Government and Policy Advisor

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Tribal Chairman/Tribal Council, the Government and Policy Advisor serves as a key resource to the Tribal Council, providing expert guidance on governance, policy development, and legislative matters. This position is responsible for analyzing laws, regulations, and policies that impact the Tribe, advising leadership on strategic decisions, and ensuring the Tribe’s interests are represented in governmental and intergovernmental affairs. The incumbent will provide insight and direction to the Tribal Council pertaining to policies and business trends, specializing in economic development and growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Guides and directs management in the development, production, promotion, and financial aspects.

2. Set the direction for the Tribe’s strategy and priorities in key areas of Tribal policy.

3. Lead policy generation and regularly conduct policy analyses to understand impact on the Tribe.

4. Closely collaborate with the Federal and other government Affairs and Communication to ensure alignment with policy and advocacy activities and create robust policy development positions.

5. Interface closely with Tribal Council and Tribal leadership to create and offer strategic and tactical options for the Tribe.

6. Conducts in-depth research on complex policy issues, including economic impacts, stakeholder perspectives, and legal considerations, to inform policy decisions.

7. Contributing to the Tribal budget process by analyzing agency budget requests, identifying potential cost savings, and proposing adjustments to align with strategic goals.

8. Monitoring legislative developments and assessing potential impacts on Tribal operations and policy implementation.

9. Collaborating with various government agencies, industry groups, and advocacy organizations to gather input and build consensus on policy proposals.

10. Preparing policy briefs, reports, and presentations for Tribal Council outlining policy options, potential benefits, and risks.

11. Assessing proposed regulations for consistency with administration priorities and potential impacts on the budget and stakeholders.

12. Represent the Tribal Council in meetings with federal, state, and local government officials, advocating for Tribal interests.

13. Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, legislators, and advocacy organizations.

14. Assist in drafting legislative testimony, official statements, and correspondence to policymakers.

15. Track legislative and regulatory changes and advise the Council on necessary actions.

16. Assist the Tribal Council in developing long-term governance strategies and policy agendas.

17. Provide research and recommendations on governance best practices to enhance Tribal self-determination and sovereignty.

18. Support Council members in preparing for meetings, negotiations, and public appearances.

19. Ensure effective communication and coordination between Tribal departments, committees, and external entities on policy matters.

20. Facilitate discussions and public forums to gather input from Tribal members on governance and policy issues.

21. Provide clear and timely updates to the Tribal community regarding key legislative and policy developments.

22. Research, analyze, and interpret federal, state, and tribal laws, regulations, and policies that affect the Tribe.

23. Provide recommendations to the Tribal Council on policy initiatives, legislative priorities, and regulatory compliance.

24. Draft ordinances, resolutions, policy briefs, and reports for Council consideration.

25. Monitor emerging legal and policy issues and assess their potential impact on Tribal governance and sovereignty.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Must have strong knowledge of economic theories, including micro-economics and macro-economics.

· Knowledge of public policy issues affecting Native American Tribes, Tribal Sovereignty, and other areas of Tribal relevance.

· Ability to research problems and issues, including evaluating the content of new or modified legislation to determine the impact on the Tribe’s programs or resources.

· Strong understanding of organizational management and strategic planning.

· Must have strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

· Financial acumen including budgeting and financial reporting.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with government agencies, community leaders, and the general public.

· Creative problem-solving skills.

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times, stressful environment.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

· Knowledge of grant writing and funding opportunities for Tribal initiatives.

· Familiarity with treaty rights, land use policies, and economic development issues affecting the Tribe.

· Understanding of federal Indian law, including treaties, the Indian Reorganization Act, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), and other relevant laws.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

· Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance or Accounting, Economics, or similar, from an accredited university; AND at least (5) five years of business administration and/or experience related to the organization’s industry required with supervisory and leadership experience. OR

· Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance or Accounting, Economics, or similar from an accredited university; AND at least 7-10 years of business administration and/or experience related to the organization’s industry required with supervisory and leadership experience.

· Experience working directly with Tribal governments or organizations.

· Experience interpreting and analyzing federal and state laws affecting Tribes, including land use, economic development, healthcare, and education policies.

· Experience drafting legal or policy documents, including legislation, contracts, memoranda, and intergovernmental agreements.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1. Regular employees are subject to an annual performance evaluation following a 90-day evaluation from hire date.

2. Position is considered safety sensitive and employee is subject to the Tribal Alcohol & Drug Policy including preemployment, random, post-accident (the employee will be automatically tested), reasonable cause and re-entry alcohol & drug testing.

3. Employee is subject to Hoopa Valley Tribe's Title 30-A, Employment Background Investigation Policy.

4. Must possess a valid California Driver's License and be insurable under the Tribes Motor Vehicle Policy during term of employment.

5. Contract Employment: the employee is hired as a contract employee and is not considered a permanent employee of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. The contract does not establish an employer-employee relationship beyond the terms outlined within the contract agreement. The employee shall perform duties as outlined in their job description and in accordance with the standards set by the HVT. The contract agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under Tribal law.

6. Reasoning Ability:Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions without bias. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

7. Work Environment: Characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. The atmosphere is professional. There is a strong emphasis on clear, respectful, and concise communication; we promote focus and concentration; while there is a lot of individual work, there is also a strong focus on collaboration. Although this position may require long office hours, the Tribe encourages a good work-life balance. Office based, with frequent meetings and engagements. Some travel required for legislative hearings, conferences, and intergovernmental meetings.

8. Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, speeches, and procedure manuals; using innovative techniques. Ability to effectively present sensitive information to Tribal Council, managers, staff and/or the Tribal membership, and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

9. Mathematical Skills: Must have the ability to apply concepts such as modern algebra, advanced calculus, and advanced statistical theory. Must have the ability to compile and analyze data and to perform quantitative and qualitative research analysis essential to program reporting.

10. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The incumbent must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

11. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

12. Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Indian Applicants pursuant to Title 13; Hoopa Tribe’s TERO Ordinance apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $125,000