Job Description

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants American Indian College Fund provided pay range This range is provided by American Indian College Fund. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $24.00/hr - $27.00/hr Job Title: Native Student Advocate Department: Student Success Services Reports To: Senior Program Officer, College Access and College Success Location: Denver, CO (with some travel required) Job Type: Full-Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt) Organization Information The American Indian College Fund has been the nation’s largest charity supporting Native higher education for 35 years. The College Fund believes “Education is the answer” and provided $20.5 million in scholarships and other direct student support for access to a higher education that is steeped in Native culture and values to American Indian students in 2023-24. Since its founding in 1989 the College Fund has provided more than $349 million in scholarships, programs, community, and tribal college support. The College Fund also supports a variety of programs at the nation’s 34 accredited tribal colleges and universities, which are located on or near Indian reservations, ensuring students have the tools to graduate and succeed in their careers. The College Fund consistently receives top ratings from independent charity evaluators. It earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a Gold Seal of Transparency from Guidestar, and the “Best in America Seal of Excellence” from the Independent Charities of America. The College Fund was also named as one of the nation’s top 100 charities to the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. For more information about the American Indian College Fund, please visit Our Mission: The American Indian College Fund invests in Native students and tribal college education to transform lives and communities. Our Vision: The vision of the American Indian College Fund is for healthy, self-sufficient, and educated American Indian and Alaska Native people. Since its founding in 1989, the American Indian College Fund has been the nation’s largest charity supporting Native student access to higher education. We provide scholarships and programming for American Indian and Alaska Native students to access higher education. And once students are in college, we provide them with the tools and support to succeed. Position Summary The Native Student Advocate is a newly created role within the Student Success Services (SSS) team at the American Indian College Fund. This position is dedicated to serving Native students attending Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and mainstream colleges and universities nationwide. The Advocate will act as a responsive, knowledgeable, and culturally grounded resource for Native students, particularly in the face of institutional challenges such as the elimination of DEI initiatives or Native student support centers. This position emphasizes both individualized student support and the creation of system-wide tools and strategies to enhance Native student well‑being, persistence, and empowerment. Key Responsibilities Student Support & Advocacy Serve as a trusted advocate and point of contact for Native students experiencing academic, social, financial, cultural, or wellness-related challenges. Provide individualized guidance, resource referrals, and support in situations such as job or internship loss, race-related campus incidents, or the removal of campus-based Native support services. Maintain confidential records of student needs, referrals, and follow-ups to ensure continuity of support. Resource Development & Navigation Tools Build and maintain a comprehensive directory of resources available to Native students—ranging from academic aid and housing assistance to legal services and mental health supports. Develop student-facing guides, toolkits, and “how-to” resources, including: How to advocate for oneself or others on campus How to organize a student group How to navigate college systems without dedicated Native support centers How to access external supports when on-campus services are lacking Create step‑by‑step support plans for students whose internships, jobs, or educational opportunities have been unexpectedly disrupted. Campus Partnerships & Outreach Cultivate relationships with staff and faculty across TCUs and mainstream colleges to increase visibility of Native student needs and identify supportive allies. Represent the College Fund in outreach to institutions where Native programming is being cut or reorganized. Engage in strategic campus visits and attend conferences and convenings to connect with Native students and partners. Institutional Monitoring & Reporting Monitor and track trends in campus policy and programming affecting Native students, especially in contexts where DEI or Native support services are being reduced or removed. Share key findings with internal teams to inform broader strategy, advocacy, and response efforts. Job Requirements Deep understanding of the barriers and opportunities Native students face in higher education. Strong interpersonal and active listening skills. Ability to build trust with students and diverse stakeholders. Experience in student support, academic advising, case management, or similar roles. Strong problem-solving, referral, and advocacy skills. Excellent verbal and written communication. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. Organizational and time management skills to balance multiple student needs. Cultural humility and commitment to equity and Native student success. Willingness and ability to travel occasionally. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort with virtual platforms (Zoom, Teams, etc.). Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Education, Native American Studies, Student Affairs, Social Work, or related field required; master’s degree preferred. Minimum 3 years of experience working with Native students or Native communities, preferably in a higher education or support services setting. Deep understanding of Native student experiences in both tribal and mainstream college environments. Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous values, cultural knowledge, and advocacy. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create accessible, culturally relevant resources. Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain appropriate professional boundaries. Willingness to travel occasionally for events, site visits, or trainings. Preferred Skills Experience building partnerships or advocating within college/university systems. Knowledge of federal and state programs that support Native students. Familiarity with restorative justice, trauma-informed practices, or anti-racist approaches to student support. Work Environment In‑office (dedicated, semi‑private workspace). Professional office setting. Up to 10% travel by airplane and car. Physical Requirements Frequent keyboarding. Frequent screen viewing. Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs. Supervisory Responsibilities No supervisory duties assigned to this position. Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work for this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. The American Indian College Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr American Indian College Fund

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