Tribal Affairs Director

We’re Hiring: Tribal Affairs Director
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is looking for a passionate, experienced leader to join our Office of Tribal Affairs as the Tribal Affairs Director! This role will work directly with Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon, ensuring that ODHS programs are culturally responsive and meet the needs of the Tribes.

Informational Session:

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, join us for an informational session:

Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Zoom Registration Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/qtEPR6phQvOYuXG8kH59uA

Minimum Qualifications

Seven years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; OR four years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

Visionary Leadership: A leader who has experience working within government and has the ability to ensure the vision becomes reality by stating clear goals, outlining a strategic plan for achieving those goals and equipping and empowering each member to take action on the plan at the organizational, team and individual levels. Foster a positive and supportive work environment placing value on collaboration, equitable practices, and a trauma-informed and healing workforce.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to equity, trauma-informed and antiracism work. Knowledge of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategies and techniques and how to navigate a complex multi-level organization. Be committed to equitable service delivery that focuses on achieving results for all populations, with a special focus on Tribes in Oregon. Demonstrates respect for the cultures, histories, and governance structures of nine federally recognized tribes, fostering an environment of cultural awareness and inclusivity throughout the agency.

Program Knowledge: Understanding of and commitment to the communities ODHS serves, and the individuals who deliver these services, with experience working within government systems. Possess a deep knowledge of and dedication to support Tribal community programs.

Innovation: Identify and establish processes that allow for the evaluation, adoption, and implementation of innovative ideas within Office of Tribal Affairs. Experienced in performance systems and how data-driven measurement fosters continuous improvement and transformation. Driven by a passion for best practices and innovation, particularly in large systems, with a focus on ODHS Programs eliminating barriers to accessing services.

Stewardship: Responsibly manages resources—human, financial, and informational—and promotes a culture of resource optimization.

Business Acumen: Strong understanding of state operations, including financial, procurement, and asset management, to effectively oversee the implementation of programs that meet the mission of ODHS and comply with regulatory standards.

Accountability & Transparency: Understanding to holds self and others to high standards of honesty, transparency, and integrity, ensuring that ODHS policies and actions reflect these values in all aspects of the work with Tribal communities.

Community Partnership & Equity: Skilled in integrating diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values to achieve organizational goals. Proven experience collaborating with Federal, State, Tribal Governments, and Community partners. Able to engage diverse viewpoints in decision-making to ensure services are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Tribes and their communities.

Servant Leadership & Management Style: A servant-leader approach that empowers and uplifts employees at all levels, fostering career growth, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose, while creating an environment of trust and mutual respect. Strive to actively engage employees at all levels of the organization, recognize their potential, and support their future career growth. A lead-by-example executive with a high degree of emotional intelligence and the ability to motivate teams while providing opportunities for Tribes in Oregon.

Leadership & Strategic Communication: Ability to engage both internal and external partners with clarity, transparency, and purpose, articulating the agency’s vision and goals, and facilitating open communication across ODHS, Tribal governments, and community partners. Effectively articulate and exchange information with internal and external partners. Possess experience in facilitation, negotiating and building consensus among diverse constituents, legislators and interested parties with competing needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as the primary liaison between ODHS and Tribal governments & organizations.

Develop policies and strategies that align with Tribal priorities and values.

Advocate for Tribal sovereignty and self-determination in state programs.

Collaborate with state agencies to enhance services for Native populations.

Summary of Duties

As our Tribal Affairs Director, you will:

Cultural Competence & Humility: Foster a diverse, inclusive, and discrimination-free workplace; promote cultural awareness and respect for all individuals’ cultures, identities, and backgrounds; support professional development in cultural competence.

Core Values Alignment: Demonstrate awareness and alignment with ODHS values of Innovation, Integrity, Professionalism, Respect, Responsibility, Service Equity, and Stewardship, contributing to the agency’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization.

Customer Service: Treat customers, partners, and coworkers with dignity and respect, maintaining a work environment that honors the lived experiences of all clients and communities served.

Tribal Consultation & Relationship Building: Maximize opportunities for positive intergovernmental relations with nine federally recognized Tribes; ensure ongoing communication, transparency, and respect in Tribal consultation.

Senior Advisor: Advise ODHS Director, Executive Team, and Program Directors in planning and implementing agency policies and programs that build accountable relationships with Tribes, focusing on service equity and eliminating disparities for the Native American and Alaska Native population.

Child Welfare Collaboration: Advocate and assure compliance with the administration of ICWA/ORICWA, identify barriers, ensure accountability, and collaborate with Child Welfare Program Directors and Tribes to achieve the spirit and intent of these laws.

Training & Development: Develop and deliver training for ODHS staff on the histories, cultures, and needs of nine federally recognized Tribes to enhance cultural sensitivity and improve service delivery for Native American and Alaska Native populations.

Liaison & Resource Facilitator: Act as the primary point of contact for Tribes, addressing concerns, ideas, and issues regarding ODHS programs; inform ODHS leadership of emerging concerns and solutions.

Policy and Agreement Oversight: Review and recommend changes for formal and informal agreements between ODHS and the Tribes; ensure tribal interests are considered in program design, policy development, and service delivery approaches.

Leadership & Supervision: Supervise the Tribal Affairs staff and collaborate with ODHS Tribal Liaisons/Consultants to support cohesive tribal program efforts.