Director for Native American Program
Santa Ana, New Mexico
New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans for a variety of legal issues including domestic violence/family law, consumer protection, housing, and benefits. NMLA has locations throughout the state including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, Clovis, Hobbs, Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Ana.
New Mexico Legal Aid is seeking a Director for its Native American Program. The Native American Program (NAP) provides free legal services to low-income Native Americans living on or near the nineteen (19) Pueblos, and outreach and community education to the community of the Mescalero Apache Nation. NAP is funded by the Legal Services Corporation and is part of New Mexico Legal Aid's statewide program.
In addition to the administrative and management duties for the overall operations of NAP, the Director is responsible for:
Ensuring that the civil legal needs of its client community are met, including initiating and completing periodic needs assessments;
Partnering and collaborating with tribal entities within the service area;
Developing projects and programs to leverage NAP resources, including funding opportunities;
Integrating NAP's technology and communications needs into NMLA's statewide system;
Overseeing the NAP's legal advocacy, including supervising the Litigation Manager;
Organizing and participating in community education and outreach activities to the various Pueblo communities;
NAP is located within the Santa Ana Pueblo lands; approximately 40 miles from Santa Fe and 15 minutes from Albuquerque. Attorneys with experience working with tribal communities and/or who speak Keres are encouraged to apply.
The Native American Program handles creative, challenging, and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities, including development of effective team strategies to handle complex advocacy and extended representation cases.
Indian and Tribal law experience working in tribal communities, preferably Pueblo Communities.
Experience as an attorney, some of which should include practice in tribal courts.
Prior Experience in administrative and supervisory roles is preferred.
Experience in supervising legal advocacy in Federal, State and/or Tribal Court.
Cultural knowledge and sensitivity to work with sovereign nations, including tribal courts and tribal governments and agencies.
Sensitivity to and ability to work with diverse low-income populations
Excellent communication, writing and analytical skills,
Self-motivated individuals with strong inter-personal and managerial skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, manage a caseload and build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community.
Proficiency in Keres or other relevant Native American language is a plus.
NMLA provides comprehensive benefits, holiday and leave packages. For information about NMLA's generous benefits, and what it is like to work at NMLA click here
Provide a current resume and a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and the mission of NMLA by clicking here to apply. Your application will not be considered unless we receive both of these documents. As an alternative, you can email the applicant packet to [email protected].
Salary: DOE, NMLA is an EEO Employer. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This position is open until filled. For best consideration, please submit materials by June 30,2025. Please refer to website for updated information.
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