Job Details

Director of Policy (Human Services) is a senior staff position responsible for leading NCAI’s advocacy efforts to ensure a safer and healthier future for tribal communities. The successful candidate will be prepared to cast a vision for Indian Country to work with tribal governments, Native organizations, and our non-Native partners in government and the private sector to ensure a more prosperous future for tribal citizens and all Americans. 

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;
• Strong writing, interpersonal, communication and organizational skills;
• The ability to take direction and work independently, taking initiative within areas of responsibility, as well as providing leadership and direction while working in a team oriented environment;
• Management experience, including scoping, planning, administering, and evaluating multiple programs and projects simultaneously; 
• 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:

• Knowledge of high priority tribal human services policy issues including education, health, youth, nutrition, and urban populations.

Under the direction of the NCAI Executive Director, the primary duties of the Director of Policy (Human Services) include:

• 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;
• Coordinate with senior staff and work with all members of the NCAI legislative team to develop policy priorities and implement communications and outreach strategies;
• Lead the human services policy department in the development and implementation of legislative strategies and tactics to advance NCAI human services policy priorities at the federal level;
• Develop and maintain relations with key partners and networks, coalitions, and organizations critical to the achievement of the organization’s legislative agenda;
• 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;
• 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 human services policy priorities; 
• 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 human services 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.