Project Assistant_Dine E2G Adv Manf & Job Creation Intiative

JOB PURPOSE:

The Project Assistant provides operational, administrative, logistical, and participant support for the Diné E2G (Education to Growth) Advanced Manufacturing Training & Job Creation Initiative. Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA), this cross-disciplinary project unites NTU’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), the Business Department, the Land-Grant Extension program, federal partners (SBA, national laboratories), and private-sector employers to develop a Tribally led distributed manufacturing ecosystem across the Navajo Nation and neighboring communities.

Working under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Project Assistant is responsible for day-to-day office administration, workshop and event coordination, participant intake and tracking, travel logistics, procurement support, and survey data collection for program monitoring and reporting.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Administrative & Operational Support:

·         Provide direct day-to-day administrative support to the Project Director, Principal Investigator (PI), and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) to execute grant milestones and work plans.

·         Maintain organized electronic and physical project records, correspondence, participant rosters, and compliance files in accordance with SBA and NTU records management policies.

·         Assist in drafting meeting agendas, transcribing meeting minutes, and preparing briefing materials for internal NTU teams, advisory board meetings, and external partner convenings.

Event, Workshop & Training Coordination:

·         Conduct participant and student outreach and recruitment.

·         Handle logistics for in-person and hybrid workshops, hands-on AM laboratory trainings at CAM, business seminars, and community outreach sessions across NTU campuses and satellite sites (Crownpoint, Church Rock, Chinle, Zuni, Teec Nos Pos, and Kirtland).

·         Coordinate venue reservations, AV/technology setup, catering, materials distribution, and supply preparation for cohort trainings, the Diné Apprenticeship Corps, and the E2G Capstone Program.

·         Serve as the primary point of contact for participant inquiries, registration processing, and general program communications.

Participant Tracking & Data Collection:

·         Administer pre- and post-training participant surveys and feedback assessments under the direction of the Project Director.

·         Track and log participant data, client intake metrics, workshop attendance, internship placements, and business technical assistance engagements using project tracking databases and spreadsheets.

·         Assist the Project Director in compiling baseline documentation and metrics required for quarterly, annual, and federal milestone reporting to the SBA.

Fiscal & Logistics Assistance:

·         Assist with the preparation of purchase requisitions, travel authorization forms, expense vouchers, vendor invoices, and supply orders in strict compliance with NTU Business Office procedures and OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).

·         Track project inventory, office supplies, training workbooks, and consumable instructional materials needed for training sessions.

·         Coordinate travel, lodging, and vehicle logistics for project staff, guest speakers, student teams, and partner representatives as needed.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:             

§  N/A

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

·         Associate degree in Business Administration, Office Administration, Information Technology, Public Administration, or a closely related field. (An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis).

·         Minimum of 1–3 years of administrative, office support, event coordination, or project support experience.

·         Prior experience working within a tribal college/university, academic department, sponsored program/grant office, or community-based organization is preferred.

·         Must possess a valid driver’s license.

·         Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check in accordance with Navajo Technical University policy.

·         Occasional regional travel throughout the Navajo Nation and Four Corners region may be required.

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.

·         Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple administrative deadlines and tasks with attention to detail.

·         Familiarity with database entry, spreadsheet data tracking, and virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, MS Teams).

·         Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

·         Strong commitment to the Diné Philosophy of Education, tribal sovereignty, and understanding of the socio-economic context of the Navajo Nation and regional Native communities.

·         Professionalism and discretion when handling participant information and data sovereignty considerations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand and walk for prolonged periods.

2.  Use hands for dexterity of motion, repetitive movement of both hands.

3.  Have normal auditory, visual acuity, and verbal communications skills. 

4.  Ability to lift, push, or pull upwards of 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

1.  Work is typically performed within an office setting.

2.  Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. 

3.  Evening and/or weekend work may be required.  Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.

4.  Travel may be required.