Position Overview

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to join our team to conduct research related to Indian boarding schools. Reporting to the Director of Research and Education, the Research Associate will collect, analyze, and interpret data related to Indian boarding schools and their impact on Indigenous communities. This role requires a strong background in research methodology and familiarity with Indian boarding school history and Indigenous studies.

About Us

NABS is boldly leading the movement for truth, justice and healing for Indigenous peoples impacted by U.S. Indian boarding schools. We are Indigenous led with 100% of the Board of Directors and Officers being Native American and Alaska Native.

1. We are a coalition of 1,600 members and growing, including Tribal Nations, Tribal enrolled individuals, allies, and organizations.
2. We use our coalition voice to educate others about the truth of the Indian boarding school policies, experiences, and genocidal legacy.
3. We expose the truth about Indian boarding schools through research and education.
4. We lead action towards justice and healing for our children, families, and communities.
5. We advocate for accountability through policy change at all levels, including the call for a federal Truth and Healing Commission on Indian boarding schools.
6. We make resources available to raise awareness and support healing from the intergenerational trauma Native peoples continue to experience.
7. We publicly launched the National Indian Boarding School Digital Archives (NIBSDA) in 2024, a first-of-its-kind Digital Asset Management System capable of organizing and displaying historical boarding school records and materials for every identified boarding school institution.

Research Associate

What you will do:

1. Conduct literature reviews and analyze historical data related to Indian boarding schools.
2. Work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to conduct research and gather community perspectives related to Indian boarding schools.
3. Develop research proposals and project plans related to Indian boarding schools and their impacts.
4. Execute sophisticated data collection and analysis utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, with a special emphasis on integrating Indigenous research methods to ensure culturally relevant and respectful insights.
5. Write reports and research articles for publication.
6. Attend and present at conferences and meetings related to Indian boarding schools and Indigenous studies.
7. Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

Must Haves

1. A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent years of related experience in History, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, or a related field.
2. Proficient in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, with a preference for employing mixed methods approaches.
3. Knowledge of the Native American and Alaska Native boarding school history, legacy, and impacts.
4. Knowledge of Indigenous research methodologies and ethics.
5. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
6. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
7. Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
8. Familiarity with and work experience in Native American communities.

Nice to Haves

1. Proficiency in Microsoft applications, Google Workspace, along with advanced skills in social science research tools, including archival databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest Historical Newspapers, and the National Archives.
2. Experience conducting research on Indian boarding schools and/or Indigenous history.
3. Knowledge of archival research methods and archival sources related to Indian boarding schools.

To thrive in this role, candidates will bring innovation and new ideas. We are looking for candidates who are clear communicators, adaptable, reliable, socially and emotionally intelligent, inquisitive learners and are collaboratively oriented while being able to work independently.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is salaried at $65,000 - $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance with full premiums paid by NABS for the employee and 75% paid by NABS for dependents/partner, a 401(k) match up to 4% of salary, and paid family leave for qualifying events. Employees earn four weeks of paid time off each year and get paid winter break the last two weeks of December.

The successful candidate will work with a dynamic team committed to Native communities. We strongly encourage applications from Native peoples with experience working with Native communities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. This position is 40 hours a week with heavy computer use.
2. Current staff are in Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern time zones, keeping 9 am to 5 pm hours in their respective time zones. Some flexibility required.
3. This position is remote with occasional travel covered by NABS to national conferences, guest speaking engagements, and events.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, priority will be given to those applications received April 13, 2025. Submit your application via the Movement Talent Opportunity Board application portal:

https://recruitcrm.io/apply/17424220687600060944Sxu

Applications must include the following in PDF:

1. Cover letter (no more than 1 page) answering the following questions:
2. Why are you interested in this position?
3. What values or lived experiences do you have that connect to our mission?
4. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
6. Three professional references with titles, emails, phone numbers, and relationship to you

NABS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a work environment free of all forms of discrimination, harassment, and violence. All employment and contracting decisions are based on merit, competence, performance, and organizational needs. NABS prioritizes work to empower and include people from Indigenous communities who have been impacted by U.S. Indian Boarding School policies. We are proud of our collaborative and wellness-focused culture where all people feel safe to bring their whole selves. Our culture attracts top talent with shared values that form the foundation of a great work environment!