DNR - Assistant Director for Tribal Affairs Policy Advisor VI

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Executive Director’s Office is hiring a Policy Advisor VI to lead the Department’s Tribal Affairs work. The position advances DNR’s mission and responsibilities by building and maintaining collaborative, mutual, and trusting relationships with Tribal Nations and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) organizations and communities. It serves as the Executive Director’s Office’s primary point of contact for Tribal partners and DNR divisions, and as the Department’s subject matter expert on Tribal issues, relations, and outreach. The role ensures that DNR meets its government-to-government and consultation responsibilities and consistently applies the laws and policies governing its relationships with Tribal Nations. It coordinates Tribal matters across DNR and with the Governor’s Office, the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, the Office of Tribal and American Indian/Alaska Native Affairs, the Attorney General’s Office, the State Legislature, and other local, state, and federal agencies. The position also provides training and guidance to DNR staff to strengthen cultural competency and support Tribal sovereignty and priorities. The position develops and maintains relationships with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the other 46 Historic Tribes of Colorado, AI/AN organizations, and affiliated groups. It coordinates engagement between DNR divisions and Tribal partners, supports Tribal access to DNR public processes, and assists with the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board. The position manages special projects related to Tribal relations and issues affecting DNR and its divisions. This is a remote/hybrid position, with work primarily performed from a home office. The employee periodically reports to the Denver office and may work at other locations throughout Colorado for meetings, trainings, and projects. Travel within Colorado and out of state is required, and occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Requirements

Nine years of relevant professional experience in natural resource policy, public policy, natural resource management, or Tribal Affairs, including at least one year related to Tribal Affairs; or a qualifying combination of education and experience totaling nine years.
For the education-and-experience option, a bachelor’s degree must be in public policy, law, political science, public administration, natural resource management, Tribal Affairs, or another field directly related to the assignment.
The required experience must be documented in the application’s work experience section; part-time work is prorated.
Colorado residency at the time of application.
Attention to detail, analytical and critical-thinking skills, compliance, leadership, problem-solving, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to travel up to four times per month within Colorado and up to eight times annually out of state.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
If required to operate a State-owned vehicle, maintain a safe driving record and a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree, law degree, or other advanced degree in a field directly related to the assignment.
Experience in the public sector in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Experience in public-sector policy strategy and analysis in areas related to the position, such as Tribal Affairs.
Experience serving as an organizational liaison or spokesperson for stakeholder groups.
Understanding of the federal, Tribal, state, and local regulatory and legal environment relevant to the position.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Current or former State experience relevant to the position.

Responsibilities

Lead DNR’s Tribal Affairs work and serve as the Department’s subject matter expert on Tribal issues, relations, and outreach.
Build and maintain relationships with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, other Tribes, Tribal staff and council members, AI/AN organizations, community partners, and affiliated groups.
Serve as the primary point of contact within the Executive Director’s Office for Tribal partners and DNR divisions.
Ensure that DNR’s government-to-government and consultation responsibilities are met and that applicable laws and policies are consistently followed.
Coordinate Tribal government and community matters with DNR divisions, the Governor’s Office, the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, the Office of Tribal and American Indian/Alaska Native Affairs, the Attorney General’s Office, the State Legislature, and other agencies.
Staff the Executive Director and/or Deputy Executive Director in serving on the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs and related subcommittees, and represent the Department when needed.
Facilitate formal Tribal consultations and government-to-government relations, including working with Governor’s Office staff.
Design and advocate for strategic plans, policies, programs, projects, resources, systems, and processes that enhance opportunities with Tribes and community partner organizations.
Train DNR staff and provide resources on cultural protocols, Indian law and policy, and related topics.
Assist with the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board, including Tribal engagement, docket management, communication strategies, local-interest analysis, meeting agendas, issue briefs, reports, outreach, consultation, and proposal development.
Coordinate engagement between DNR divisions and Tribal partners and help ensure Tribal access and participation in DNR public processes.
Identify stakeholders and develop relationships with decision-makers, community groups, Tribal governments, and organizations; facilitate or advise on community engagement best practices.
Educate Department decision-makers and community stakeholders about the effects of policy and practice decisions on Tribal communities in Colorado.
Manage special projects focused on Tribal relations and issues affecting the Department and its divisions.
Research, write, and present policy reports, briefings, and studies for internal and external audiences.
Prepare policy statements, white papers, and background documents for the Governor’s Office, Executive Director, boards and commissions, and the General Assembly.

Benefits

Medical and dental plans.
Retirement plans including the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax and Roth 401(k) and 457 plans.
Paid life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Employee wellness programs.
Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
Eleven paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave.
Flexible work schedule and remote-work options.
Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.