Congressional Relations Director

The Congressional Relations Director serves as NIHB’s lead strategist and advocate with Congress, responsible for advancing Tribal health priorities on Capitol Hill. Reporting to the Vice President of Policy, the Director manages NIHB’s work in appropriations and Tribal budget formulation, builds bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress and staff, and ensures effective execution of NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Agenda in collaboration with Tribal leaders, coalitions, and partners.

The Director leads and manages a small team of policy staff and works in close coordination with the broader Policy Division to ensure NIHB’s congressional strategy aligns with organizational priorities and Tribal needs.

Travel: Approximately 25%

🔑 Position Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
Lead and manage a small team of congressional relations staff, providing mentorship, oversight, and professional development.

Ensure the team delivers high-quality legislative analysis, testimony, and advocacy materials.

Set clear goals and priorities for staff, aligning individual and team workplans with NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Agenda.

Foster collaboration within the Policy Division and across NIHB’s departments to advance organizational objectives.

Legislative Strategy and Advocacy
Lead NIHB’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill to advance Tribal health and public health priorities.

Help develop, implement, and evaluate NIHB’s annual Legislative and Policy Agenda in close collaboration with Tribal leaders, member organizations, and staff.

Manage NIHB’s engagement in the Tribal budget formulation and appropriations process, aligning advocacy with Tribal leaders’ priorities.

Provide consistent, non-partisan education to Congress on the federal Trust responsibility, Tribal sovereignty, and policies impacting American Indian and Alaska Native health.

Lead the drafting of congressional testimony, policy letters, comments, and briefing materials in collaboration with Tribal stakeholders.

Policy Development and Support
Facilitate the research, analysis, tracking, drafting, and editing of legislation on appropriations, and top policy priorities reflecting a variety of health and public health policy areas such as Medicaid and Medicare, behavioral health, workforce, and data.

Provide technical policy support for Tribal leaders during national listening sessions and consultation sessions.

Work with the Vice President, Policy and Advocacy, and other Policy leadership to provide technical support to Tribal leaders serving on federal Indian health advisory committees.

Ensure high-quality research, drafting, and editing of advocacy materials to advance Tribal health policy priorities.

Relationship Building and Representation
Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, committees, and staff.

Represent NIHB in coalitions and alliances to elevate Tribal health issues nationally.

Engage in strategic coalition-building with other national advocacy organizations in healthcare and public health.

Strengthen health systems and policy for both Direct Service and Self-Governance Tribes.

Work closely with Tribal leaders, technical experts, and national partners to ensure their priorities are reflected in legislative advocacy.

Collaborate with NIHB’s Communications & Engagement team to provide timely policy updates, talking points, and media support on legislative matters.

Organizational Engagement
Prepare and deliver legislative briefings for NIHB’s Board of Directors, Tribal leaders, and external partners.

Secure congressional speakers for NIHB’s national conferences and represent NIHB at external events, including presenting relevant workshops.

Support NIHB’s national convenings as a representative and presenter on policy topics.

Mobilize grassroots engagement to advance NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Agenda.

Serve as an active leader within NIHB’s Policy Division, working alongside other directors and staff to advance NIHB’s overall policy, regulatory, and legislative priorities.

🎓 Requirements and Qualifications
5 to 10 years of experience on Capitol Hill (committee or personal staff), or in legislative/government affairs with a national advocacy organization.

Minimum 3 years of direct experience working with Tribal governments or Tribal organizations.

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or related field. Advanced degree (JD, MPA, MPP, MPH) preferred.

Strong understanding of health care delivery, the federal trust relationship, and the legal, policy, and political frameworks impacting the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal health systems.

Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and speechwriting.

Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor staff, manage projects, and foster collaboration within a cross-functional policy team.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings or weekends, as legislative priorities require.

Demonstrated expertise in the federal appropriations and budget process.

Deep knowledge of federal Indian policy; expertise in Indian health policy strongly preferred.

Proven track record in bipartisan engagement and coalition-building.

💰 Compensation and Location
Location: Washington, DC (Onsite / Hybrid)

Status: Full Time

Salary Range: $130,000.00 – $150,000.00 per year

🌍 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.

To apply, send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Cover letters must be specific to the position, and address why you would be a good fit for NIHB. Email subject line should include your name and the position for which you are applying.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a qualified candidate is selected.