Director of Intergovernmental Affairs & Public Relations

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe•Auburn, WA

12h

About The Position

Under general administrative direction, manages Tribal Intergovernmental Affairs, the Muckleshoot Charity Fund, and public relations matters using all forms of media and communication to build, maintain, educate and manage the treaty rights and reputation of the Tribe with other jurisdictions, elected and appointed officials, interested members of the public, voluntary organizations, businesses and all other persons and organizations having contact with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a degree in political science, business or public administration, communications or a closely related field and fifteen (15) years of cumulative experience as a political analyst, lobbyist or as a public/government relations professional.
Significant, verifiable, experience working with Native American governments in similar capacity may substitute for all, or part, of the educational requirements.
Knowledge of: Tribal, state, federal and local legislative processes, committees, amendments and bill drafting; policy development and analysis; state and federal grant and loan procurement processes; public contracts, agreements and other legal and quasi-legal instruments; legal and regulatory environments affecting intergovernmental agreements; software applications and systems technology relative to the position assignment; skill in handling a number of projects or tasks simultaneously.
Skilled in: oral and written communication, including public speaking; problem solving and analysis; financial analysis; conflict resolution; interpersonal and human relations; negotiation; government relations (lobbying).
A valid Washington State driver’s license is required at time of appointment or at a time set by the Tribe.

Responsibilities

Coordinates the communication and analysis of local, state or federal legislation that may affect the Tribe; coordinates with tribal staff and lobbyists to ensure legislation is responded to in a timely manner and the Tribe’s position is clearly defined.
Researches and assesses issues and recommends strategies to ensure Tribal needs are met. Prepares meeting briefing materials for Tribal Council.
Advocates the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe’s position to various legislatures and governmental agency staff with a special emphasis on lobbying activities, in local, state, and federal areas, in support of Tribal initiatives and best interests.
Fosters community relations by planning and coordinating community events and by involvement in community initiatives. Facilitates community support for minority organizations and civic non-profit agencies.
Develops information for outreach campaigns; meets with other Tribal organizations, minority groups, schools, organizations, etc. to build strong coalitions.
Appears before federal, state, and local governments and representatives, special interest groups, and community organizations; attends relevant meetings, to represent and present program information or materials dealing with the Tribe’s activities, interests, positions, agendas, etc.
In coordination with consultants and staff, generates public relations communications strategy, responds to inquiries from the media; arranges interviews with journalists and prepares and distributes news releases and other written and oral communications.
Establishes and maintains administrative and political liaisons with local governments. Supports Tribal Council liaisons with other Tribal governments, as requested.
Conducts annual civic engagement and awareness efforts to promote Tribal member and community Voter registration, Voting, and Voter Information access.
Develops, analyzes and implements policies, contracts, budgets, and agreements.
Monitors and coordinates activities of contracted lobbyists and consultants.
Analyzes and defines objectives and strategies for legislative agendas, charity fund goals, and public relations endeavors that are specific to the Tribe.
Supervises Government Affairs staff, lobbyists, and consultants.
Works with Muckleshoot personnel to identify required changes.
Responds to inquiries and requests made by individuals or committees.
Uses corporate advertising to maintain the Tribe’s identity, name and reputation.
Keeps the Tribal Council current on all related issues both during legislative sessions and in the interim.
Delivers informative, well-organized presentations.
Prepares reports for Tribal Council and PAC Committee.
Coordinates the application and grant process for Charity Fund. Prepares reports for the Charity Fund Committee that includes event participation opportunities.
Ensures the Tribe’s compliance with local, state and federal lobbying and campaign finance laws.
Conducts travel to Washington DC, Olympia, Seattle, and various locations in the state/nation to staff tribal council or represent the tribe in matters related to government and public relations activities. Coordinates staffing support for Tribal Council participation in such activities.
Represents the Tribe in local board of director’s appointments.
Because of the Tribe’s commitment to community service and the wellbeing of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.