Deputy Director of Tribal Relations (WMS 2)

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

5d•Remote

About The Position

At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places. Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact. Let’s build what’s next, together. The Deputy Director of Tribal Relations ensures consistent, effective, and meaningful tribal engagement, coordination and tribal consultation across the Department of Commerce by supporting strong government to government relationships with Washington’s tribal nations. This role provides expert guidance and operational leadership within the Office of Tribal Relations to advance agencywide alignment with the Tribal Relations Policy and strengthen equitable access to Commerce programs for tribal communities. The position advises executive leadership and program staff on tribal engagement, leads preparation and facilitation of COMTAC sessions, and serves as a primary representative and point of contact for tribal governments and partners. It manages day to day operations of the Office of Tribal Relations, including personnel administration, resource oversight, process development, and training. The role also monitors and assesses tribal related legislation and policy impacts, coordinates agency responses, and maintains Commerce participation on boards and councils with a tribal nexus. Through these responsibilities, the position enhances organizational readiness, improves internal systems and protocols, and ensures that Commerce’s tribal engagement is respectful, coordinated, and strategically aligned with agency mission and state policy.

Requirements

9 years of combined experience and education as described below:
Experience must include a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience , working with tribal nations, tribal communities and two or more of the following areas:
Demonstrate knowledge of organizational development.
Process improvement utilizing technical, soft, and strategic competencies.
Experience working collaboratively with executives, managers, and cross functional project teams.
Experience designing, developing, and delivering training to diverse audiences.
AND One of the following:
Five or more years of experience conducting business analysis, developing requirements, and managing business operations.
OR
Five or more years of experience analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
Education involves business, public administration, political science, education, project management, American Indian law or closely aligned field.
Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.
Examples of how to qualify:
9 years of experience
8 years of experience and one year of education
7 years of experience and two years of education
6 years of experience and three years of education
5 years of experience and four years of education
4 years of experience and five years of education
3 years of experience and six years of education
Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others, engage effectively with diverse groups, and adapt with flexibility to changing needs and environments.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with staff, management, stakeholders, constituent groups, and the Legislature.
Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build trusting relationships and productive partnerships with customers, employees, and senior leadership.
Stewardship: Demonstrates responsible and thoughtful management of relationships, resources, and organizational interests.
Accountability: Takes ownership for the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of work; consistently delivers results with minimal oversight.
Integrity: Acts in alignment with public trust, honors commitments, and demonstrates reliability through consistent and ethical behavior.
Leadership: Positively influences people and outcomes, contributing to a healthy organizational culture and successful mission delivery.
Teamwork: Works cooperatively, respectfully, and productively with others to achieve shared goals.

Nice To Haves

Experience working directly with Tribal Nation, tribal communities and tribal partners.
Strong time-management skills and a demonstrated sense of personal accountability grounded in long-term, intergenerational thinking.
Experience designing, developing, and delivering training for both large and small groups.
Knowledge of Commerce’s mission, strategic goals, and the general structure and policies of state government.
Commitment to continuous personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities

In coordination with, and under the direction of, the Director of Tribal Relations (DTR), the Deputy Director position fosters and maintains meaningful and effective intergovernmental relationships with Tribal governments, bordering Tribes with territorial interests, and Tribal organizations.
The position serves as a designated agency expert, providing authoritative guidance on program and project implementation, policy development, strategic planning, procedural compliance, communications, and issue resolution.
It also leads planning and implementation of the Commerce Tribal Advisory Committee (COMTAC).
The Deputy Director of Tribal Relations is responsible for implementing and managing the Commerce Tribal Relations Policy, exerting significant influence over its development and agencywide application.
The position ensures consistent internal execution of policy requirements related to staff education, cultural considerations, and engagement processes across all Commerce divisions and programs.
The Deputy Director may recommend expenditures to the Director of Tribal Relations and provides executive-level guidance on programmatic and divisional resource use.
The role also oversees recruitment and daily supervision of Office of Tribal Relations staff, with final personnel decisions made by the Director of Tribal Relations.
This position advances the Department of Commerce’s (Commerce) relationships with Tribal partners by strengthening the agency’s capacity for meaningful Tribal engagement and leading all Tribal focused communications.
The Deputy Director provides strategic policy leadership and directs project level negotiations with Tribes and Tribal organizations, spanning informal coordination through formal government to government consultation as defined in the Centennial Accord.
These responsibilities extend across Commerce’s more than 400 programs, including renewable energy, economic development, affordable housing, crime victim services, infrastructure, and land use planning.
This position ensures Commerce’s compliance with chapter 43.376 RCW governing government to government relations with Indian Tribes.
Serving as a member of the Office of Tribal Relations leadership team, the Deputy Director oversees the agency’s efforts to build and sustain effective working relationships with Tribes and their staff, including expanding funding and assistance to Tribal governments.