[Hiring] Strategic Project Director @University of New Mexico

Role Description

The Center for Native American Health (CNAH) at the UNM Health Sciences Center seeks a passionate, collaborative, and mission-driven leader to serve as Associate Director. This is an exceptional opportunity to help advance Native health, strengthen Indigenous health leadership, and support meaningful partnerships with Tribal Nations, Pueblos, and Native communities throughout New Mexico and beyond.

Classified by UNM as a Strategic Project Director (A7123), this exempt, Grade 16 position reports directly to the CNAH Executive Director. The Associate Director plays a critical leadership role in shaping and advancing CNAH's community-engaged programs, strategic initiatives, and external partnerships. Working at the intersection of Indigenous public health, workforce development, research, and policy, the Associate Director helps transform shared priorities into lasting impact for Native communities.

The Associate Director builds trusted relationships with:

• Tribal leaders
• Community partners
• Students
• Faculty
• Policymakers
• Health professionals

This position requires a leader who is committed to:

• Working respectfully within Tribal protocols
• Valuing community-driven solutions
• Fostering opportunities that strengthen Native peoples, communities, and future generations of health leaders

As a member of CNAH's leadership team, the Associate Director collaborates closely with:

• Executive Director
• Administrative Operations Director
• Research Core Director

When delegated by the Executive Director, the Associate Director helps ensure continuity of leadership and stewardship of the Center's strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in public health, health sciences, higher education, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
• Progressively responsible leadership experience in a Tribal organization, university or health sciences center, public agency, nonprofit organization, or other mission-driven setting.
• Experience working respectfully and effectively with Tribal Nations, Pueblos, Native communities, and Tribal leaders, with knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, government-to-government relationships, and engagement protocols.
• Experience leading strategic planning and complex, cross-functional programs or projects involving multiple internal and external partners.
• Experience supervising employees and managing budgets, delegated approvals, contracts, and resource coordination.
• Demonstrated skill in executive writing, annual or impact reporting, facilitation, public speaking, diplomacy and negotiation, and relationship-building.
• Knowledge of UNM, UNM Health Sciences Center, or comparable university and health sciences business systems, policies, procedures, and shared-governance environments.

Benefits

• This is a benefits eligible position.
• The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs.