Executive Director, Tribal Relations

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking an Executive Director, Tribal Relations to be responsible for facilitating engagement with Native American tribes and associated government entities in order to build strong Tribal partnerships, ensure compliance with state and federal laws, and conduct government to government tribal relations.

The ED Tribal Relations will lead and develop the Office of Tribal Relations, an office within the Division of External Relations and Communications.

The ED of Tribal Relations represents the Chancellor in government-to-government relationships, leads NAGPRA compliance and supports academic programs and resources in order to enhance, develop and create progressive and enriched relationships between the CSU, Chancellor’s Office and Tribal communities.

Acts as the point of contact for California Indian Tribes to consult with the Chancellor of the CSU system. Serves as the primary contact and resource on all Tribal issues, providing leadership to enhance, develop and create progressive and enriched institutional partnerships and collaborations with Tribal governments and various Tribal entities.

Ensures that the CSU follows state and federal laws regarding Tribal issues, including NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA.

Under the direction of the VC, and in partnership with campus and Chancellor’s Office leadership, the ED Tribal Relations will oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of the CSU’s systemwide NAGPRA policy.

The ED Tribal Relations will engage state government stakeholders (Governor’s Tribal Advisor, California Native American Heritage Commission, etc.

statewide tribal organizations, and Tribes directly to advance CSU-Tribal partnerships. The ED Tribal Relations will work with the Board of Trustees, Chancellor, and senior leadership across the university to develop programmatic and policy priorities to advance the CSU’s relationship with Tribes and Native American organizations in order to serve Tribal needs and the needs of Native American students.

The ED will conduct their work and represent the CSU with a deep understanding and appreciation of the unique culture and history of California Native American Tribes.

This position has the option of being located at the Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach, CA or Sacramento, CA. This position is approved for telecommuting (two days telecommuting, three days in office (in-person)) with onsite work at the main headquarters located in Long Beach, CA or Sacramento, CA.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Vice Chancellor, External Relations and Communications , the Executive Director, Tribal Relations will :

• Develop the Office of Tribal Relations, in partnership with the VC, and provide leadership and strategic direction for the Tribal Relations team / office.
• Provide advice, counsel and updates to system leaders regarding Native American Tribal issues, as well as governmental and political issues related to Native American issues.
• Develop and recommend integrated strategies and tactics to achieve short and long-term system goals and objectives related to Tribal matters.
• Lead collaborative efforts with various departments within the Chancellor’s Office and campuses to support Tribal relationships and partnerships.
• Cultivate relationships with Tribal leaders and Native American organizations to achieve goals and objectives.
• Build and sustain relationships between the Chancellor’s Office and with the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and key governmental leaders associated with Tribal issues (i.

e. the Governor’s Tribal advisor, staff for legislative leadership, staff with Select Committee on Native American Affairs, etc.

in cooperation with AVC of Advocacy and State Relations.

• Oversee the systemwide NAGPRA policy and consider future modifications. Ensure campuses consult with tribes and follow proper repatriation procedures, systemwide and campus committees are operational, develop systemwide budget request, coordinate with campuses on needs and other NAGPRA related matters.
• Work with AVC of Advocacy and State Relations, AVC of Federal Relations, and AVC of Systemwide Budget on legislative, government and budget matters related to Tribal issues.
• Provide training, development and support for campus-based Tribal relations staff.
• Testify at legislative hearings and speak at public events on issues related to Native American Tribes, tribal issues, and NAGPRA compliance.
• Travel to meet with Tribal leaders and Native American organizations.
• Supervise the NAGPRA / CalNAGPRA Project Manager and provide strategic direction, evaluation, coaching and guidance on duties and responsibilities.
• Work with Division of Academic and Student Affairs to advance academic programs and services related to Native American students.

Support and collaborate with the CSU Presidential Advisor on CSU’s Native American Initiative.

• Draft pieces of communication and updates regarding Tribal partnerships, issues, and matters.
• Engage the Office of the General Counsel on legal matters related to Tribes, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.

Qualifications

This position requires :

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible related experience in Native American governance or related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with Tribal communities in order to advance relationships and partnerships.
• Proven ability to lead teams.
• Knowledge of and appreciation for California Native American heritage and cultural issues in order to create respectful and lasting relationships built on trust and mutual understanding.
• Understanding of NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA legal requirements in order to ensure compliance and provide campuses support, as well as to offer meaningful advice, guidance, and assistance to VC and CSU executive leadership.
• Strong problems solving skills and conflict resolution skills to fulfill the leadership responsibilities and serve effectively as a professional staff supervisor.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to fulfil leadership responsibility, as well as to successfully communicate CSU efforts with CSU executive leadership and Tribal partners.
• Knowledge of Tribal law and Tribal governance in order to resolve issues facing the Chancellor’s Office and campuses.
• Proven ability to work with Tribal, government, political and community leaders in order to resolve problems.
• Understanding of Tribal protocols in order to build trust.
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals from varied backgrounds and cultures in order to be sensitive to Tribal perspectives.
• Strong organizational and strategic skills to develop and implement the goals of the Office of Tribal Relations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related area.
• Experience with education and institutions of higher education in order to succeed in working across the Chancellor’s Office and the 23 universities.
30+ days ago