President

The Leech Lake Tribal College (LLTC) is an accredited, two-year, degree-granting institution. Offering transfer and career/technical degrees, with signature programs focused on Indigenous Sciences and Technology, Education, Indigenous Leadership, and Ojibwemowin. The college boasts active on-campus classes and student life as well as a robust distance education program. The LLTC campus is located in Cass Lake, MN, within the boundaries of the Leech Lake Nation.The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe established Leech Lake Tribal College by Tribal Resolution in July 1990.

Commitment to the Mission of LLTC is foremost in all things: Leech Lake Tribal College provides quality higher education grounded in Anishinaabe values.

The LLTC Vision upholds how we operate: To be recognized as a center of academic excellence that advances the Anishinaabe worldview and empowers life-long learners who are fully engaged citizens, stewards and leaders.

The LLTC Philosophy is embedded in all areas of the college: We observe and value the seven grandfather teachings: Zoongide’ewin (Courage), Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom), Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty), Zaagi’idiwin (Love), Manaaji’idiwin (Respect), Inendizowin (Humility), Debwewin (Truth). Our Philosophy - Leech Lake Tribal College.Following the Tribal Resolution to create LLTC, courses were offered for two years in extension from the University of Minnesota at Duluth, Bemidji State University, Itasca and Brainerd Community Colleges. The college had its first graduate of the Associate of Arts program in Anishinaabe Language and Culture in the spring of 1993. In 1994, the college was accorded status as a Land Grant Institution by the United States Congress. Also in 1994, seventeen graduates completed their Associate of Arts degrees and Associate of Applied Science degrees. By the spring of 1995, the number of graduates had increased to twenty-four. The college moved classrooms and administration to the former Cass Lake High School building in the fall of 1994, resulting in an increased student enrollment of 196. These students were enrolled in two-year Associate of Arts transfer degree programs, or in two-year technical programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree, or in one-year vocational programs. The Leech Lake Tribal College (LLTC) includes approximately 60 faculty, staff, administrators, and about 150-200 students. Most of our students come from the Leech Lake Reservation. LLTC was accredited as a post-secondary Vocational School in 1993 and later awarded candidacy status with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association in 2002 for its associate degree programs and continued candidacy in 2004. Full accreditation status was granted on September 26, 2006, for the maximum initial accreditation period of five years. For more information, see LLTC Accreditation - Leech Lake Tribal College.Leech Lake Tribal College is seeking visionary educational leader who fosters community both inside and outside the college, especially with tribal communities and institutions, but also those entities that enrich the college and its students. The president will serve as the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the total operation of the college reporting to its Board of Trustees. The President has full authority to administer and manage day-to-day operations of the college including delegations as appropriate. As such the President shall exercise broad discretionary powers within the policies and regulations. The President will participate in policy-making in partnership with the Board of Trustees.

Ideal Characteristics:

Possesses a strong working knowledge of Anishinaabe/Indigenous nationhoods (land base, governance, history) and a deep sensitivity to Anishinaabe cultural protocols, which directly informs and supports the Mission, Values, Philosophy, and academic programs of LLTC.

Working knowledge of academic leadership encompassing program and curriculum development, essential student support services, and strategies for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This expertise includes practical experience in providing oversight for regional/institutional and programmatic accreditation.

A student-centered leader who actively cultivates diverse, creative, and strategically aligns educational and training partnerships to effectively meet the evolving business, industry, and employment needs of the region.

Working knowledge of complex budgeting processes, including methods for managing limited funding constraints, securing alternative funding, and implementing existing budgeting frameworks.

Understands the critical function of technology in rural service delivery and is committed to leveraging it to enhance student access to education.

A politically astute and engaging leader committed to shared governance, collaborating effectively across all campus constituencies and with the governing board (Board of Trustees). Experienced in strategic planning and board partnership to drive institutional success. Skilled in working effectively with external political entities, including local government, state and federal legislatures.Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree with a Doctoral degree preferred from an accredited institution.

Extensive higher education administrative experience in positions of increasing responsibility with at least three years in senior-level administration.

Teaching experience or student services experience at the post-secondary level. Additional Information:

Must possess (or ability to obtain if relocating from out of state) and maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license and current auto insurance.

Must pass pre-employment drug test and criminal background checks.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified American Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25 U.S.C. § 472).

Challenges and Opportunities:

Grow enrollment, particularly of full-time and non-traditional student enrollment; improve retention and completion; develop a completion and/or transfer plan and provide academic and workforce offerings to best serve all students throughout the LLBO and beyond. Expand articulation and transfer agreements to more MN baccalaureate degree-granting institutions, with an emphasis on those that are more culturally sensitive to Indigenous students.

Strategically build workforce and retraining programs to drive regional economic and demographic transitions. This includes maintaining cultural integrity by embedding the Seven Grandfather Teachings in all offerings and expanding access to high-quality education.

Cultivate robust relationships with K-12 and Tribal schools, communities, regional higher education institutions, and Tribal leadership to ensure cultural responsiveness across all engagements.

Provides transparent, accountable, and Anishinaabe-values-driven leadership, championing students and community. This involves directing and delegating the successful HLC Accreditation Visit in May 2027, leading the implementation of the strategic plan through shared governance, and ensuring organizational accountability and professional standards. The role also ensures data-informed, culturally aware decision-making and drives the development of long-term campus capital projects and technology integration.

Collaborate with faculty and staff to build a financially resilient institution and a culture of fiscal responsibility. Address funding challenges through strategic advocacy and partnership with the Board of Trustees, government agencies, and legislators.