Governmental Affairs Specialist

## Salary Range
$40.65 – $60.97 Hourly

## Description

### Job Summary
The Governmental Affairs Specialist will serve as a full-time, in-house key representative for KIC to coordinate the Tribe’s local, state, and federal advocacy interests. This role involves developing and maintaining relationships with government officials, monitoring legislation and policies, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to advance the Tribe’s priorities. The Specialist will ensure that the Tribe’s voice is effectively heard and considered in governmental decisions affecting its members and sovereignty.

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## Job Duties & Responsibilities

### Advocacy and Representation
– Coordinate KIC’s interactions with local, state, and federal government officials.
– Work with and be the Tribe’s liaison to any outside advocacy consultants.
– Advocate for policies and legislation that support the Tribe’s interests, including sovereignty, economic development, health, education, and cultural preservation.
– Provide general support to Tribal Council roles.
– Collaborate with the Tribal Attorney to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

### Legislative Monitoring and Analysis
– Track and analyze legislation, regulations, and policy proposals that may impact the Tribe.
– Monitor national groups and organizations and their key annual issues.
– Provide regular updates to Tribal leadership on relevant legislative and regulatory developments.
– Develop strategic responses and position statements on key issues.

### Relationship Building
– Establish effective working relationships with government officials, agency representatives, and other stakeholders.
– Participate in coalitions and alliances with other Native American tribes and organizations to strengthen collective advocacy efforts.

### Communication and Reporting
– Consult on opportunities with governments, groups, organizations, and policymakers.
– Maintain all consultation opportunities on a spreadsheet with summaries of subjects, dates, and deadlines.
– Meet with the Advocacy Committee and/or the Executive Committee, the Tribal Administrator, and the Tribal Attorney at least monthly to review upcoming consultation opportunities, facilitate prioritization, and assist in assigning roles for attendance or written responses.
– Cultivate and maintain relationships with policy professionals and legislative consultants; organize site visits to educate policymakers.
– Communicate complex policy issues and legislative updates to tribal leadership and members clearly and concisely.
– Prepare reports, briefs, and other materials to support the Tribe’s governmental affairs activities.
– Draft position papers under the direction of the Tribal Council.
– Create regular quarterly report entries in consultation with the Tribal Council to inform the organization regarding key issues and areas of interest.
– Develop and implement communication strategies to enhance the Tribe’s visibility and influence.

### Event Coordination and Participation
– Plan and coordinate consultations, meetings, events, and forums with government officials and stakeholders.
– Attend and represent the Tribe at relevant conferences, workshops, and meetings.
– Perform other related duties as assigned.

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## Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
– Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at local, state, and federal levels.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information.
– Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse community.
– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
– Commitment to and understanding of the principles of Tribal sovereignty and self-governance.
– Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal culture and lifestyle; ability to work effectively with AI/AN populations.
– Effective oral and written communication skills with sensitivity to the lifestyles of targeted participants.
– Proficiency in operating personal computers and various software programs.
– Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
– Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal and tribal privacy laws and KIC policy (HIPAA, HITECH, etc.).
– Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
– Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
– Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.

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## KIC Competencies

### Cultural Competency
To be respectful and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of KIC Tribal Members. Cultural competence is an evolving, dynamic process that develops over time.

### Commitment
Serve Tribal Members with a high standard of performance; strive for results and success; convey urgency; bring issues to closure; remain persistent despite obstacles.

### Customer Service
Meet or exceed expectations of internal and external customers; identify and monitor their needs; communicate and act with customers in mind; recognize colleagues as customers.

### Effective Communication
Ensure important information is shared with those who need it; communicate clearly and respectfully, both orally and in writing.

### Responsiveness and Accountability
Demonstrate conscientiousness; take personal responsibility for one’s work; complete one’s fair share of duties.

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## Qualifications

### Minimum Qualifications (Education & Experience)
– Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, public policy, law, business, or a related field.
– Three years’ experience in government relations, public policy, or advocacy related to Native American or Alaska Native tribes.
– A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may substitute for education and experience requirements yearly.
– Proof of valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

### Preferred Qualifications (Education & Experience)
– Master’s degree in political science, public administration, public policy, law, business, or a related field.
– Five years’ experience in government relations, public policy, or advocacy related to Native American or Alaska Native tribes.
– A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may substitute for education and experience requirements yearly.
– Proof of valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

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## Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and/or sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk, climb, or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The noise level in the work environment is usually average.

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## Conditions of Hire
– May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license or be capable of obtaining one, and be insurable by KIC’s company insurance.
– KIC is a Drug-Free Workplace. All employees must adhere to KIC drug and alcohol policies and procedures. Pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug and alcohol screening is required.
– Some positions must comply with the P.L. 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (ICPA). Employment offers for “covered” positions are conditional pending a Federal criminal background check.

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This Job Description outlines essential duties and qualifications. It is not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to alter or add to this job description at any time without notice. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be assigned additional duties as needed.

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