Indian Education Director

INDIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR

Reports To

Superintendent

Supervises

Indian Education staff and assigned grant‑funded personnel

Work Year / FLSA Status

12‑Month Administrative Position / Exempt

Location

District Office, school sites, and approved community or Tribal partner settings

The Indian Education Director provides visionary leadership, strategic planning, and administrative oversight for Bernalillo Public Schools' Indian Education programs and initiatives. The Director is responsible for advancing the academic achievement, cultural identity, language access, attendance, graduation rates, college and career readiness, and overall well‑being of Native American students.

The Director develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with Pueblo and Tribal governments, Tribal Education Departments, students, families, community organizations, and educational stakeholders to ensure meaningful engagement and culturally responsive educational opportunities. The position serves as the district's lead administrator for Indian Education programs and compliance while supporting government‑to‑government consultation processes on behalf of Bernalillo Public Schools.

The Director is accountable for ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, Tribal consultation, grant, and district requirements and for aligning departmental initiatives with Board policy, district procedures, and the Bernalillo Public Schools Strategic Plan.

• Provide leadership and direction for the Indian Education Department in alignment with the Bernalillo Public Schools Strategic Plan, district goals, school improvement efforts, Board policy, and Superintendent priorities.
• Develop and implement long‑range plans that support educational success and equitable opportunities for Native American students.
• Collaborate with district and school leaders to identify priorities, address barriers to student achievement, and improve student outcomes.
• Promote culturally responsive and culturally sustaining practices throughout the district.

• Coordinate district wide programs and services that support Native American students' academic achievement, attendance, behavior, graduation, wellness, and postsecondary readiness.
• Advocate for educational opportunities and resources that promote student success and engagement.
• Support transition planning between grade levels and postsecondary pathways.
• Collaborate with schools to identify and address barriers impacting student achievement and participation.

• Serve as the district liaison for Tribal consultation, communication, relationship‑building, and collaborative partnerships.
• Coordinate consultation meetings, maintain records, document recommendations, and facilitate follow‑up actions.
• Develop and sustain positive working relationships with Pueblo and Tribal leaders, Tribal Education Departments, and community representatives.
• Ensure consultation processes are meaningful, transparent, documented, and aligned with district decision‑making responsibilities.
• Represent district interests, policies, timelines, and operational requirements while maintaining respect for Tribal sovereignty and cultural protocols.

• Strengthen partnerships among schools, families, Tribal communities, and community organizations.
• Facilitate family engagement opportunities, advisory committees, public meetings, and student leadership initiatives.
• Promote effective communication systems that encourage meaningful participation and feedback from Native American students and families.
• Support culturally responsive outreach and engagement efforts throughout the district.

• Ensure district compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including but not limited to:
  • New Mexico Indian Education Act
  • Tribal Education Status Report (TESR) requirements
  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA/ESEA) Tribal consultation requirements
  • Title VI Indian Education Program requirements
  • Impact Aid and Indian Policies and Procedures (IPPs)
  • Family…