Congressional Relations Coordinator

Application Instructions – Incomplete Applications Will Not Be Considered

To apply, please complete the online application and upload the following required materials:

1. Resume or CV

2. Cover Letter

3. Two (2) Writing Samples – Preferably one long-form and one short-form example

Applications that do not include all required materials will not be reviewed. Additionally, only candidates who meet the stated minimum qualifications will be considered.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Congressional Relations Coordinator will have both internal and external facing responsibilities grounded in serving Tribal Nations to advance the mission of NIHB through excellence in legislative tracking, policy analysis, advocacy, outreach, technical assistance, research and related projects. The Congressional Relations Coordinator should have a strong understanding of legislative affairs on Capitol Hill, health care delivery systems, the federal trust relationship with Indian Tribes, as well as the legal, policy, and political frameworks impacting Direct Service and Self Governing Tribes. This position is full-time exempt and is based out of our Washington, DC office, and will require travel up to 25% of the time.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in organizing and implementing NIHB’s congressional strategy on its Legislative and Policy Agenda, including by meeting with lawmakers;
• Identify, track, and analyze health and public health related legislation that impact American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes and Tribal citizens as well as the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal health programs;
• Assist in scheduling, preparation, and followup from NIHB’s outreach and advocacy meetings on Capitol Hill and federal agencies;
• Organize, respond to, and write official testimony and/or comments related to proposed legislation, appropriations, and other areas of need as requested, as well as develop templates for others to use;
• Establish strong relationships with Tribal leaders, Tribal technical experts, NIHB member organizations, Congressional and federal partners, and internal partners to build collaboration and support for achievement of NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Agenda;
• Provide technical and logistical support in preparation, implementation, and followup to convenings of the IHS National Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup;
• Prepare a range of factual outreach and education materials for Tribal audiences, congressional offices, and federal agencies outlining the Tribal position on proposed legislation or policy impacting healthcare or public health;
• Assist in preparation and provide content for NIHB’s newsletters, website, and other publications;
• Assist in writing grant reports and program evaluation activities, including writing project reports;
• Represent NIHB at external meetings and provide prepared updates on legislation and policy issues;
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, health policy, health administration, law or other relevant field required; Advanced degree in these or related areas preferred;
• At least two years’ experience in policy, research, and analysis at a nonprofit or government entity; work experience on Capitol Hill strongly preferred (including internships);
• Experience in American Indian / Alaska Native policy required; experience with American Indian / Alaska Native health policy preferred; NIHB also values lived experience, and additional lived experience may be considered;
• Knowledge and familiarity with federal laws of significance to Indian Health preferred (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act, the Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act, Public Health Service Act, the Affordable Care Act and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act );
• Possess excellent verbal and written communications and interpersonal skills, including proven success and experience with public speaking, meeting facilitation, and written documents/reports;
• Strong organizational skills combined with the capacity to execute on priorities promptly, including an ability to multitask and manage priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite, including Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Experience working with Tribes, Tribal epidemiology centers, or Tribal notforprofits strongly preferred.

About National Indian Health Board

The National Indian Health Board serves as the unified voice of 574 Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, championing the cause of health equity. Before colonization, our people were among the healthiest on Earth, sustained by our traditional foods, clean water, and natural medicines. Today, NIHB is dedicated to helping Tribes reclaim that legacy of health and well-being. At the heart of our work is the belief that our traditions, languages, and practices are not merely remnants of the past, but the foundation of our health and resilience. By embedding cultural integrity into every aspect of our advocacy, we empower our communities to heal, grow, and thrive.