NIEA Employment Opportunities
About NIEA
The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was founded in 1969 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by Native educators seeking solutions to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Native students. More than five decades later, NIEA continues to advocate for Native students, support educators, Tribal Nations, and Native communities, and advance community-driven solutions in Native education across the country.
NIEA remains grounded in the organization’s founding principles:
To bring Native educators together to explore ways to improve schools and the education of Native students.
To promote the maintenance and continued development of Native languages and cultures.
To develop and implement strategies that influence local, state, and federal policy impacting Native education.
Why Work at NIEA
Working at NIEA means being part of a mission-driven organization rooted in community, collaboration, and service. NIEA staff work alongside Native educators, leaders, advocates, Tribal Nations, and Native communities to help strengthen Native education and support the success of Native students nationwide.
NIEA values meaningful work, relationship building, and community-centered leadership. Staff have the opportunity to contribute to national advocacy efforts, support educators and Native communities, and help elevate Native voices in education policy and practice.
At NIEA, work is guided by a shared commitment to the organization’s core values:
Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency
Purposeful, Intentional, and Mindful Action
Reliability, Commitment, Hard Work, and Dedication
Respect
Compassion and Empathy
Community, Unity, Family, and Service to Others
Generosity
These values are reflected in NIEA’s Strategic Plan and help shape the organization’s culture, partnerships, and continued commitment to Native education.
See below for open positions.
Tribal State Policy Manager
Salary: $70,000–$100,000
Location: Remote
The Tribal State Policy Manager advances Native education policy by strengthening relationships across Tribal Nations, states, and Native education communities. This role works closely with NIEA leadership, advocates, and partners to support policy efforts grounded in sovereignty, self-governance, and community priorities.
This position leads tribal and state policy engagement by providing advocacy support, technical assistance, and clear, actionable policy resources. Responsibilities include developing briefing materials, testimony, and talking points, tracking state-level policy activity, and supporting coordinated advocacy efforts in key states.
Centered in collaboration, this role builds and maintains strong relationships with Tribal Nations, educators, policymakers, and coalition partners. The Tribal State Policy Manager also contributes to NIEA’s broader advocacy efforts, including Hill Week and the Annual Convention, helping elevate Native voices and advance meaningful policy change.