Administrative Assistant - Legal

KETCHIKAN INDIAN CORPORATION•Ketchikan, AK

2d•$23 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Administrative Assistant provides essential administrative and government affairs support to all staff in the Office of the Tribal Attorney and Government Affairs offices, including the Tribal Attorney, the Associate Tribal Attorney, and the Government Affairs Specialist. By appropriately managing legal files, deadlines, calendars, correspondence, records, and advocacy materials, this position supports legal and government affairs professionals to focus on advancing KIC's mission, protecting Tribal sovereignty, and serving Tribal citizens. Beyond core legal office administration, this position carries an active supporting role in the government affairs and advocacy work of the Office — tracking legislation and regulatory actions, preparing correspondence, coordinating intergovernmental meetings, supporting advocacy project administration, and assisting with outreach and stakeholder communications. This is a multi-faceted role requiring outstanding organizational ability, professional discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality, cross-cultural competency, and a genuine commitment to the KIC Tribal community.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
2 years of office experience or comparable progressively responsible tasks
Proof of valid driver's license with a clean driving record
Demonstrated experience with document management, correspondence preparation, scheduling, and deadline tracking in a professional setting.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects, staff members' needs, and deadlines simultaneously in a busy office environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills — including the ability to draft clear, professional, and polished correspondence and documents.
Proficiency with office computers and job specific necessary software including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); ability to use legal or document management software (e.g., Legal Files, Clio, NetDocs, iManage).
Working knowledge of legal terminology, legal document formats, and legal procedures including pleadings, contracts, resolutions, and correspondence.
Ability to conduct research using legal databases (LexisNexis, Westlaw), government and legislative websites (Congress.gov, Regulations.gov, Alaska Legislature), and other online resources.
Strict professional discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters related to the Office; willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Effective oral and written communication skills with sensitivity to Alaska Native and American Indian cultures and community values.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and as a collaborative, reliable member of a small professional team.
Ability to adapt and re-prioritize in a fast-paced, multi-function environment with shifting deadlines and diverse needs from multiple supervisors.
Demonstrated commitment to serving the Tribal community and supporting Tribal sovereignty and self-sufficiency.
Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal culture and lifestyle, working effectively with AI/AN populations.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal and tribal privacy laws and KIC policy (HIPAA, HITECH, etc.).
Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license or capable of obtaining one, as well as be insurable by KIC’s company insurance.
All employees must adhere to KIC drug and alcohol policies and procedures to ensure a safe workplace.
Employees must pass a pre-employment and subsequent random and/or for-cause drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
All employment offers in the "covered" classification are conditional until KIC has received a Federal criminal background check verifying eligibility to work in these programs.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree or higher in Paralegal Studies, Legal Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field.
Completion of, or current enrollment in, an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate Program is strongly preferred and may substitute for prior job experience requirements on a year-for-year basis.
3+ years of related experience working in a Tribal government, Alaska Native organization, Tribal legal office, or Indian law firm.
Experience supporting government affairs, legislative tracking, policy research, or public outreach work
Knowledge of federal Indian law, Alaska Native law, Tribal governance structures, or federal trust responsibility.
Experience supporting government affairs, policy advocacy, or legislative relations work — including tracking bills, preparing comment letters, or supporting outreach to elected officials.
Familiarity with federal grant administration, 638 contracting processes, or federal reporting requirements.
Experience with legislative tracking platforms (e.g., FiscalNote, LegiScan, Congress.gov) or federal regulatory systems (Regulations.gov).
Experience with ICWA, HIPAA, VAWA, ISDEAA, ANCSA, or other federal laws affecting Tribal governments.
Experience with cultural matters, estate planning support, or restricted property matters in a Tribal context.

Responsibilities

Maintain organized, accurate, and confidential electronic and physical legal files, records, and document management systems for the Office of the Tribal Attorney.
Prepare, draft, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memoranda, contracts, resolutions, and reports as appropriately directed; handle all materials with strict professional discretion and in compliance with confidentiality policies.
Appropriately process, file, and coordinate delivery of legal documents, relevant filings, and agency submissions to outside counsel, government agencies, and Tribal departments and bodies, as directed.
Monitor and track deadlines for legal filings, contract renewals, grant/project reporting, and other time-sensitive matters; provide advance alerts to Office staff.
Coordinate and support material preparation for Tribal Council meetings, legal briefings, and committee meetings; ensure document retention policies are followed throughout.
Manage multi-staff calendars for the Tribal Attorney, Associate Tribal Attorney, and Government Affairs Specialist, including meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, advocacy trips, and community events.
Serve as contact for the Office — receiving and directing calls, emails, and in-person inquiries from Tribal citizens, agency representatives, and the public in a professional and culturally respectful manner.
Coordinate meeting logistics, prepare agendas and materials packets, arrange meetings and travel for Office staff, and follow up on action items.
Appropriately support coordinating government-to-government meetings, Tribal consultations, intergovernmental working group sessions, and coalition meetings — including scheduling, materials, invitations, and follow-up communications.
Maintain contact databases for elected officials, agency staff, congressional offices, tribal coalitions, and advocacy partners; support preparation of briefings and reports to the Tribal Council on government affairs activities.
Assist in administering legal department projects and grants— tracking timelines, reporting deadlines, and deliverables; prepare draft reports and supporting documentation for submission.
Receive requests for and assist in providing services from the Office, coordinating responses with appropriate staff.
Manage Office supplies, equipment, and subscriptions; prepare invoices and expense documentation; participate in KIC all-staff and community events, and perform other duties as assigned by the Tribal Attorney.
Other relevant duties as assigned.