Director of Native American Program - Attorney

New Mexico Legal Aid; Bernalillo (NM); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Medical insurance

Sabbatical

Paid time off

403(b) retirement plan

Mission-driven work

Job summary

New Mexico Legal Aid is seeking a Director for the Native American Program to lead strategy, operations, and outreach across New Mexico, including tribal governments and communities near the 19 Pueblos. The role requires building strong partnerships and ensuring high-quality legal advocacy for Native American clients.

The position reports to the Deputy Director and may involve statewide travel from Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, reflecting NMLA's statewide impact and commitment to serving underserved

Qualifications

• J.D. and licensed to practice law in New Mexico.
• Minimum five years of legal practice experience.
• Experience with Native American communities, tribal governments or tribal courts.
• Demonstrated leadership, project management, or supervisory experience.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Native American Program's vision, strategy, and operations.
• Supervise 5–7 staff and oversee casework and advocacy strategies.
• Represent NMLA within tribal communities and professional organizations.
• Collaborate with statewide leadership on strategic initiatives and operations.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Stakeholder relations

Communication

Education

J.D. (NM)

Job description

Director for Native American Program - Attorney

Santa Ana Pueblo, 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, Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Ana.

The Native American Program (NAP) at New Mexico Legal Aid serves low-income Native Americans living on or near New Mexico's 19 Pueblos and provides outreach services to the Mescalero Apache community. The Native American Program Director leads a team of dedicated to expanding access to justice, strengthening tribal partnerships, and ensuring high-quality legal advocacy for Native American communities across New Mexico. of NMLA provides free legal services to low-income Native Americans living on or near the 19 Pueblos and outreach services to the Mescalero Apache community in New Mexico.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• 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 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 developing effective team strategies to handle complex advocacy and extended representation cases.

The position reports to the Deputy Director and is based on the Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, but requires statewide travel.

Requirements

• 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.
• Grant management or program development experience.
• Keres or other Native American language proficiency.

Company 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
• Meaningful mission-driven work serving New Mexico communities

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

Deadline to apply: Until filled. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

NMLA is an EEO Employer.