Chief Prosecutor

• Improves staff effectiveness by hiring, counseling, training and recommending disciplinary action for employees; planning, delegating, monitoring, and appraising job tasks and results in a timely manner.

• Ensures appropriate departmental staffing levels based on efficiency and cost effectiveness; yet, maintains operational requirements as dictated by internal controls and management.
• Develops weekly staffing schedule and daily assignments for staff.

• Establishes, implements, and communicates goals, objectives, policies, and procedures in accordance with strategic plan.
• Achieves financial objectives by preparing and administering the annual budget, inclusive of operational plans and objectives, and recommends staffing and expenditures.
• Works in conjunction with the Tribal Probation Office to ensure compliance with court orders.
• Recommends revisions to Tribal law as needed to provide for public safety and the general welfare.
• Works closely with the FBI and US Department of Justice in ensuring that felonies committed on the reservation are appropriately prosecuted in federal court.
• Receives, reviews and screens complaints to determine whether formal criminal proceedings should be initiated.
• Reviews, researches, interprets, prepares and drafts both written (pleadings, motions, and other Court filings) and oral arguments on a wide variety of legal issues.
• Utilizes a plea-bargaining process that will protect the interests of both the Tribe and the victims of crime.  Ensures a balanced criminal justice system.

• Acquires sufficient evidence through criminal investigations for prosecuting crimes in Tribal Court, including arraignments, motions, trials, and appeals.

• Interviews relevant individuals, gathers evidence, and analyzes pertinent information to prepare for legal action.
• Litigates bench and jury trials and represents the Tribe in appeals from Tribal Court.
• Maintains professional knowledge by conducting research and attends continuing legal education classes

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• License to practice in New Mexico or other State.
• A member in good standing of New Mexico state bar or other state bar.
• Five years’ experience as a prosecutor; experience as a prosecutor in a tribal court preferred.  One year in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Familiarity with federal Indian law preferred.

• Must have a valid NM Driver’s License.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

Tribal preference and Native American Indian preference shall apply to all positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable federal laws, regulations, and requirements and have the capacity to gain knowledge of Tribal law.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to tribal culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of criminal procedure and due process rights.
• Skill in effectively presenting material to the court, speaking clearly and providing excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, analyzing and interpreting complex legal documents and publications.
• Skill in working effectively under pressure.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.
• Skill in providing leadership to, supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
• Ability to conduct interviews with witnesses, victims and other involved parties.
• Ability to understand concepts to tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from the general public, social service and government agencies, judges and other attorneys.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.