinate, and evaluate the following programs and services:
- Head Start Programs
- Child Care Services
- Tribal Student Services
- Summer Youth Programs
- After-School Academic Programs
- Youth Sports and Athletic Programs
- Arts, Cultural, and Enrichment Programs
- Tribal Foster Care Program
- Educational Grants and Partnerships
- Tribal School Development and Operations Executive Leadership and Governance Provides executive leadership and oversight for Tribal education, childcare, early childhood, and related programs.
Develops long-term educational strategies, advises Tribal leadership, recommends policies, establishes accountability systems, and leads program planning and expansion. Education Strategy and Program Oversight Directs education services from early childhood through higher education, workforce development, adult learning, and cultural and language programming. Establishes program standards, monitors outcomes, promotes continuous improvement, and ensures services reflect Kickapoo values and support the needs of students and families. Childcare and Early Childhood Operations Oversees Tribal childcare and early learning programs to ensure safe, high-quality, culturally responsive services. Monitors staffing, enrollment, facilities, health and safety practices, developmental services, school readiness, and compliance with applicable childcare and funding requirements. Personnel and Organizational Leadership Supervises education and child development leaders and supports recruitment, performance management, professional development, succession planning, and employee retention. Promotes a respectful, accountable, collaborative, and culturally responsive workplace. Fiscal, Grant, and Administrative Oversight Develops and manages operating and capital budgets, monitors expenditures, and ensures responsible use of Tribal and grant funds. Leads grant administration, identifies new funding opportunities, maintains accurate records, and reviews contracts and partnerships. Compliance, Safety, Risk Management, and Facilities Ensures programs comply with Tribal policies, regulatory requirements, grant conditions, licensing standards, and educational expectations. Oversees audits, inspections, corrective actions, emergency preparedness, child and student safety, risk management, and education and childcare facilities. Partnerships, Advocacy, and Community Engagement Builds partnerships with Tribal organizations, government agencies, schools, colleges, workforce partners, childcare providers, and community organizations. Represents the Tribe, advocates for educational resources and Tribal sovereignty, and communicates regularly with families, Tribal Members, and community stakeholders. Professional Responsibilities Maintains current knowledge of Tribal education, school administration, childcare, early childhood development, grants, and educational leadership. Participates in professional development, coordinates with Tribal departments, establishes annual goals, and performs other executive-level duties as assigned. Knowledge, skills and abilities for the position: The Superintendent must possess advanced knowledge of educational leadership, early childhood and childcare operations, Tribal governance, strategic planning, budgeting, grants, compliance, and program evaluation. The position requires strong executive leadership, data analysis, policy development, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational change-management skills, along with proficiency in technology and reporting systems. The Superintendent must demonstrate cultural sensitivity to Kickapoo traditions and values, maintain confidentiality, exercise independent judgment, manage competing priorities, and communicate effectively with Tribal leaders, families, employees, regulators, and community partners. Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of the Kickapoo language and Spanish is preferred.
Supervision exercised:
This position does carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
Education/experience requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's degree in educational leadership, education administration, early childhood education, public administration, or a related field, with at least seven years of progressively responsible education leadership experience. Candidates must have at least three years in a senior administrative role and demonstrated experience supervising staff, managing budgets and grants, ensuring compliance, overseeing facilities, and supporting childcare or early childhood operations.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, Tribal education leader, principal, or comparable executive within a Tribal, public school, or Native-serving education system is preferred. Additional preferences include ten or more years of leadership experience, a doctoral degree, an educational leadership credential, experience with federally funded education or childcare programs, and knowledge of culturally responsive education, Native language preservation, curriculum development, and facility expansion.
Native American preference is observed:
KTTT recognizes preference for KTTT tribal members and qualified Native American tribal members including preferential treatment in recruitment, hiring, promotions, layoffs and reductions in force so long as they meet minimum job qualifications.
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Vision insurance
Work Location:
In person
