Staff Attorney

Dept./Program: Executive Office

Division: Executive Office

Reports To: Executive Director

Supervises: Legal Assistant

Employment Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt Administrative

Schedule: Exempt

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary:

The Staff Attorney is responsible for researching and interpreting Federal, State and Tribal government policies, regulations, ordinances, laws and publications and compiling reports for the Executive Director and Tribal Council. This position is responsible for overseeing requests for government to government consultations, and providing guidance to the Executive Director in planning the Tribe's self-governance strategies, goals, initiatives and structure in alignment with the Tribe's values and vision. The Staff Attorney will lead the Tribal Government support staff in Tribal Council business to include, but not limited to, meeting planning; logistical support; agenda and meeting packet preparation; recording and taking of minutes, etc.

Essential Functions:

• Regulatory advisor working with Tribal Council, administration and staff on day-to-day matters as they arise, including policy review and development, personnel and contracts
• Assist Tribal Council in drafting resolutions, ordinances, policies and revisions to the Constitution
• Legal advisor to Tribal Council during annual negotiations of its Compact and Funding Agreement with IHS, the BIA, and other funding agencies
• Review grant submissions and funding plans for legal and risk analysis
• High quality and timely legal advice to Tribal Council and Executive Director
• Manages all work and relationships with outside and special outside counsel in consultation with the Executive Director
• All external proceedings are dealt with to high standards of quality and within agreed time-scales and budgets
• Resilient and able to deliver under pressure. Thoroughly organized in a constantly changing environment. Able to prioritize and re-prioritizes workloads as necessary
• Takes full ownership of tasks and responsibilities. Demonstrates focused determination to complete work on time. Demonstrates personal flexibility and commitment to get the job done
• Responsible for assisting Tribal Council and the Executive Director with governance, strategic, and annual planning
• Works with the Executive Director on review and response to requests for Tribal consultations
• Provides support to activities in the Executive Office, collaborating with staff throughout the programs
• Collaborate with staff to ensure the Tribe's representation at essential local, state and federal Self-Governance meetings, and activities
• Participates in development of policy campaigns and other project work planning. Assists in development of policy priorities at Federal, state and local levels
• Works in a confidential capacity in accordance with the Tribe's policy
• Review Government publications, Government Laws and Policy initiatives
• Complete timely short and long-term research and analysis of legislation, budgets, health policies and services, and is responsible for drafting and disseminating communications and presentations to the Tribal Council and the Executive Director.
• Supervise the Tribal Government Legal Assistant and provides oversight of effective and efficient Tribal Council and Committee/Commission support in all elements of meeting planning, execution and follow up

Qualifications:

Education:

• Juris Doctorate required

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with Alaska Native Tribes or Native Organizations
• Experience working with Governmental Agencies
• Experience working in state, federal and tribal legislative processes is highly desired
• Experience in writing summaries and interpretation of governmental initiatives, regulations and laws
• Experience in Public Speaking

License/Certification:

• Valid Alaska Driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy
• Alaska Bar License

Special Skills:

• The ability to effectively write and edit documents, meeting notes, memoranda, and briefings.
• Ability to show a high level of discernment and strict confidentiality according to ethical standards as written in the Tribe's Code of Conduct and Tribal Policy
• Ability to form and maintain positive/proactive work relationships with a wide variety of people, agencies and personalities as a representative of the office of the Executive Director.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Confidence, sound judgement and self-reliance
• Experience in interpreting legislation into practical application
• Experience in training and communicating legal requirements and procedures
• Strong analytical skills and experience of analysing complex issues
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office products.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Dena'ina language, culture and Tribal affiliation
• Must be familiar with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe community
• Knowledge and experience working with Alaska Native/American Indian people
• Willingness to learn the language, culture and history of the Dena'ina people.