Director of Tribal Relations, President's Office (2808)

Director of Tribal Relations, President's Office (2808)
Pocatello - Main
NOT eligible for remote work, on-campus position
Priority date: March 10, 2025

Institution Information

Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Job Description

Serving as a key member of the President’s Office staff, the Director of Tribal Relations serves as a liaison between Idaho State University and sovereign Tribal governments. It helps the University build and refine institutional principles and processes that nurture respectful relationships between Tribal nations and ISU. Working with leaders across ISU, the Director of Tribal Relations advises on and helps to implement these principles and processes, supporting ISU’s efforts to respectfully partner with sovereign nations and Indigenous peoples. The Director will serve in the President’s office, have direct access to the President, while reporting to the Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations for day-to-day operations.

The Director of Tribal Relations provides outreach across ISU campuses, and in Idaho and regional communities to develop, identify, and promote new opportunities for collaboration. This includes a presence in Tribal communities as ISU seeks to understand the independent and unique needs of Native students and Tribal nations. The Director of Tribal Relations supports ISU in strengthening collaborations and partnerships with Native students, faculty and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Facilitate ISU relations with Tribal Governments and Tribal Educational Institutions (TEI):

• Collaborate with ISU and Tribal community leaders to develop and implement principles, processes and policies that better serve Indigenous faculty and students (e.g., recruitment and retention).
• Advise the President and other ISU administrators and support ISU efforts to implement these principles and processes;
• Connect TEI faculty and staff, Tribal leaders, and ISU faculty and staff for mutually beneficial collaborations;
• Serve as ISU’s representative on the Idaho Indian Education Committee;
• Serve as a member of the President’s Tribal University Advisory Board (specific to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes) leading to additional leadership responsibilities.
• Focus on fostering relationships and collaborations specifically with the federally recognized tribes in Idaho.
• Serve and contribute as a vital team member of the President’s administrative office

Encourage, Support, and Provide Culturally-Appropriate Outreach:

• Travel regularly to Tribal communities and Tribal education institutions;
• Create and implement policies and procedures for culturally-appropriate outreach in Tribal communities.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of ISU events related to opportunities such as the Indigenous People’s Day;
• Provide training and support for ISU faculty, staff and administration on culturally-appropriate outreach and collaboration activities;
• May provide limited student support as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a regionally accredited college or university
• Eight (8 ) years of progressively responsible related experience in community outreach leadership, Native American governance, or related field
• Ability to work independently and to work collaboratively with teams
• Knowledge of American Indian history and cultures
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills working for Indigenous populations
• Strong analytical, writing, and oral communication skills
• Model frequent and respectful communication that strengthens institution-to-institution relationships between TEIs and ISU
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment under which the University operates
• Working knowledge of and demonstrated experience with Native American Tribal protocol, customs, traditions, and culture
• Ability to gather information, analyze data, and utilize relevant information to compile useful reports and make decisions
• Ability to cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with a wide-ranging group of individuals and entities

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with institutions of higher education
• A graduate degree in a related field
• Experience working directly with Native American populations

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before March 10, 2025. Salary will be between $75,000 - $85,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.

Posting Number: req2406
Type: Working 12 months per year
Position: Non-classified Staff
Division: Presidents Office

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

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