Governmental Affairs Specialist

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.

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.
    • General support to Tribal Council roles
  • Collaborate with 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 and the Tribal Administrator and 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.

• Other related duties as assigned

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of the 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, working effectively with AI/AN populations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with sensitivity to the lifestyles of targeted participants.
• Skills in operating personal computers using a variety of computer software.
• 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 (HIPPA, 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 with teams.

KIC Competencies

Cultural Competency: To be respectful and be responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of KIC Tribal Members. Developing cultural competence is an evolving, dynamic process that takes time and occurs along a continuum.

Commitment: To serve Tribal Members and set a high standard for your performance; strive for results and success; convey a sense of urgency and bring issues to closure; and stay persistent despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service: Meet/exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identify, understand, and monitor the needs of both internal and external customers; always talk and act with customers in mind; and recognize working colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication: Ensure important information is passed to those who need to know; convey necessary information with respect, clearly and effectively orally or in writing

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrate a high level of conscientiousness; hold oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and do the required fair share of work.