Job Summary

NCAI is a national leader in policy and government relations concerning issues impacting Tribal Nations and peoples. The organization provides essential information and education on key policy initiatives, enhances coordination and consultation with tribal governments, and leads efforts to unite tribal advocates to promote progressive, proactive federal Indian policy.

NCAI also manages several projects and grants to enhance relationships between tribal governments and federal, state, and local governments to better meet the needs of tribal citizens and uphold the government-to-government principles that are essential to the autonomy of tribal governments.

The Policy Associate will support the policy, advocacy, and communications functions of the NCAI Policy Team.

This job description does not represent an inclusive list of all duties encompassed in this position.

Duties And Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Policy, reports directly, the primary duties of the Policy Associate include but not limited to:

Advancing NCAI's work with tribal leaders, NCAI staff, and partners to develop and drive a national Indian Country policy agenda that supports and advances a broad, consensus-based approach to developing and advocating for priorities.
Supporting Policy Director, Manager, and Leads to help build and maintain relationships with Congressional and Administration contacts to further the overall mission and responsibilities of NCAI and Indian Country's national policy agenda, including interaction with federal partners, national and regional organization partners, constituent inquiries, and correspondence.
Developing and maintaining close working relationships with NCAI's coalition partners to facilitate the advancement of Indian Country's national policy agenda.
Monitoring and analyzing legislation, regulations, and other materials related to policy affecting Indian Country.
Helping to create resources, talking points, and reports across various policy portfolios.
Assisting in researching and drafting Congressional testimony, legislative analyses and alerts, policy briefs, and other written documents.
Updating and maintaining information on the website as well as draft, monitor, track Policy Team public communications and outreach efforts to partners and membership.
Perform grant activities as requested.
Additional projects and tasks, as required.
Provide support with additional projects, as assigned
Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in public policy/government, Native American Studies, or a related field preferred. Substantive work experience may substitute for a degree.
Two or more years of experience working on federal Indian policy and/or with American Indian/Alaska Native tribal governments preferred.
Two or more years of experience in federal policy advocacy, working with Congress and the Administration.
Strong administrative and organizational skills including demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and/or Google Workspace.
Strong writing, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Required/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of federal policy issues, including those policy areas as they relate to tribal governments.
Strong working knowledge of Native American policy issues impacting tribal. governments, experience in tribal government operations, or understanding tribal governments is a plus.
Superior communication skills both orally and writing in an effective, organized, professional, and timely manner, including authorship, editing, and proofreading.
Attention to detail, accuracy, and deadlines.
Strong organizational skills to handle multiple overlapping projects.
Excellent problem solving and negotiation skills.
Ability to effectively collect, analyze, organize, distill, and present information.
Ability to represent NCAI in a professional manner.
Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including tribal leaders, intertribal organizations, legislative staff, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
The ability to work collaboratively in articulating an agenda and plan to advance policy priorities.
Strong writing, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
The ability to take direction, work independently, and take initiative within areas of responsibility while working in a team-oriented environment.
Experience with and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and high-pressure environment.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Typical business office setting with moderate noise level.
Non-office environment may be encountered for offset presentation and support of company activities.
Must be able to sit for work at a computer for more than 6 hours per day.
Must be able to use hands for dexterity of motion and reach with hands and arms.
Extensive use of computer keyboards.
Occasionally required to stand and walk.
Frequently required to talk and hear.
Must have the ability to occasionally lift 20+ lbs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Compensation

The position starts with an annual salary of $60,424 commensurate with experience and educational qualifications.

Work Hours And Environment

This is a forty (40) hours per calendar week position, fifty-two (52) week per calendar year; provided, however, during the time periods leading up to, during, and immediately following NCAI conference and similar events, involvement up to (60) hours per week may be required.

The Policy Associate may work in the Washington, DC area or can work remotely and have the ability to travel.

EEO Statement

NCAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

All offers of employment at NCAI are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates and on all employees who are promoted, as deemed necessary.

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National Congress of American Indians jobs

Policy Associate