Director of Strategic Initiatives

Summary

The Director of Strategic Initiatives guides the shaping and implementation of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission’s (CRITFC) strategic direction set by its tribal leadership. This leadership position requires a visionary thinker who can identify, plan, and oversee key initiatives and commission priorities to further the goals and mission of the organization. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Executive Director, senior leadership, tribal staff and attorneys, federal and state agencies, and external partners to drive strategic priorities and ensure alignment with our mission and goals.

This position is hybrid eligible, based out of the Portland office, and supervised by the Executive Director.

Benefits

CRITFC offers competitive compensation and an exceptional benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(k), 12 days of vacation (to start), 13 paid holidays, and paid sick time. We provide professional development opportunities, promote from within, and have a Native hiring preference as part of our commitment to our people. As a result, you will find a work environment that supports and inspires our shared goals of protecting the natural world and the tribal cultural connection to it.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Execution:
  • Lead the development and execution of CRITFC’s strategic initiatives, ensuring they align with the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term goals.
  • Identify emerging opportunities, key issues, and potential risks, and develop proactive strategies to address them.
• Collaboration and Engagement
  • Work closely with the Executive Director, senior leadership, and other key internal and external stakeholders (including tribal staff, legal counsel, federal and state agencies, and community partners) to ensure cross-functional alignment and commitment for strategic initiatives.
  • Represent CRITFC in meetings with external partners, tribal councils, governmental entities, and other organizations, advocating for the Commission’s priorities and strengthening relationships.
• Initiative Management and Oversight:
  • Oversee the planning, development, and implementation of major CRITFC projects and initiatives that align with the Commission’s strategic direction.
  • Ensure initiatives are effectively resourced, on schedule, and within budget.
• Research and Data-Drive Decision Making:
  • Conduct research and analysis to inform strategic decisions, ensuring initiatives are based on sound data and a deep understanding of the Columbia River’s ecosystem, tribal sovereignty, and the broader policy landscape.
• Leadership and Team Development
  • Mentor and support CRITFC staff in the execution of strategic initiatives.
  • Cultivate an innovative and collaborative environment, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and organizational learning.
• Communication and Reporting:
  • Provide regular updates and strategic reports to the Executive Director, Commission, and other key partners on the status of strategic initiatives, challenges, and outcomes.
  • Ensure clear communication of goals, objectives, and results to both internal and external audiences.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g. public policy, natural resource management, fisheries, environmental science, law).
  • A master’s degree or equivalent professional experience is highly preferred.
• Experience:
  • At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, or related roles, with a demonstrated track record of successful project and program implementation.
  • Experience in working with tribal governments, indigenous communities, or in natural resource management is highly preferred.
  • Proven ability to work effectively with diverse agencies and interest groups, including government agencies, tribal leadership, legal teams, and community-based organizations.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Visionary strategic thinking with the ability to translate complex issues into actionable strategies.
  • Excellent project management skills, with a history of delivering initiatives on time and within budget.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to build consensus and advocate for CRITFC and tribal priorities.
  • In-depth understanding of tribal sovereignty, fisheries management, and the policy landscape of the Columbia River and surrounding ecosystems.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing conditions in a fast-paced environment.
  • A passion for CRITFC’s mission and a commitment to protecting and enhancing the cultural and environmental legacy of the Columbia River tribes.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

This job occasionally requires driving a CRITFC vehicle or your own vehicle for business (mileage compensated), and therefore you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Suspension or revoked license
• No more than two at-fault accidents
• No more than one major violation or two minor violations.

Native Hiring Preference

CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.

Recruitment period

Opened until filled