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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, Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Ana.

The Native American Program (NAP) 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. The majority of NAP’s civil and criminal misdemeanor cases are in Pueblo Courts.

The NAP Director is responsible for administration and management of the overall operations of NAP, including:

  • Ensuring that the civil legal needs of its client community are met, including initiating and completing period 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 Specialist.
  • Organizing and participating in community education and outreach activities to the various Pueblo communities.
  • Working in close collaboration with other members of NMLA’s management team; and
  • Being active in local bar associations and community activities.

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 is based in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico but requires statewide travel.

Requirements:

  • License to practice law in New Mexico or become licensed within six months of employment.
  • Indian and Tribal law experience working in tribal communities, preferably Pueblo communities.
  • At least five (5) years of 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 interpersonal and managerial skills.
  • Be willing to travel.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and build collaborative relationships within the NMLA staff and the legal services community.
  • Proficiency in Keres or other relevant Native American language is a plus.

Applicant’s life experience, as well as academic and professional experience, will be considered.

Company Benefits:

  • 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees; generous contributions for dependents
  • 3 weeks vacation time, 6 days personal time, liberal sick pay, and federal holidays off
  • Comp time for overtime
  • Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote – your choice!)
  • 37.5-hour work week
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • Competitive salary
  • Click herefor more information

Salary: depending on experience.

Deadline to apply: January 10, 2026

Applicants must submit a current resume, three references, and a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and the mission of NMLA. Your application will not be considered unless we receive both of these documents. To apply, visit: https://newmexicolegalaid.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1665294

Applicants will be subject to a background search. Please do not let this deter you from applying. NMLA is committed to a strong workforce and recognizes that persons with marks on their record may still be able to perform admirably.