Director of NTU Teaching Hospital & Land Grant Programs

JOB PURPOSE:

This position provides part-time direct professional instruction in Veterinary Technology and Animal Sciences for Navajo Technical University students; direction for land grant programs at the University; professional leadership in the use of both the direct and indirect instructional resources of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital; and grantsmanship services for supplementing fiscal and intellectual resources of the Hospital in support of the University's Veterinary Technology and Animal Sciences instructional program.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Instructional duties

• Makes plans, evaluates, implements, and revises as necessary an overall written instructional plan in Veterinary Technology and the Animal Sciences, including an annual Syllabus and Course Description that embodies the national accreditation standards of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and an appropriate division of instructional responsibilities among the Teaching Hospital faculty and staff;
• Organizes and instructs classes in the subject areas of Veterinary Technology and Animal Sciences for from three (3) to twelve (12) student credit hours per semester, and a minimum of fifteen (15) clock hours per instructional week including not only direct instruction and supervised practicum and laboratory experience, but also instructional planning and preparation, grading student assignments and performance, tutoring, and student conferences for instructional and career advisement;
• Teaches all courses by the approved schedule of classes and the approved course description;
• Evaluates student performance systematically and creates and maintains accurate, confidential student performance records;
• Directs instructors in Veterinary Technology and Animal Science in assessment processes that meet the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Accreditation Association, including the development and implementation of assessment plans and production of syllabi and record keeping required by the Registrar's office.
• Integrates Dine' Education Philosophy into course curricula to the maximum extent feasible;
• Maintains up-to-date professional knowledge of the assigned subject area(s);
• Actively seeks additional ways to improve instruction and to update and/or revise course content and teaching methodology to maintain currency and relevance;
• Uses a variety of instructional techniques and methodologies, including such things as:
  1. Vigorous student discussion of questions and issues in the subjects under study;
  2. Laboratory and field practicum activities using technical equipment and instrumentation and dealing with real-time animal science, care, and treatment situations;
  3. Practical situational problem solving;
  4. Direct participation in professional Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science research, and related action research projects;
  5. Use of distance learning technology, audiovisual equipment, computerized instruction, outside presenters, long and short-term assignments; student teams; library research; and other current materials and methods appropriate to the courses taught;

• Maintains familiarity with current texts, materials, teaching aids, and techniques in the assigned subject areas(s) and recommends their adoption when appropriate;
• Provides advice and/or assistance to associate faculty regarding course content and instructional materials;
• Maintains general knowledge of NTU degree requirements, programs, and course transfer information;
• Advises students on academic curricula;
• Refers to students as needed for academic counseling and/or alcohol and substance abuse counseling;

Directorial duties (under the supervision of the Dean and Instruction and participation in the Science Department):

1. Establishes, develops, funds, staffs, operates, and maintains a low-cost, year-round, Veterinary Teaching Hospital model program, serving local clients for the express purpose of providing an operational foundation for a comprehensive, real-time, hands-on, experience-based Veterinary Technology and Animal Science instructional program for Navajo Tech students.
   1. Schedules, directs, and supervises the Hospital staff in providing clinical services in a manner and on a schedule that provides a demonstration teaching basis for the planned instruction of students.
   2. Enlists, coordinates, and oversees the work of a volunteer professional workforce to man specialized Veterinary clinics and projects for this same purpose. Enlists and employs temporary part-time help to support such clinics and projects with routine animal care services.
   3. Incorporates students as hands-on active learners in all Veterinary Technology and Animal Science related functions of the Hospital.
   4. Maintains regular fully manned Hospital operating hours;
   5. Assures that all Hospital services meet the quality control standards of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and applicable State and Federal law and regulations.
   6. Aggressively pursues, obtains, and (once secured) maintains American Veterinary Medical Association national accreditation of the Teaching Hospital's Veterinary training program, and associated articulation agreements with other Veterinary training programs, and institutions of higher education.
   7. Plans and secures University administration approval for Teaching Hospital budgets and budget amendments, and manages operations within these approved limits.
   8. Subject to budget limitations, plans, designs, secures, and maintains an on-site inventory of state-of-the-art specialized equipment, materials, and supplies, as needed to support the Teaching Hospital program and projects. Trains students and staff in the professional use, care, and conservation thereof.
   9. Manages budgets and income based upon direction from the University's CFO to ensure efficient hospital/land grant operations.
2. Manages land grant programming, including the Extension program, for Navajo Tech.
   1. Complete and update planning for all land grant programs for Navajo Tech.
   2. Manage all land grant program budgets.
   3. Coordinate land grant programming with all appropriate academic departments on campus.
3. Aggressively pursues supplementary funding resources for the University's land grant programming and the Hospital's direct and indirect instructional functions. Systematically incorporates students as participants in professional Veterinary Technology and Animal Science projects, as one element in their professional instructional program. Serves as Principal Investigator to guarantee the professional integrity of such projects.

