Director for Native American Program - Attorney

Mielegalaid; New Mexico; On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision

Generous employer contributions toward dependent coverage

Sabbatical program eligibility

Paid time off includes annual leave and holidays

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contributions and matching

Job summary

Mielegalaid is seeking a Director for the Native American Program to lead advocacy and support legal services for low-income Native Americans across New Mexico. This role involves overseeing a team, developing initiatives, and building partnerships. The ideal candidate will have a J.D. in New Mexico, at least five years of legal experience, and a demonstrated commitment to working with Native American communities.

The position offers a competitive salary between $100,000 and $115,000 annually, hybrid work schedule, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of legal practice experience.
• Experience with tribal governments, tribal courts, or tribal legal issues.
• Experience supervising attorneys or legal teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the vision, strategy, and operations of the Native American Program.
• Supervise staff members and oversee casework.
• Represent NMLA within tribal communities.

Skills

Legal practice

Working with Native American communities

Leadership and project management

Strong communication skills

Education

J.D. and ability to practice law in New Mexico

Job description

Director for Native American Program - Attorney

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, Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Ana.

The Native American Program (NAP) at NMLA 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 a team dedicated to expanding access to justice, strengthening tribal partnerships, and ensuring high-quality legal advocacy for Native American communities across New Mexico.

Responsibilities

Vision, Strategy & Operations

• 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 strong relationships with Pueblo governments, tribal courts, and community partners.

Legal Advocacy & Program Oversight

• 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.

Community Engagement

• Represent NMLA within tribal communities and professional organizations.
• Lead community education and outreach initiatives.
• Strengthen partnerships that expand access to justice.

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a member of NMLA’s management team.
• Collaborate with statewide leadership on strategic initiatives, technology, communications, and operational planning.

The NAP Director is responsible for administration and management of the overall operations of NAP, including but not limited to the responsibilities listed above. The position reports to the Deputy Director and is based on the Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, but requires statewide travel.

Qualifications

• J.D. and ability to practice law in New Mexico.
• Minimum 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience practicing in tribal courts.
• Experience supervising attorneys or legal teams.
• Pueblo community experience.
• Keres or other Native American language proficiency.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees.
• Generous employer contributions toward dependent coverage.
• Paid time off includes annual leave (starting at 3 weeks/year), 6 days personal time, 15 holidays, sick leave, and more.
• Sabbatical program eligibility.
• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote each week).
• Full-time 37.5-hour work week.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contributions and matching.

Salary: $100,000 - $115,000/year, depending on experience.

NMLA is an EEO Employer.