Indian Education Administrator (HED #10116565

indian education administrator (hed #)

the new mexico higher education department (nmhed) works to encourage all new mexicans to pursue a college education by making it more accessible and affordable. The department holds a statewide vision for higher education in which new mexicans have the ability to achieve the highest level of education they desire, are ensured a seamless educational experience from pre‑school through college, can afford to attend one of new mexico’s fine institutions and will succeed once enrolled, and will be prepared to participate in new mexico’s high wage workforce.

this posting will be used to conduct ongoing recruitment and will remain open until all positions have been filled. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

the indian education specialist supports the director of indian education by building relationships with tribal nations, pueblos (npts), and higher education institutions throughout new mexico. This position represents the indian education division at community events, engages with tribal leaders, students, and families, and helps develop research‑based outreach strategies that honor indigenous nation building practices. The role also supports division initiatives, including the request for proposal (rfps) process, legislative priorities, and meetings related to indigenous education models and sovereignty.

Additionally, the specialist leads efforts to improve indian education data collection by identifying current gaps, developing new methods with tribal input, and coordinating data collection with higher education institutions across the state.

the indian education specialist accomplishes their work by actively engaging tribal nations, pueblos, and higher education institutions through direct outreach, in‑person visits, and participation in community events. The role gathers and applies research to develop culturally grounded outreach practices and strengthens communication between tribal communities and state higher education partners. The specialist supports the division’s internal operations by attending key meetings, providing technical expertise on indigenous education strategies, and assisting with the request‑for‑proposal process and legislative priorities.

To improve indian education data, the specialist reviews existing agency data systems, identifies gaps, collaborates with tribal leaders and higher education institutions to design new data collection methods, and establishes consistent processes for gathering and reporting data.

higher education department leadership, partner districts, staff, nations, tribes and pueblos, higher education institutions (heis), students and parents.

the ideal candidate will have:

• experience working with tribal nations, pueblos, and indigenous communities in new mexico
• skill in building and maintaining respectful, collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders
• knowledge of indigenous education, nation building principles, and culturally responsive practices
• ability to conduct outreach, represent the agency professionally, and communicate clearly with community members, students, and families
• experience supporting program administration, meeting facilitation, and division initiatives
• ability to analyze information, identify data gaps, and help develop new data collection methods
• research skills to develop best practices and inform outreach and policy recommendations
• bachelors in native american/american indian studies preferred

bachelor’s degree in education, public administration, or business administration and three (3) years of experience as a teacher and/or program administrator. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling seven (7) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must possess and maintain a current defensive driving course certificate from the state of new mexico or must pass and receive defensive driving course certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.

work is performed in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminal (vdt) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required.

this position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.

agency contact:
nathana bird – (505) 394‑4396 – nathana.bird.gov