Director of Tribal Relations
Executive Management Division – Olympia
Recruitment #2020-11-5634
These are full-time, exempt position.
This recruitment will remain open until filled. Application review will be ongoing with first review on 11/13/2020. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit material as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Work for Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as senior advisor to bring forward tribal voices and develop policies and procedures that will benefit all Washingtonians for generations to come. This position is responsible for facilitating effective intergovernmental relations with tribal governments.
This work includes advancing bold, forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen relationships with tribal sovereigns, improving outcomes for salmon and the environment, and building responsible resource management practices that respect treaty rights while maintaining economic and social viability.
Our public lands are of vital and critical importance to Washington Tribes and tribal members, and create incredible economic benefit, while generating hundreds of millions of dollars for schools, hospitals, and libraries. Further, the land and all that comes with it holds spiritual and cultural value to tribal people.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Franz, the agency is expanding opportunities that protect our lands and benefit all communities. This includes lifting up and respecting tribal voices. We want you to help us push the agency forward, maximize the social, economic, cultural and environmental value of public lands, and build resilience into communities across our state.
The successful candidate will be motivated, creative, hardworking, and have a successful record of accomplishment solving complex policy issues. The ability to develop and maintain relationships across a diverse spectrum is critical to success, as is an understanding of tribal sovereignty and treaty and indigenous rights in public lands management.
Mediation, active listening, writing, researching, analytical thinking, and project management skills are critical to success. A background in tribal governance and business development is preferred.
As Director of Tribal Relations – part of Commissioner Franz’s Executive Leadership Team – you will provide strategic guidance to agency leadership, including the Chief of Staff and Commissioner Franz. Expect to bring big, ambitious ideas to life. Expect a fast-paced work environment. Expect to be challenged, but know you have a team to support you.
Recent successes by the Director of Tribal Relations and DNR include:
- Development of a salmon strategy with a Tree-to-Sea approach that maximizes collaboration and the effective deployment of resources.
- Working cooperatively with tribal sovereigns to prioritize support for creosote removal and salmon and steelhead habitat restoration projects led by tribal sovereigns.
- Expanding contracting opportunities with tribal sovereigns to facilitate cultural resource protection plans.
- Expanding cooperatives to support the removal of derelict vessels in key watersheds.
- Expediting the opportunity for rural Tribes to enhance and address broadband needs.
- Expanding Forest Health and Resiliency by interagency cooperation for the Good Neighbor and Tribal Forest Protection Acts.
- Development of tribal-informed plans for Climate Resilience, Wildfire Protection and Fire and Forest Health.
- Advising the Commissioner of Public Lands and agency staff on issues of interest to tribal sovereigns and sovereignty.
- Government to Government outreach and negotiations; ensuring appropriate agency and tribal representation is present and that appropriate protocols are followed.
- Providing timely, accurate information to tribal governments and serve as a resource for Tribes and agency staff.
- Mediating contracts, conversations and concerns; assisting in conflict resolution.
- Development of policy and practice guidelines with regard for divergent needs and statutory requirements.
- Responding and tracking tribal correspondence.
- Facilitation and delivery of related training to agency staff.
- Participation in setting agency priorities, mission, policy and practice
- Implementation of Commissioner-led initiatives.
- Ensure agency policy is developed with respect for agency and tribal need and statute.
- Coordinating Agency Tribal Summits.
- Facilitating coordination between tribal sovereigns and agency in development of statewide recreation strategy.
- Operationalizing consultation process, procedures and requirements.
- As needed, update the Commissioners Order on Tribal Relations.
- Bring a strong understanding of tribal sovereignty, treaty rights and agency directives and perspectives to every interaction.
- Inform and provide advice based on direct knowledge of tribal need, resource and perspectives.
- Creative and strategic thinking in the development of long range strategic initiatives and issues and to develop them into long and short term actionable goals.
- The ability to communicate across programs, Regions and services.
- To consult appropriately with and advise staff and management on key issues and concerns.
- Provide internal and external communications to accomplish agency objectives and provide consultation and research on issues.
- Incorporate key information about Tribes, tribal organizations, tribal interests, and issues into the on-going development and implementation of strategic policy priorities and agency work
- Build coalitions and work with diverse and competing interests to develop solutions and resolve conflicts surrounding high-profile issues.
- In partnership with the Legislative Affairs and Operations team, write, justify, support and advise on agency request legislation with a tribal nexus.
One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Olympia. For more information on this area visit, http://olympiawa.gov/
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. The incumbent must have internet access and connectivity. When approved to return, the incumbent is expected to report to the duty station for work activities.
Who are we looking for?
The right candidate has these qualifications:
- Demonstrated familiarity with Washington Tribes, relevant Treaties and statute
- Demonstrated experience successfully working alongside and building relationships across a wide spectrum including Tribes, tribal organizations, business and private industry partners in the pursuit of broad public policy goals.
- Experience working for an elected official or high-level executive.
- Ability to develop, maintain and strengthen relationship and partnership opportunities and to work collaboratively with others inside and outside the organization.
- Ability to work as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
- A strong work ethic and commitment to public service.
- Strong problem solving skills, creative thinking ability, and vision.
- Innovative mindset and approach.
- Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts; receive and convey ideas, thoughts and information.
- Demonstrated ability to write for targeted audiences effectively and to communicate persuasively at all levels of the organization and externally.
- Knowledge of current economic, social, political and regulatory developments.
- Knowledge of methods and objectives of natural resources planning and management.
- Ability to develop short and long-range plans.
- Ability to develop and conduct independent research projects.
- Ability to coordinate, facilitate, and manage the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources.
- Experience working cooperatively with government officials, agency staff, senior managers, industry representatives and the public at all levels.
At DNR, you will join a tight-knit team of skilled advisors and deputies who work on topics that are incredibly rewarding. You will be empowered to be creative and think boldly, but will always have the support and guidance of your team. We move fast, and want you to help us make the world a better place. You will work in close proximity to a statewide elected official and will have the opportunity to travel the state and experience our incredible communities. Plus, awesome benefits.
- Infants at work program
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
- Work/life balance
- Leadership development opportunities
- Educational aid and career development stipends
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
- A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
- A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
- Attach your Resume – do not add it into the text of the application, it must be an attachment.
- The names of three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
Questions? Please contact Andrea Wagner at Andrea.Wagner@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1128. DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.