Deputy Director for Tribal Relations, Exempt

Full Job Description

Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Salary: $8,847.00 - $10,318.00 Monthly
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $8,847.00 - $10,860.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 3/26/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Executive Management Division as the Deputy Director for Tribal Relations.

This position will play an important role supporting the Director of Tribal Relations by providing strategic advice, policy analysis and research, and supporting legislatively required activities outlined in the HEAL and Climate Commitment Acts. This role will serve the Commissioner and report to the Director of Tribal Relations. They will be a cross-team collaborator with the Equity and Environmental Justice group and contribute to the Tribal Affairs program while supporting the agency with expertise and project management on major policy and program outcomes to ensure compliance with legislative mandates.

The Deputy Director for Tribal Relations will directly report to the Director of Tribal Relations who is a direct report to the Commissioner (RCW 43.376.020) in the organization chart. Both the Director and Deputy Director of Tribal Relations are in the Chief of Staff team which is managed by the Chief of Staff.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Support the Commissioner and division leadership in high-level consultations and negotiations, providing clear policy context and DNR’s strategic objectives
• Undertake Government to Government outreach, ensuring appropriate agency and Tribal representation is present and that appropriate protocols are followed.
• Provide timely, accurate information to Tribal governments and serve as a resource for Tribes and agency staff.
• Facilitate in coordinating regular meetings between Executive leadership, region managers and their respective Tribal counterparts to discuss items of mutual interest and concern.
• Advance DNR’s HEAL Act implementation and deliverables for federally recognized Tribes, urban Indians, and migrant Indigenous peoples.
• Manage and coordinate research related to environmental justice with Indigenous communities on behalf of DNR and support internal HEAL Act Task Teams.

Provide strategic policy development and advice; Identify, analyze, develop and advise leadership on policy issues, opportunities and risks related to tribal interests.

Serve as a strong advocate on behalf of DNR and the CPL in meetings with tribes.

Recommend strategies to incorporate tribal priorities and treaty rights in DNR’s policy development, legislative agenda and rulemaking processes.

• Prepare briefing materials, policy memos, reports and decision packages that summarize tribal concerns, analyze related DNR issues and recommend DNR positions.
• Develop agency request legislation and monitor agency and Tribal specific priority legislation, provide bill analysis, and prepare testimony for agency leadership.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working directly with Tribal communities preferably in a natural resources context;
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.

Key Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience successfully working alongside and building relationships with urban and rural WA Tribes, migrant Indigenous, Tribal organizations, business and private industry partners in the pursuit of broad public policy goals.
• Demonstrated expertise in providing high-level, strategic advice to an elected official in a political environment including identifying and analyzing opportunities and risks.
• Experience in policy analysis and research, drafting and monitoring legislation and project management.
• Advanced active listening, negotiation, conflict resolution and advocacy skills.
• Experience working for a Tribal elected official, non-Tribal elected official, or other high-level executive
• Demonstrated ability to write for targeted audiences effectively and to communicate persuasively at all levels of the organization and externally.
• Demonstrated history designing programs to advance racial equity and justice across programs and organizations.
• Demonstrated experience successfully moving a high-priority, high profile project involving multiple competing interests from start to completion.
• Ability to directly support scientific and program staff at DNR in meeting HEAL Act goals.
• Demonstrated experience successfully working alongside, building and managing relationships with internal and external partners, including business and private industry partners, government officials, agency staff, senior managers, and the public in the pursuit of broad public policy goals.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as coordinate, facilitate, and manage the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources.
• Ability to manage multiple short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.

Competencies:

• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• Highly skilled communicator that can take politically and emotionally charged topics and move groups and individuals through both learning and skill building.
• Proven track record creating and delivering trainings and content in matrixed organizations for diverse audiences.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Office is located at Natural Resources Building (NRB) in Olympia, WA. Position may be eligible for teleworking.
• Occasional overnight, weekend or evening travel is expected with this position.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Additional Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions? Please contact Glenda Breiler at 360-791-3856 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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