American Indian Law Program (AILP) Faculty Fellow

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onboarding assistance

ECO Pass transit benefit

Tuition assistance

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder’s American Indian Law Program is seeking a Fellow to work with AILP faculty, students, and staff on Indigenous rights initiatives. The role supports legal research, teaching assistance, and programmatic/administrative tasks in academic and practice contexts.

The Fellow will collaborate with Indigenous leaders, attorneys, and community members; engage in research, memorandum drafting, and event coordination; and contribute to grant writing and communications.

Qualifications

• Recent law graduate with a J.D. or equivalent degree.
• Experience in Tribal Law, Federal Indian Law, and International Human Rights.
• Experience in program administration, academic events, and community engagement with Indigenous Peoples.
• Ability to travel and commit to at least one year.

Responsibilities

• Support the Implementation Project and UNDRIP education goals.
• Collaborate with Indigenous leaders, attorneys, and community members.
• Provide research and drafting of memoranda, articles, reports, and briefs.
• Assist with conference planning, outreach, and fundraising support.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting briefs

Event coordination

Community engagement

Policy analysis

Education

J.D. or equivalent

Tools

Procurement processes

Job description

Job Summary

This is a one-year Fellow position (with the possibility of renewal for a second year), beginning in Fall 2026. This full-time role offers the opportunity to work in academic and practice contexts with AILP faculty, students, and staff in support of American Indian and Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

The position is ideal for a recent law graduate with experience in Tribal law, federal Indian law, and international human rights, and an interest in pursuing a career in legal practice, policy, or academia.

The Fellow will collaborate with Indigenous leaders, attorneys, community members, and support the Director with programmatic and administrative initiatives.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The American Indian Law Program (AILP) at Colorado Law envisions “Indian Law” as a web of Indigenous Peoples’ laws, customs, and traditions, federal Indian law, and international human rights. Led by Professors James Anaya, Kristen Carpenter, Sarah Krakoff, Vanessa Racehorse, and Christina Stanton, the AILP offers a full curriculum, clinic, and certificate in American Indian law, and active program of research, pro bono work, and conferences, providing unparalleled learning opportunities.

We have a rich tradition of engagement with American Indian tribes and Indigenous Peoples around the world, national governments of the United States and other countries, as well as the United Nations and regional human rights bodies. AILP alumni, and past Fellows, are practicing in tribal and federal governments, private and public interest law firms, and various international organizations. The AILP also collaborates on interdisciplinary research and programs with the University of Colorado’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies and the Law School’s Getches Wilkinson Center for Energy, Natural Resources, and the Environment.

Responsibilities

A significant portion of the Fellow’s time will be devoted to The Implementation Project , a joint initiative of the University of Colorado Law School and the Native American Rights Fund focused on advancing education and advocacy related to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Fellow may also contribute to the work connected to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Maya Land Rights and Development Project.

Legal And Academic

The Fellow supports the AILP Director and faculty in a mix of legal/academic and programmatic/administrative work. This role offers broad exposure to research, teaching support, and community engaged initiatives connected to Indigenous rights, specifically:

• Research and drafting memoranda, articles, reports, and briefs
• Supporting classroom teaching and course development
• Preparing for and participating in meetings with Indigenous leaders, attorneys, and community members

Programmatic And Administrative

• Conference and event planning
• Student recruitment and outreach
• Community engagement and partnership development
• Grant writing and fundraising support
• Communications and publicity
• Alumni and community relations
• Supporting the Native American Law Students Association
• Receive training on University procurement process, including contracting, expense management, and reimbursement
• Manage and process procurement related tasks in compliance with University policies.
• Support technology needs, including coordinating tools, platforms, and basic troubleshooting
• Assist with communication efforts, such as drafting announcements, updating materials, and supporting outreach

What We Can Offer

The salary for this appointment will be $60,000-$75,000 annually. Onboarding assistance may be available within School of Law guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be collaborative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Recent law school graduate with a J.D. or equivalent degree
• Coursework or other experience in Tribal Law, Federal Indian Law, and International Human Rights
• Experience and interest in program administration, academic events, and community engagement with Indigenous Peoples
• Ability to work full time in Boulder and willingness to travel
• Minimum one year commitment

What We Would Like You To Have

• Experience working with Indigenous leaders, attorneys, and community members
• Exceptional academic credentials and advanced study in Tribal Law, Federal Indian Law, and International Human Rights Law