Role Description

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Executive Management Division as the Deputy Director for Tribal Relations. This position will play an important role supporting the Director of Tribal Relations by providing strategic advice, policy analysis and research, and supporting legislatively required activities outlined in the HEAL and Climate Commitment Acts. This role will serve the Commissioner and report to the Director of Tribal Relations. They will be a cross-team collaborator with the Equity and Environmental Justice group and contribute to the Tribal Affairs program while supporting the agency with expertise and project management on major policy and program outcomes to ensure compliance with legislative mandates.

The Deputy Director for Tribal Relations will directly report to the Director of Tribal Relations who is a direct report to the Commissioner (RCW 43.376.020) in the organization chart. Both the Director and Deputy Director of Tribal Relations are in the Chief of Staff team which is managed by the Chief of Staff.

Responsibilities

• Support the Commissioner and division leadership in high-level consultations and negotiations, providing clear policy context and DNR’s strategic objectives.
• Undertake Government to Government outreach, ensuring appropriate agency and Tribal representation is present and that appropriate protocols are followed.
• Provide timely, accurate information to Tribal governments and serve as a resource for Tribes and agency staff.
• Facilitate in coordinating regular meetings between Executive leadership, region managers and their respective Tribal counterparts to discuss items of mutual interest and concern.
• Advance DNR’s HEAL Act implementation and deliverables for federally recognized Tribes, urban Indians, and migrant Indigenous peoples.
• Manage and coordinate research related to environmental justice with Indigenous communities on behalf of DNR and support internal HEAL Act Task Teams.
• Provide strategic policy development and advice; Identify, analyze, develop and advise leadership on policy issues, opportunities and risks related to tribal interests.
• Prepare briefing materials, policy memos, reports and decision packages that summarize tribal concerns, analyze related DNR issues and recommend DNR positions.
• Develop agency request legislation and monitor agency and Tribal specific priority legislation, provide bill analysis, and prepare testimony for agency leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working directly with Tribal communities preferably in a natural resources context; OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience successfully working alongside and building relationships with urban and rural WA Tribes, migrant Indigenous, Tribal organizations, business and private industry partners in the pursuit of broad public policy goals.
• Demonstrated expertise in providing high-level, strategic advice to an elected official in a political environment including identifying and analyzing opportunities and risks.
• Experience in policy analysis and research, drafting and monitoring legislation and project management.
• Advanced active listening, negotiation, conflict resolution and advocacy skills.
• Experience working for a Tribal elected official, non-Tribal elected official, or other high-level executive.
• Demonstrated ability to write for targeted audiences effectively and to communicate persuasively at all levels of the organization and externally.
• Demonstrated history designing programs to advance racial equity and justice across programs and organizations.
• Demonstrated experience successfully moving a high-priority, high profile project involving multiple competing interests from start to completion.
• Ability to directly support scientific and program staff at DNR in meeting HEAL Act goals.
• Demonstrated experience successfully working alongside, building and managing relationships with internal and external partners, including business and private industry partners, government officials, agency staff, senior managers, and the public in the pursuit of broad public policy goals.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as coordinate, facilitate, and manage the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources.
• Ability to manage multiple short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.

Competencies

• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• Highly skilled communicator that can take politically and emotionally charged topics and move groups and individuals through both learning and skill building.
• Proven track record creating and delivering trainings and content in matrixed organizations for diverse audiences.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• Office is located at Natural Resources Building (NRB) in Olympia, WA. Position may be eligible for teleworking.
• Occasional overnight, weekend or evening travel is expected with this position.

Application Requirements

• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.

Benefits

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.