Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission · 2 months ago
Manager, Policy Development and Litigation Support (PDLSD)
Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) is seeking a highly skilled attorney and strategic leader to serve as the Manager of the Policy Development and Litigation Support Department (PDLSD). This role involves providing legal counsel on treaty rights and natural resource law, leading a team of legal professionals, and building partnerships with various stakeholders to advance the mission of CRITFC and protect tribal treaty rights.
Fishery
Responsibilities
Develop and implement departmental strategic plans, budgets, and performance metrics aligned with CRITFC’s mission
Mentor staff and support succession planning to build long-term departmental capacity
Plan and execute projects consistent with CRITFC goals, budgets, and strategic plans
Develop and manage the department budget
Report on changes in laws and regulations affecting CRITFC, the tribes, tribal treaty fishing rights, and natural resources
Provide legal guidance on a wide range of matters, including tribal treaties, tribal sovereignty, natural resources, contracts, litigation, and compliance
Identify legal risks and propose strategies to mitigate them. Monitor and enforce compliance with laws and regulations applicable to CRITFC
Coordinate litigation (and other similar actions) with tribal attorneys and support member tribes in their legal proceedings
Oversee and manage CRITFC’s legal proceedings
Collaborate with other departments and senior management to align legal strategies with CRITFC’s organizational goals
Contribute to the development and execution of the Policy department's strategic plan
Develop and implement CRITFC policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and mitigate potential risks
Keep policies updated to reflect changes in laws and regulations
Assist in integrating departmental initiatives, encouraging collaboration and innovation among program managers and staff members
Collaborate with other departments, such as HR, finance, and enforcement, to ensure legal considerations are integrated into overall business processes
Work with other departments to assess and address legal risks associated with activities
Ensure that contracts align with CRITFC policies and legal requirements. Support Finance in maintaining a centralized contract management system to streamline processes and enhance efficiency
Collaborate with member tribes to align CRITFC’s legal and policy positions reflect tribal priorities and perspectives
Build strong working relationships with tribal governments, federal and state agencies, and regional partners
Qualification
Required
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, active bar membership in WA, OR, or ID (or ability to obtain within one year). Special consideration will be given to practice in other states accompanied by the ability to acquire a license to practice in any of the three states listed
Certificate, special training, and/or experience in Expertise in Indian law, tribal sovereignty, environmental and natural resource law, and federal litigation procedures
Experience working with Native American Tribes in any capacity
Minimum of 10 years' experience as a practicing attorney
Minimum 5 years' experience in a supervisory position
Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and communication skills
Ability to work in a dynamic environment, adapt to changing priorities, and effectively manage multiple tasks or projects concurrently
Excellent inter-personal and cross-culture communication skills
Knowledge and experience with tribal fishing treaty rights, customs, and regulations, especially those of the Warm Springs, Umatilla, Yakama, and Nez Perce tribes, is helpful
Benefits
Medical
Dental
401(k)
12 days of vacation (to start)
13 paid holidays
Paid sick time
Professional development opportunities
Company
Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission coordinates management policy and provides fisheries technical services for the Yakama, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Nez Perce tribes.