National Native Programs Director

Overview

Compensation Starting salary: $96,250 to $110,000 annually Starting salary is based on experience, qualifications, education, internal equity, and local market conditions. This is a full-time leadership position with Chestnut Health Systems' Lighthouse Institute supporting the National Native Center of Excellence (NNCOE).

Overview

Lead national initiatives. Build Tribal partnerships. Strengthen Native communities. Chestnut Health Systems' Lighthouse Institute is seeking an experienced National Native Programs Director to provide leadership for the National Native Center of Excellence (NNCOE). This is a highly collaborative national leadership role for someone with deep experience working with Tribal Nations, Native communities, and Tribal systems. You'll build and sustain partnerships across Indian Country and Alaska while leading programs focused on Tribal justice, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), behavioral health, crisis response, suicide prevention, and justice-involved American Indian and Alaska Native communities. You'll also lead major NNCOE initiatives, coordinate training and technical assistance, develop culturally grounded programming, supervise staff and consultants, and represent NNCOE with Tribal, local, state, and federal partners. Success in this role requires more than traditional program management experience. We're looking for someone who understands and respects Tribal sovereignty, Native cultures, community-defined priorities, traditional values, and the importance of building relationships grounded in trust. If you bring significant experience working alongside Tribal Nations and want to use that expertise to support meaningful work on a national level, we'd like to hear from you. Why You'll Love This Role Lead nationally focused programs serving Tribal Nations and Native communities across Indian Country and Alaska. Build meaningful partnerships with Tribal leaders, Native experts, community organizations, and government partners. Lead initiatives addressing critical issues including MMIP, Tribal justice, behavioral health, crisis response, and suicide prevention. Help develop culturally grounded, community-driven programs, resources, training, and technical assistance. Represent NNCOE at conferences, webinars, podcasts, meetings, and national collaborations. Lead and mentor staff and consultants while helping shape the continued growth and direction of NNCOE. Bring your expertise to work where Tribal sovereignty, Native values, cultural knowledge, and community voice matter.

Responsibilities

Develop, cultivate, and grow strategic partnerships with Tribal Nations and tribally based community organizations to expand NNCOE services across Indian Country and Alaska. Lead and coordinate major NNCOE initiatives, including Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) efforts, the Multi-Jurisdiction Conference, National Native Youth Justice Academy, and National Tribal Probation Academy. Coordinate across NNCOE teams, Tribal programs, community partners, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent and timely delivery of programs and projects. Maintain strong relationships and regular communication with Tribal leaders, community leaders, program staff, and national Native experts. Respond to Tribal community inquiries and support implementation of NNCOE projects and programs. Develop, coordinate, and deliver training and technical assistance for Tribal staff and community partners. Develop and coordinate Native- and Tribal-specific, values-driven, community-rooted programming. Stay current on research, policy, and emerging initiatives related to MMIP, Tribal justice, behavioral health, suicide prevention, crisis response, and justice system involvement within American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Develop and maintain Native-centered resources based on priorities identified by Tribal communities. Represent NNCOE through conferences, webinars, podcasts, councils, commissions, and meetings with Tribal, local, state, and federal leaders. Identify potential funding opportunities that align with NNCOE's vision, philosophy, and approach to service delivery. Supervise, coach, and support assigned NNCOE staff and consultants. Manage projects, deliverables, timelines, and budgets to ensure successful implementation. Prepare quarterly and annual reports and communicate program progress and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders. Promote Chestnut's culture of customer service excellence and maintain confidentiality and security of organizational information. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Tribal & Native Community Experience Bachelor's degree or a combination of relevant lived experience, education, and professional experience. Seven or more years of experience building and sustaining diverse Tribal partnerships involving Tribal justice, behavioral health, healthcare, welfare, education, or related systems. Five or more years of experience providing services or expertise related to MMIP, Tribal justice systems, culturally based law enforcement, crisis response, suicide prevention, and/or behavioral health needs of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals involved in the justice system. Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively within the cultural and governmental frameworks of sovereign Tribal Nations. Deep familiarity with and respect for traditional Native value systems, worldviews, protocols, and spiritual perspectives and practices. Experience collaborating with Native experts representing diverse Tribal Nations and communities. Experience building collaborative relationships between Tribal and non-Tribal organizations, entities, and governments. Leadership & Program Management Five or more years of experience supervising staff and/or consultants. Demonstrated experience in program management and program development. Experience successfully managing complex projects on time and within budget. Experience developing and coordinating Native- and Tribal-specific, community-rooted programming. Ability to lead collaboratively while establishing accountability and supporting team success. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances. Training, Communication & Engagement Experience developing curriculum and delivering training. Strong facilitation and public speaking skills. Experience presenting to Tribal, local, state, and federal councils, commissions, leaders, and other stakeholders. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience preparing reports and communications for diverse audiences. Strong computer skills and ability to use technology effectively in program management, communication, and training. Additional Requirements Willingness and ability to travel as necessary to support NNCOE programs, Tribal partnerships, training, and events. Ability to occasionally work additional hours when needed to meet program priorities. Consistent reliability, professionalism, and ability to meet project and reporting deadlines.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance Retirement savings plan with company match Generous paid time off Tuition reimbursement opportunities Employee Assistance Program Professional development and continuing education Opportunities to contribute to nationally significant research, training, and community initiatives About Chestnut & Lighthouse Institute Since 1973, Chestnut Health Systems has been improving lives through behavioral health, primary care, substance use treatment, prevention, research, training, and community partnerships. Chestnut's Lighthouse Institute conducts research, evaluation, training, technical assistance, and program development designed to improve behavioral health services and outcomes in communities across the United States. Through the National Native Center of Excellence, this position works alongside Tribal Nations and Native communities to develop and strengthen culturally grounded initiatives addressing Tribal justice, behavioral health, community wellness, and other priorities identified by Native communities. At Chestnut, you'll find an organization where expertise, collaboration, community relationships, and meaningful work come together. Additional Information We recognize that expertise can be developed through professional experience, education, community leadership, and lived experience. If your background aligns strongly with the mission and responsibilities of this role, we encourage you to apply. To be considered, applicants must attach a resume, complete the application, and answer all screening questions. Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience. EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled