Deputy Manager of Policy Development & Litigation Support

Portland, OR, United States

Job Description Job Description CRITFC offers competitive compensation and an exceptional benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(k), 12 days of vacation (to start), 13 paid holidays, and paid sick time. We provide professional development opportunities, promote from within, and have a Native hiring preference as part of our commitment to our people. As a result, you will find a work environment that supports and inspires our shared goals of protecting the natural world and the tribal cultural connection to it.

Summary overview:

The Deputy Manager position works under the supervision of the Department Manager and assists the manager with overseeing and strategically guiding CRITFC’s Policy Development and Litigation Support Department (PDLSD). The Department addresses matters that affect the integrity of its member tribes’ treaty rights and fisheries. The Department assists the Commission and its member tribes in realizing maximum benefits from their leadership roles in the development, coordination and implementation of local, regional, national, and international forums affecting Columbia River treaty-secured fisheries.

The department supports the overall mission of the organization and its departments to implement Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit the tribes’ Spirit of the Salmon Plan, (https://plan.critfc.org/). In this context, the overarching task of the department is to maintain existing tribal jurisdictional and management authorities and develop and recommend a plan for obtaining additional authorities as necessary to protect the treaty rights of the tribes and of the tribal members exercising those rights. The department applies legal principles to promote tribal reserved rights and tribal regulatory authorities. It advocates and monitors legal and policy initiatives that uphold Treaty rights by ensuring that the conservation burden to protect and restore Columbia Basin salmon is equitably shared.

Responsibilities

Legal Analyses

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.

Policy Development & Strategic Planning

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.

Organizational Collaboration

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.

Budget Management

Assist in the development and management of the Policy department budget.

Legal Proceeding Management

Coordinate litigation (and other similar actions) with tribal attorneys and support member tribes in their legal proceedings.

Oversee and manage CRITFC’s legal proceedings.

Develop strategies to resolve disputes efficiently.

Qualifications

Strong analytical skills to assess program effectiveness, analyze data, and make data-driven decisions. Ability to identify challenges, propose solutions, and adapt strategies to meet changing needs or circumstances.

Areas of legal expertise: Indian law, tribal sovereignty and treaties, natural resources, environmental law. Additional experience with budgets, contracts, labor and employment law, and energy policy is desirable.

Understanding of relevant regulations, laws, and compliance standards affecting tribal programs, such as Public Law 93-638 Indian Self Determination contract funding,

Must have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school + 5 years of legal experience.

Two years minimum supervisory experience and five years’ experience in program management, preferably within a tribal or community-based organization. Experience in overseeing cultural programs, marketing initiatives, and outreach efforts.

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.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

This job occasionally requires driving a CRITFC vehicle or your own vehicle for business (mileage compensated), and therefore you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

Reckless Driving

Driving Under the Influence

Suspension or revoked license

No more than two at-fault accidents

No more than one major violation or two minor violations.

Native Hiring Preference

CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.

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