Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Coordinator

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Coordinator

Department/Division: Pala Housing Resource Center

Status: Hourly / Full-Time

Supervisor: Executive Housing Director

Subordinates: None

POSITION SUMMARY:

The MMIP Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the implementation and administration of Pala’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Program. This role involves conducting research, developing policies and procedures, supporting victim families, managing data, and building strong relationships with law enforcement agencies. The MMIP Coordinator will also work closely with community members to raise awareness and provide resources for victims and their families. This position is grant-funded until January of 2027. There is no guarantee of employment past this date.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate meetings with the MMIP Advisory Board to discuss ongoing initiatives, case updates, and strategic planning.
• Conduct comprehensive research to stay current with best practices for responding to MMIP cases.
• Develop and regularly update policies, procedures, forms, and response plans that enhance the effectiveness of MMIP response efforts.
• Collect, centralize, and maintain up-to-date information regarding missing and murdered Pala Tribal Members and all Indigenous persons residing within San Diego County.
• Track and document case progress, outcomes, and demographics to support ongoing investigations and reporting.
• Collaborate with other tribes to organize and participate in MMIP awareness events, fostering regional and national partnerships for advocacy and support.
• Coordinate and facilitate youth awareness initiatives to educate young people about human trafficking and the risks associated with MMIP cases.
• Plan and implement awareness prevention and response strategies to proactively address MMIP concerns within the community.
• Assist family members of MMIP victims with publication costs for missing persons notices and organizing volunteer searches.
• Provide empathetic, on-call services to individuals contacting Pala’s Tribal Law Enforcement regarding MMIP cases.
• Assist victims and their families in accessing available resources, including shelters, counseling, medical services, legal support, and law enforcement agencies.
• Adhering to MMIP grant requirements and compliance.
• Help with the preparation of necessary forms, such as requests for protective orders and applications for victim services.
• Develop and maintain informational materials to raise community awareness about MMIP issues and prevention strategies.
• Centralize and disseminate resources related to MMIP initiatives within the community and beyond.
• Work collaboratively with Pala departments, programs, and external victim service providers to create a network of support for MMIP victims and their families.
• Work collaboratively with Pala Tribal Law Enforcement in the event of a Feather Alert.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with law enforcement agencies at the tribal, local, county, state, and federal levels to enhance communication and cooperation in MMIP cases.
• Maintain and update the Pala’s MMIP Database with accurate and current case information.
• Process program invoices, travel requests, and purchases efficiently and in accordance with organizational policies.
• Attend department meetings, trainings, and other required gatherings to stay informed and aligned with the program’s goals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience working with Indigenous communities, victim advocacy, or case management preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.
• Strong understanding of MMIP issues, law enforcement processes, and victim services.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with victims, families, and law enforcement.
• Strong organizational and data management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including on-call availability.
• Must pass a background check and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to think around problems and come up with creative solutions.
• Ability to work responsibly with or without direct supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School graduate or equivalent education (GED). Must be familiar with business office concepts, computer software and professional administrative.
• Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace (including marijuana) as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
• Must be able to pass extensive background check.
• Indian preference will apply. The Pala Band of Mission Indians will give hiring preference to fully qualified applicants that are Pala Tribal Members. Pala Band of Mission Indians is an equal opportunity employer

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Employee Handbook of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.