Chief Prosecutor

Tohono O'odham Nation

About The Position

Under general direction, plans, organizes and directs all functions required to ensure quality legal representation in civil, criminal and/or other legal matters in accordance with tribal, state, county, federal or other applicable laws. The major work activities are generally undefined except in terms of achieving overall organization/department goals. Specific policies, procedures and guidelines are virtually nonexistent except for executive directives and accepted professional standards.

Requirements

Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
Knowledge of the economic, educational, health and social problems of Native Americans.
Knowledge of tribal laws and codes, modern tribal court practices, judicial procedure, and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of applicable criminal, civil and traffic laws, statutes and ordinances and other applicable regulatory laws.
Knowledge of modern court practices and administration with emphasis on court development and systems.
Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
Skill in gathering, analyzing, and organizing information.
Skill in preparing, reviewing, analyzing and interpreting complex legal documents and publications.
Skill in working effectively under pressure.
Skill in presenting complex information.
Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules, including evenings, weekends & holidays.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and negotiate legal actions.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements to complex criminal and civil cases.
Ability to prepare, review, analyze and interpret complex legal documents and publications.
Ability to manage multiple tasks with short deadlines.
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, and six years' work experience in the legal field, criminal defense or prosecution, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.
Three years of supervisory experience.
Must possess an Arizona State Bar Association License.
Must possess certification to practice in the Tohono O'odham Nation Justice Courts or have the ability to obtain within six months of hire.
Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Directs the establishment, implementation and communication of goals, objectives, policies and procedures in accordance with strategic plan.
Increases senior professional's effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining professionals; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; integrating functional objectives; providing and participating in educational opportunities.
Contributes to program effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues and goals; provides information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommends options and courses of actions; implements directives.
Achieves the financial objectives by preparing and administering budgets.
Keeps abreast of substantive changes in law and procedures within the Tohono O'odham and other judiciary branches of government.
Serves as liaison with districts, local agencies, other government agencies and departments working with the Nation.
Prepares and presents reports on the status, activities and plans for current and future operations to the Chairman, Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, or required personnel.
Performs and conducts research to assist clients and inform staff of new projects, developments, and services.
Receives, reviews, and screens legal issues and facts presented for judicial disposition to determine the proper course of action.
Interviews clients, gathers evidence, and analyzes pertinent information in civil, criminal, and other cases to formulate defense and prepare for legal action.
Conducts research, interviews clients and witnesses and handles other details in preparation for trial.
Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of case.
Supervises and participates in the preparation and trial of cases in tribal court and courts of other jurisdictions.
Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research; reviews case histories and rulings; attends workshops, conferences and seminars; establishes networks; confers with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
Contributes to the organization's effectiveness by offering information and opinion as a member of executive management team; integrates objectives with other functions; accomplishes related results as needed.
Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.