Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Position Summary

The Director of Tribal Relations advances OSU’s values, mission, goals and objectives, and responsibilities as a land grant institution, by building and maintaining collaborative, mutual and trusting relationships with Tribal Nations in Oregon and beyond.

Through responsive consultation, which prioritizes the sovereignty of Tribal Nations, the Director will partner with the representatives of Tribal Nations, the Oregon State Legislative Commission on Indian Services, state and federal agencies, and internal OSU partners to collaboratively engage in research, teaching and outreach with the goal of advancing OSU’s commitment to support and be of enduring benefit to Tribal Nations.

The Director reports to the Executive Director of Government Relations and collaborates closely with the university President, Provost and Executive Vice President, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, members of the President’s Commission on Indigenous Affairs, and partners throughout the university including the Division of Extension and Engagement, the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Enrollment Management, the Research Office and every college. The Director is a member of the Office of Government Relations team and contributes to strategy development and program implementation to advance OSU’s Strategic Plan, Diversity Strategic Plan and the university’s inclusive excellence imperative.

Finally, the Director is responsible for supporting Government Relations Office efforts to make certain that the entire OSU community is responsive to agency and elected officials requests and that government officials are aware of the value received from investments in higher education and that OSU’s research, teaching and public service efforts are designed to meet the needs of all Oregonians.

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

POSITION DUTIES

• 60% Support relations between federally recognized Tribal Nations and the university
• 20% Support university efforts to serve Native and Indigenous students, employees and community members
• 15% Contribute to Government Relations Office efforts
• 5% Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

MINIMUM/REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in education, ethnic studies, public policy, government affairs, social work, sociology, anthropology or related discipline.
• Five years of progressive experience in government affairs or community relations.
• Understanding of matters impacting Tribal, Native and Indigenous communities in Oregon.
• Understanding of Tribal sovereignty rights, protocols, customs, culture and traditions.
• Success building and maintaining positive relationships with community partners.
• Effectiveness working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders in a complex organizational environment to advance strategies for achieving strategic organizational objectives.
• Success in advancing project progress and adapting to unforeseen challenges.
• Success working collaboratively with individuals and communities of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong demonstrated interpersonal communication and presentation skills across a variety of communication modalities.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or terminal degree in education, ethnic studies, government affairs, law, public policy, social work, sociology, anthropology or related discipline.
• Experience working with systems to track and assess engagement with individuals and communities over time.
• Understanding of the mission of land grant universities to provide equitable access to education.
• Experience working with sovereign Tribal Nations.
• Understanding of the history of land grant institutions as it pertains to Tribal communities.