Director of Native American Program - Attorney
About The Position
New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans. Its Native American Program (NAP) serves low-income Native Americans living on or near New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos and provides outreach services to the Mescalero Apache community. The NAP Director leads the program’s vision, strategy, administration, and operations, with a focus on expanding access to justice, strengthening tribal partnerships, and ensuring high-quality legal advocacy across New Mexico. The Director supervises approximately 5–7 staff members and oversees casework, advocacy strategies, and compliance with program requirements. The role supports litigation, impact advocacy, and systemic reform; develops responsive services and outreach; and identifies partnership, project, and funding opportunities. The Director represents NMLA in tribal communities and professional organizations, leads community education and outreach, and serves on NMLA’s management team, collaborating with statewide leadership on strategic initiatives and operational planning. The position reports to the Deputy Director and is based on the Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. Statewide travel is required. The schedule is hybrid, with three days in the office and two days remote each week, and the full-time work week is 37.5 hours.
Requirements
- J.D. and ability to practice law in New Mexico.
- At least five years of legal practice experience.
- Demonstrated experience working with Native American communities, tribal governments, tribal courts, or tribal legal issues.
- Demonstrated leadership, project management, or supervisory experience.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Submit a current resume, three references, and a cover letter explaining interest in the position and NMLA’s mission.
Nice To Haves
- Experience practicing in tribal courts.
- Experience supervising attorneys or legal teams.
- Pueblo community experience.
- Grant management or program development experience.
- Keres or other Native American language proficiency.
Responsibilities
- Lead the overall vision, strategy, and operations of the Native American Program.
- Assess emerging legal needs and develop responsive services and outreach initiatives.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to strengthen and expand the program through partnerships, special projects, and funding opportunities.
- Build and maintain relationships with Pueblo governments, tribal courts, and community partners.
- Supervise approximately 5–7 staff members and oversee casework and advocacy strategies.
- Ensure high-quality legal representation and compliance with program requirements.
- Support litigation, impact advocacy, and systemic reform efforts.
- Represent NMLA within tribal communities and professional organizations.
- Lead community education and outreach initiatives and strengthen partnerships that expand access to justice.
- Serve on NMLA’s management team and collaborate with statewide leadership on strategic initiatives, technology, communications, and operational planning.
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid BCBS medical insurance for employees.
- Dental and vision insurance for employees.
- Generous employer contributions toward dependent coverage.
- Paid time off, including annual leave starting at three weeks per year, six days of personal time, 15 holidays, and sick leave.
- Eligibility for a sabbatical program.
- Hybrid work schedule: three days in office and two days remote each week.
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and matching.
- Meaningful mission-driven work serving New Mexico communities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
