Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney Dept./Program: Executive Office; Division: Executive Office; Reports To: Executive Director; Employment Status: Full Time; FLSA Status: Exempt; Schedule: Exempt; Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638; Revision Date: 09/11/2018 Job Summary The Staff Attorney is responsible for researching and interpreting Federal, State and Tribal government policies, regulations, ordinances, laws and publications and compiling reports for the Executive Director and Tribal Council. This position oversees requests for government-to-government consultations, and provides guidance to the Executive Director in planning the Tribe's self-governance strategies, goals, initiatives and structure in alignment with the Tribe's values and vision. The Staff Attorney will lead the Tribal Government support staff in Tribal Council business, including meeting planning, logistical support, agenda and meeting packet preparation, recording and taking minutes, and other related duties. Essential Functions Regulatory advisor working with Tribal Council, administration, and staff on day-to-day matters as they arise, including policy review and development, personnel and contracts Assist Tribal Council in drafting resolutions, ordinances, policies and revisions to the Constitution Legal advisor to Tribal Council during annual negotiations of its Compact and Funding Agreement with IHS, BIA, and other funding agencies Review grant submissions and funding plans for legal and risk analysis Provide high quality and timely legal advice to Tribal Council and Executive Director Manage all work and relationships with outside and special outside counsel in consultation with the Executive Director Handle all external proceedings to high standards of quality and within agreed time‑scales and budgets Demonstrate resilience, organization, prioritization and ownership in a constantly changing environment Assist Tribal Council and Executive Director with governance, strategic, and annual planning Work with Executive Director on review and response to requests for Tribal consultations Support activities in the Executive Office, collaborating with staff throughout the programs Collaborate with staff to ensure the Tribe’s representation at essential local, state and federal Self‑Governance meetings and activities Participate in development of policy campaigns and other project work planning; assist in developing policy priorities at Federal, state and local levels Work in a confidential capacity in accordance with the Tribe’s policy Review Government publications, laws, and policy initiatives Complete timely short and long‑term research and analysis of legislation, budgets, health policies and services, and draft and disseminate communications and presentations to the Tribal Council and Executive Director Supervise the Tribal Government Legal Assistant and oversee effective and efficient support to the Tribal Council and Committees/Commissions in all elements of meeting planning, execution, and follow‑up It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all‑inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s objectives. Working Conditions Lifting Requirements Light work – Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work. Physical Requirements Stand or sit (stationary position) Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (operate, activate, use, prepare, inspect, place, detect, position) Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (position self, move) Talk/hear (communicate, detect, converse with, discern, convey, express oneself, exchange information) See (detect, determine, perceive, identify, recognize, judge, observe, inspect, estimate, assess) Taste/smell (detect, distinguish, determine) Repetitive motion OSHA Categories Category III – Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue and incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid. Travel Local In‑State Out‑of‑State Qualifications Education Juris Doctorate required Experience Minimum of 3 years of experience working with Alaska Native Tribes or Native Organizations Experience working with Governmental Agencies Experience working in state, federal and tribal legislative processes is highly desired Experience in writing summaries and interpretation of governmental initiatives, regulations and laws Experience in Public Speaking License/Certification Valid Alaska Driver’s license and must remain insurable under the Tribe’s policy Alaska Bar License Preferred Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities Must be familiar with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe community Knowledge and experience working with Alaska Native/American Indian people Willingness to learn the language, culture and history of the Dena’ina people Special Skills The ability to effectively write and edit documents, meeting notes, memoranda, and briefings Ability to show a high level of discernment and strict confidentiality according to ethical standards as written in the Tribe’s Code of Conduct and Tribal Policy Ability to form and maintain positive/proactive work relationships with a wide variety of people, agencies and personalities as a representative of the office of the Executive Director Excellent communication skills, both written and oral Confidence, sound judgement and self‑reliance Experience in interpreting legislation into practical application Experience in training and communicating legal requirements and procedures Strong analytical skills and experience of analysing complex issues Proficient in Microsoft Office products This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position. *Memorandum of Understanding: Serves as documented evidence that the Kenaitze Indian Tribe has expressed the ineligibility of an employee to operate motor vehicles owned, leased or rented by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, or to operate a personal vehicle on behalf of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kenaitze Indian Tribe