1. 1. Prepares continuation and renewal funding agreement proposals and submits for approval through the University approval process in ample time to meet funding agency deadlines for submission.
   2. Prepares a detailed budget and supporting narrative for the funding agreement before submission of proposals, and if and when approved, submits a copy to University Financial Services.
   3. Provides copies of all grant proposals to the University Grants and Contracts Office.
   4. As time permits, prepares and submit funding proposals that fully meet funding agency minimum criteria for consideration, and that result in additional funding for the Teaching Hospital Program.

4. Serves as Project Director for all outside funded Teaching Hospital Contracts, Grants, and Cooperative Agreements, carrying out the following administrative functions by funding agreement provisions:

1. 1. Assuring University compliance with the policies, procedures, and terms of the Grant, Contract, or Agreement, hereinafter the "funding agreement"
   2. Bringing any concerns and questions regarding funding agency policies and procedures to the attention of the University's Administration.
   3. Complying with University policies and procedures for all hiring under the funding agreement.
   4. Making all purchases for the funding agreement through the established University procurement process.
   5. Cooperating fully with the University's Grants and Contracts Manager in all other aspects of funding agreement administration.
   6. Preparing program performance, progress, technical, and final close-out reports closeout by funding agreement provisions.
   7. Maintaining accurate records of funding agreement activities for the specified term of the funding agreement, in cooperation with Financial Services personnel.
   8. Cooperating with the Grants Contracts Manager in planning any budget revision requests for the funding agreement, fully justifying the revision and providing supporting documents as needed.
   9. Providing pertinent information on funding agreement financial activities to official independent outside auditors of University records, upon request.

Related Institutional Responsibilities, secondary to direct instructional and directorial duty priorities:

1. Represents the Teaching Hospital as needed to other University administrators, departments, and faculty;
2. Advises and assists Veterinary students in academic and career planning;
3. Directs curriculum and instructional program review and development in Veterinary Technology and Animal Science disciplines.
4. Participates in University governance by NTU President's assignment to standing committees and task forces;
5. Participates in community activities and services related to Teaching Hospital programs;
6. Recruits students for the Veterinary training program, wherever and whenever feasible to do so;
7. May participate in full regalia in official graduation ceremonies;

Professional Growth and Development

8. Participates in the NTU Professional Development Plan to maintain Arizona and New Mexico State Veterinarian Licensure and Teaching Hospital accreditation;
9. Maintains state-of-the-art professional knowledge and competence in Veterinary Technology and Animal Sciences;

The occupant of this position also performs other duties within the range of his or her qualifications, as assigned by the immediate supervisors or any higher-level authority to which the supervisors report.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises Senior Veterinary Associates, Registered Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Office Manager, Animal Science Instructor, and Administrative Assistants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Master of Arts in Veterinary Medicine or Education, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
• Ten (10-) or more years of successful Veterinary practice, and two (2) full academic years teaching at the secondary or undergraduate University levels in Animal Science or Veterinary Technology areas; or Board certification in a directly related Veterinary discipline; or equivalent experience acceptable to the University.
• Arizona or New Mexico Licensure as a Veterinarian

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the minimum described above, the following qualifications are desired and will be used to distinguish between otherwise qualified applicants for the position:

Years of prior experience in a comparable position:

• Previous experience in teaching minority students, especially Native Americans.
• Ability to understand and speak the Navajo Language in a professional medical setting.
• More than the required two (2) years teaching at the secondary or post-secondary levels in the assigned subject area.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position as described herein fully professionally and effectively.

1. Knowledge of learning theory; the motivational, perceptual, and emotional forces present in the learning process; and the conditions which affect individual learning and change;
2. Knowledge of effective time and resource management;
3. Ability to convey ideas effectively to others in a group or one-on-one situations;
4. Ability to maintain restraint and to keep calm and goal-oriented when faced with emotional or angry individuals;
5. Ability to present one's self, the University, and the Hospital in a positive, professional manner;
6. Advocate for academic priorities;
7. Be an effective communicator with excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills, and
8. Demonstrate management and organizational skills, including a willingness to explore new paradigms to improve the quality of teaching and efficiency;
9. Knowledge of higher education accreditation processes and issues;
10. Network with other administrators and programs.
11. Understanding of and commitment to the philosophy of tribal community Universities.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotion, or transfers of individuals into this position.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is both an Instructor in the NTU Associate's Degree programs, and a major program director. The position is paid on the NTU Salary Scale based on documented Academic degrees, additional graduate level course credits, and years of successful professional and instructional experience in the subject area(s) taught.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit for prolonged periods, walk and stand.
• Use of hands for the dexterity of motions, and repetitive movement of both hands.
• Have normal auditory, visual acuity, and verbal communication skills.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally performed in-office setting.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.