Strategic Project Director

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, and health professionals while leading initiatives that support Native health and wellness. This position requires a leader who is committed to working respectfully within Tribal protocols, values community-driven solutions, and is dedicated to 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 the Executive Director, Administrative Operations Director, and Research Core Director to align programs, partnerships, and resources in support of the Center's mission. When delegated by the Executive Director, the Associate Director helps ensure continuity of leadership and stewardship of the Center's strategic priorities. About CNAH The Center for Native American Health (CNAH) at the UNM Health Sciences Center works to advance health and well-being for Native peoples by strengthening the Native health workforce, supporting Indigenous public health and research, informing health policy, and building partnerships grounded in respect, reciprocity, and Tribal sovereignty. CNAH serves as a bridge between Tribal communities, academic institutions, healthcare systems, and policymakers to address health priorities identified by Native communities themselves. Through education, leadership development, research, community engagement, and policy initiatives, the Center is committed to creating opportunities that improve health outcomes and expand pathways for Native students, professionals, and future leaders. At CNAH, we believe meaningful change happens through authentic relationships, shared learning, and a deep commitment to serving Native communities. The Associate Director will play a central role in advancing this vision.

See the Position Description for additional information.

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.

• 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.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.