Tribal Government and Stakeholder Relations Manager

BACKGROUND

What We’re Looking For:

What You’ll Do:

• Acts as the primary representative for Energy Trust in relationships with Tribal governments and Native communities.
• Builds relationships with Tribal government and program leaders, and Native community stakeholders to understand their needs and interests. Maintains a schedule of outreach activities representing Energy Trust. Shares learnings with staff to inform and guide outreach and program design. Relationship development and outreach includes:
  • Coordinating interaction with tribal government program and department leadership such as construction, housing, Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), education and facilities given Tribal Council and Administration authorization.
  • Coordinating interaction with regional tribal organizations such as Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Northwest Native Chamber, Northwest Indian Housing Authority and Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
  • Maintaining relationships with Tribal liaisons at other organizations such as utilities, Oregon Public Utility Commission, Oregon Governor’s office, other state agencies and federal agencies.
  • Creating pathways for community-based organizations that serve Tribal governments and Native populations to engage in Energy Trust programs and services, and shape programs, policy decisions and funding priorities.
• Develops strategies for Energy Trust discussions and engagement with Tribal governments to create mutually beneficial agreements and partnerships. Engages Energy Trust leadership in Tribal government relationship development.
• Serves as central point of contact for Tribal governments to facilitate program participation. Advises staff and representatives serving Tribal governments and ensures coordination across the organization to serve Tribal needs and meet program goals. Initiates regular forums for coordination.
• Facilitates and supports a Tribal work group to inform and shape program delivery and engagement approaches.
• Participates as a member of Government and Stakeholder Relations Team. Monitors, supports and provides information for emerging policies and government-directed energy and energy-related programs and funding. Supports general initiatives relating to stakeholder management and federal, state and local government relations as needed.
• Advises Energy Trust staff on Tribal history, treaties, sovereignty, self-governance, protocols, customs and traditions, natural resources, cultural properties, and other issues concerning Energy Trust relations with Tribal governments. In coordination with People Services and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion services groups, proposes trainings to educate Energy Trust staff on the extensive local history and diversity of Tribal governments and Native communities.
• Maintains general understanding of applicable Tribal treaties, policies and plans, including established or developing energy, building codes, climate resilience, climate adaptation, community development, housing, economic development, workforce development and other related plans.
• Follows processes, practices and tools for tracking and coordination of outreach activities.
• Develops and delivers presentations and serves as a media spokesperson.
• Identifies relevant events, memberships, communication and marketing needs.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• Performs all functions of the job in a safe manner.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. The role may require coordination and training of interns, program field staff and community representatives.

What You’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s degree (Public Administration, Public Policy, Native American Studies, Environmental Resources, Archeology or a related field) or equivalent professional experience.
• 5 years experience in Tribal relations, government relations, or community relations, and conducting outreach to tribal customers or communities; preference for outreach experience in the field of energy efficiency or renewable energy development.
• Having a Native perspective or lived experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of Oregon and SW Washington Tribal governments and Native communities, their history, culture, protocols, traditions, governance and priorities.
• Experience working with Tribal governments and their members; clear understanding of tribal consultation processes, and experience developing strategic outreach and engagement plans.
• Experience working in policy environments, including knowledge of federal and Tribal government relations, state and Tribal government relations, tracking policy issues and changes, and maintaining awareness and supporting policy makers and implementers in their decision making.
• Knowledge of community-based organizations serving Tribal governments and Native communities in Oregon and SW Washington preferred.
• General knowledge of energy efficiency and renewable energy development programs.
• Awareness of Tribal and Native community events and relationships with associations and other groups that would be opportunities for presentations/tabling.
• Experience in facilitation and community engagement approaches that deepen relationships and enable sharing of information and soliciting feedback.
• Interest in regular travel in Oregon, SW Washington and Pacific Northwest for in-person meetings, tabling and other engagements requiring flexible hours to be responsive to individual and community needs.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft software applications, and tracking relationships in a data management system.
• Excellent writing and communications skills, as well as experience presenting to large groups.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson and working with the media.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Position entails travel within Oregon and Washington; a valid driver’s license in the State of Oregon or Washington is required.

What You’ll Get:

• Health/dental/vision insurance
• Employer sponsored and paid life/disability
• 401(k) with a company contribution of 6% of your salary after 90 days of employment
• TriMet pass
• Access to health and dependent FSA/HSA accounts
• Generous paid vacation, holidays and sick days
• Paid volunteer hours
• Employee assistance program
• Career advancement opportunities
• Great colleagues and culture
• Flexibility to work from home and/or an office space at the Portland, OR location
• Work from home laptop provided
• Outreach Managers will receive stipends and reimbursement to support travel and outreach responsibilities
• Read more about our benefits here

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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  Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications in the pay equity assessment to determine equitable salary placement. Candidates should expect compensation offers within the starting compensation range. The full pay range is included to show the earnings potential for this position with sustained high performance.