Director of Policy

The Director of Policy will lead the NCAI policy team, legal advocacy, additional programs, and management work assigned by the Executive Director. This work includes, but is not limited to: tribal sovereignty, the federal trust responsibility, law enforcement, tribal justice systems, federal agency consultation, climate change, land use policy, and other matters of importance to Tribal Nations. The Director of Policy reports to the Executive Director and is a NCAI senior leadership team member.

• This job description does not represent an inclusive list of all duties encompassed in this position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Director of Policy is the lead for the National Congress of American Indian's policy and legal advocacy teams. The position requires a strong background in federal policy, Native American policy; strong leadership and management skills; and the demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships and relationships with policy advocacy. The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working with Executive Director to plan and implement advocacy strategies, including analysis and development of priorities and partnerships;
• Overseeing the Policy and Legal Team Leads, and track and understand a vast array of policy issues which impact Tribal Nations and ;
• Developing and reviewing comprehensive legal and legislative analysis;
• Researching background information related to tribal policy issues issues;
• Drafting legal opinions, memoranda, and briefing documents on policy and legal advocacy;
• Providing advice on legal advocacy matters when applicable;
• Advising and updating the Executive Director, Administrative Board, Executive Committee, and tribal leaders on important issues; and
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 plus years of tribal government, legal, and policy experience;
• Advanced educational degree, including J.D., Master's degree, or other comparable credential;
• Possesses a solid understanding of the legislative and administrative policy processes;
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including tribal leaders, intertribal organizations, legislative staff, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations;
• Ability to work with and organize a team or teams of legal and policy professionals, as well as take direction and work independently, taking the initiative within areas of responsibility;
• Strong working knowledge of Congress, the Administration and the role of states and tribes, and knowledge of policy issues relevant to tribal nations;
• Passion for advancing the needs of tribes, tribal citizens, and their communities;
• Seasoned experience and understanding of political environments, process, protocols, and relationships;
• Possess expertise or experience in most if not all areas of federal Indian law and policy;
• Capacity to work under pressure, meet deadlines consistently, and handle multiple projects concurrently;
• Strong writing, interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; and
• Experience managing a policy team is preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Typical business office setting with moderate noise level.
• Non-office environment may be encountered for offset presentation and support of company activities.
• Must be able to sit for work at a computer for more than 6 hours per day.
• Must be able to use hands for dexterity of motion and reach with hands and arms.
• Extensive use of computer keyboards.
• Occasionally required to stand and walk.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.
• Must have the ability to occasionally lift 20+ lbs.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Recruit, interview, hire, and train all staff in the department.
• Oversee the daily workflow of the department and for internal and external partners.
• Provide guidance and feedback to all departments.
• Provide constructive criticism and timely performance evaluations.
• Manage the Digital Media department budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

Compensation:

The position starts with an annual salary of $129,524 commensurate with experience and educational qualifications.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a salaried position that offers competitive salary and benefits (including health benefits, 401(k) plan, paid time off, etc.). Salary commensurate with experience and education.

Work Hours and Environment:

This is a forty (40) hours per calendar week position, fifty-two (52) week per calendar year; provided, however, during the time periods leading up to, during, and immediately following NCAI conference and similar events, involvement up to (60) hours per week may be required.

The preferred location of the Director of Policy is in the Washington, DC area and may work remotely and must have the ability to travel.

EEO Statement:

NCAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.