Director of Policy
Open Date:
2012-08-06
Close Date:
2013-06-10
Organization:
National Congress of American Indians
Location:
Washington, DC
Skills And Qualifications:
The Director of Policy is a senior staff position that protects and advances tribal sovereignty by leading NCAI’s advocacy efforts in either Human Services Policy or Economic Policy. The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership experience in advancing tribal policy goals at the federal, tribal, and/or state level. They will be a self-starter who energetically takes initiative and can work closely with our Executive Director and legislative team to achieve the organization’s policy goals. They will be a team player who is invested in the success of the organization and will work well with tribal governments, Native organizations, and our non-Native partners.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Employee must possess:
- Seven or more years of experience in working on Indian policy and/or with American Indian/Alaska Native tribal governments;
- Demonstrated leadership experience providing support and supervision to a diverse staff team;
- Experience successfully working policy issues on Capitol Hill (preferred) and/or in tribal or state policy settings;
- The initiative to energetically advance policy priorities and coordinate closely with the Executive Director and other key staff;
- The capacity to convene diverse groups to develop and refine policy strategies and successfully implement those plans;
- Strong writing, interpersonal, communication and organizational skills;
- Experience with and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and high pressure environment; and
- Advanced educational degree, including J.D., Master’s degree, or other comparable credential.
The ideal candidate will also possess:
-
Human services policy: including education, health, youth, nutrition, urban populations, etc.
- Economic policy: including job creation, infrastructure, agribusiness, international commerce, land and natural resources, energy policy, broadband, etc.
Required Education:
Advanced educational degree, including J.D., Master’s degree, or other comparable credential.
Duties And Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the NCAI Executive Director, the primary duties of the Director of Policy include:
- Coordinate with the Executive Director and senior staff, and work with all members of the NCAI legislative team to develop policy priorities and implement communications and outreach strategies;
- Lead a team of policy staff to develop and implement legislative strategies and tactics to advance NCAI policy priorities at the federal level;
- Build relationships with Congressional and agency contacts that are necessary to further the overall mission and responsibilities of NCAI including responses to congressional questions, constituent inquiries, and correspondence involving proposed or pending legislation or agency activities;
- Develop and maintain relations with key partners and networks, coalitions, and organizations critical to the achievement of the organization’s legislative agenda;
- Develop strong relationships with NCAI partners by convening and regularly communicating with an array of tribes and national, regional, and tribal organizations focused on a broad range of policy priorities;
- Monitor and summarize legislation, regulations, and other materials related to human services policy affecting Indian Country;
- Develop Congressional testimony, legislative analyses and alerts, policy briefs, and other written documents;
- Represent NCAI and make verbal presentations at conferences and meetings convened by tribes, inter-tribal organizations, federal agencies, and other partners, on issues related to human services policy;
- Coordinate all aspects of grants management for related policy projects – conducting outreach to funders, overseeing project activities, and coordinating with the Finance Department to ensure effective project management; and
- Coordinate with other NCAI staff and fellows to ensure an effective effort to build a strong future for Native communities.
Salary And Benefits:
This position offers a competitive salary and benefits (including health benefits, 401(k) plan, vacation time, etc.).
Additional Info:
Position will be located at NCAI’s Washington DC offices and is open until filled.This is a revised posting of a previously advertised position (Director of Policy (Human Services)). Previous applicants will be considered in this pool but are encouraged to send updated materials. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Contact Info:
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, brief writing sample and the names of three references, by email (preferred) or mail to: National Congress of American Indians Attn: Nketia Agyeman 1516 P St, NW Washington, DC 20005 jobs@ncai.org No phone calls please