Working at NAES, your next career step!

Overview of Native American Educational Services College

Native American Educational Services College (NAES College) is a unique tribal college dedicated to providing higher education opportunities tailored to the needs of Native American students, particularly those in urban settings. Founded in 1974 by American Indian students and community leaders in Chicago, Illinois, NAES College has been a pioneer in urban Indian education. The institution offers associate and bachelor's degrees in fields such as early childhood education, human services, and urban community sociology, emphasizing culturally relevant curricula that empower Native communities.

Located in the heart of Chicago, NAES College fosters a supportive environment where students can pursue academic and professional goals while maintaining cultural identity. For professionals seeking jobs at Native American Educational Services College, the institution represents a chance to contribute to meaningful work that impacts indigenous education and community development. Positions here are not just jobs; they are opportunities to engage in transformative education that bridges traditional Native knowledge with contemporary academic standards.

🎓 History of NAES College

The history of Native American Educational Services College is rooted in the self-determination movement of the 1970s. Established to address the lack of higher education access for urban Native Americans, NAES College began as a response to the relocation policies that brought many indigenous people to cities like Chicago. Over the decades, it has grown to serve hundreds of students annually, with alumni becoming leaders in education, social services, and tribal governance.

Key milestones include its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and partnerships with other tribal colleges. This legacy makes jobs at NAES College appealing for those passionate about Native American higher education, offering a chance to be part of an institution with deep cultural significance.

Academic Programs and Departments

NAES College offers programs designed for practical application in Native communities. Core departments include:

• Early Childhood Education: Preparing teachers for culturally responsive preschool and kindergarten settings.
• Human Services: Focusing on social work, counseling, and community advocacy for indigenous populations.
• Urban Community Sociology: Exploring urban Native experiences, policy, and leadership.

These programs integrate traditional Native teachings with modern pedagogy, making faculty roles dynamic and impactful. Explore university job types for more on teaching and research positions in such specialized departments.

Types of Jobs at Native American Educational Services College

Jobs at Native American Educational Services College span faculty, administration, and support roles. Faculty positions include adjunct and full-time professors in education and human services. Administrative jobs cover admissions, student services, and development. Support roles involve library, IT, and counseling staff.

As a small institution, roles often require versatility, with faculty sometimes contributing to program development and community outreach. Common openings include lecturer jobs and administration jobs, ideal for those interested in higher ed faculty careers. For a full list, see university job types.

Required Academic Qualifications

To teach at NAES College, candidates typically need a master's degree for adjunct roles and a PhD for tenure-track faculty in fields like education or sociology. Related experience in Native American studies or tribal education is essential. For administrative positions, a bachelor's degree with relevant professional experience suffices, but advanced degrees enhance competitiveness.

Qualifications align with tribal college standards, prioritizing practical knowledge over traditional Ivy League paths. Learn more about Ivy League guide for comparison, but NAES values community-rooted credentials.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

Research at NAES College centers on urban Native American experiences, indigenous pedagogy, and community-based solutions. Expertise in qualitative methods, tribal sovereignty, and culturally sustaining education is crucial. Faculty often collaborate on projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education or tribal grants, contributing to publications in journals like the Journal of American Indian Education.

Prospective researchers should have experience with community-engaged scholarship, ensuring studies benefit Native communities directly. Check research jobs for similar opportunities.

Preferred Experience

Preferred experience includes teaching in tribal or community colleges, publications on Native education, and securing grants from organizations like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Experience with urban Native populations or bilingual education (e.g., incorporating Native languages) is a plus. Leadership in tribal organizations or prior work in human services strengthens applications.

Skills and Competencies

Essential skills include:

• Cultural competency and sensitivity to Native protocols.
• Strong communication for diverse student populations.
• Curriculum design integrating traditional knowledge.
• Student mentoring and advising.
• Grant writing and program evaluation.

Competencies like collaboration with tribal elders and adaptability to small-class environments are key for success in jobs at NAES College.

📋 Application Process and Tips

The application process involves submitting a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and references via the NAES College website or HR email. Interviews may include teaching demonstrations and cultural competency assessments.

Actionable tips:

• Highlight Native heritage or allyship in your cover letter.
• Tailor materials to NAES mission; use our free resume template.
• Network at Native education conferences.
• Prepare for questions on indigenous teaching methods.
• Follow up post-interview with thanks referencing tribal values.

For CV advice, see how to write a winning academic CV. Institutions like NAES value authentic commitment.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

NAES College exemplifies diversity through its tribal governance structure, where Native board members guide policies. Initiatives include the Urban Native Teacher Certification Project, scholarships for American Indian students (over 90% Native enrollment), and partnerships with Chicago tribes for cultural programming. Hiring prioritizes Native candidates, with training on decolonizing education. These efforts create an inclusive workplace fostering equity.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Campus life at NAES College is community-oriented, with events like powwows, elder talks, and student-led circles promoting wellness. Work-life balance is supported by flexible schedules, summer breaks, and professional development leave. Faculty enjoy small class sizes (average 15 students), allowing deep student relationships. Chicago's vibrant Native community offers cultural enrichment, while the supportive atmosphere reduces burnout common in larger universities.

Staff benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition remission, enhancing satisfaction. Read about employer branding secrets for insights into such environments.

Definitions

Tribal College

A higher education institution chartered by a tribe or serving Native American students, focusing on cultural preservation and community needs.

Urban Indian Education

Educational programs for Native Americans living in cities, addressing unique challenges like cultural disconnection.

Culturally Responsive Teaching

An approach incorporating students' cultural references in learning, developed by Geneva Gay, vital at NAES.

Community-Engaged Research

Scholarship partnering with communities for mutual benefit, emphasizing indigenous knowledge systems.

Summary

Jobs at Native American Educational Services College offer rewarding careers in a culturally rich environment. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or admin positions, NAES provides meaningful impact. Explore more via higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Connect with opportunities shaping Native futures.