Project Assistant_Dine E2G Adv Manf & Job Creation Initiative

Navajo Technical University•Crownpoint, NM

About The Position

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, the cross-disciplinary project brings together NTU's Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Business Department, Land-Grant Extension program, federal partners, 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 supports day-to-day office administration, workshop and event coordination, participant intake and tracking, travel logistics, procurement, and survey data collection for program monitoring and reporting. The position supports grant milestones and work plans, maintains project records, coordinates trainings and outreach activities, tracks participant and program data, and assists with fiscal and travel documentation in accordance with applicable NTU and federal procedures.

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 year for year.
Minimum of 1–3 years of administrative, office support, event coordination, or project support experience.
Valid driver's license.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check in accordance with Navajo Technical University policy.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple administrative deadlines and tasks with attention to detail.
Familiarity with database entry, spreadsheet data tracking, and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and MS Teams.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Commitment to the Diné Philosophy of Education and tribal sovereignty, and understanding of the socioeconomic context of the Navajo Nation and regional Native communities.
Professionalism and discretion when handling participant information and data sovereignty considerations.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Project Director, Principal Investigator, and Co-Principal Investigator to execute grant milestones and work plans.
Maintain electronic and physical project records, correspondence, participant rosters, and compliance files in accordance with SBA and NTU records management policies.
Assist with drafting meeting agendas, transcribing meeting minutes, and preparing briefing materials for internal teams, advisory board meetings, and external partner convenings.
Conduct participant and student outreach and recruitment.
Coordinate logistics for in-person and hybrid workshops, hands-on advanced manufacturing laboratory trainings, business seminars, and community outreach sessions across NTU campuses and satellite sites.
Coordinate venue reservations, audiovisual and technology setup, catering, materials distribution, and supply preparation for cohort trainings, the Diné Apprenticeship Corps, and the E2G Capstone Program.
Serve as the primary contact for participant inquiries, registration processing, and general program communications.
Administer pre- and post-training participant surveys and feedback assessments under the Project Director's direction.
Track participant data, client intake metrics, workshop attendance, internship placements, and business technical assistance engagements using project databases and spreadsheets.
Assist the Project Director in compiling baseline documentation and metrics for quarterly, annual, and federal milestone reporting to the SBA.
Assist with purchase requisitions, travel authorization forms, expense vouchers, vendor invoices, and supply orders in compliance with NTU Business Office procedures and OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
Track project inventory, office supplies, training workbooks, and consumable instructional materials.
Coordinate travel, lodging, and vehicle logistics for project staff, guest speakers, student teams, and partner representatives as needed.