Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Staff AttorneyDept./Program: Executive OfficeDivision: Executive OfficeReports To: Executive DirectorEmployment Status: Full TimeFLSA Status: Exempt Schedule: ExemptPreference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638Revision Date: 09/11/2018Job SummaryThe 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 is responsible for overseeing requests for government to government consultations, and providing 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 to include, but not limited to, meeting planning; logistical support; agenda and meeting packet preparation; recording and taking of minutes, etc.Essential FunctionsRegulatory advisor working with Tribal Council, administration and staff on day-to-day matters as they arise, including policy review and development, personnel and contractsAssist Tribal Council in drafting resolutions, ordinances, policies and revisions to the ConstitutionLegal advisor to Tribal Council during annual negotiations of its Compact and Funding Agreement with IHS, the BIA, and other funding agenciesReview grant submissions and funding plans for legal and risk analysisHigh quality and timely legal advice to Tribal Council and Executive DirectorManages all work and relationships with outside and special outside counsel in consultation with the Executive DirectorAll external proceedings are dealt with to high standards of quality and within agreed time-scales and budgetsResilient and able to deliver under pressure. Thoroughly organized in a constantly changing environment. Able to prioritize and re-prioritizes workloads as necessaryTakes full ownership of tasks and responsibilities. Demonstrates focused determination to complete work on time. Demonstrates personal flexibility and commitment to get the job doneResponsible for assisting Tribal Council and the Executive Director with governance, strategic, and annual planningWorks with the Executive Director on review and response to requests for Tribal consultationsProvides support to activities in the Executive Office, collaborating with staff throughout the programsCollaborate with staff to ensure the Tribe's representation at essential local, state and federal Self-Governance meetings, and activitiesParticipates in development of policy campaigns and other project work planning. Assists in development of policy priorities at Federal, state and local levelsWorks in a confidential capacity in accordance with the Tribe's policyReview Government publications, Government Laws and Policy initiativesComplete timely short and long-term research and analysis of legislation, budgets, health policies and services, and is responsible for drafting and disseminating communications and presentations to the Tribal Council and the Executive DirectorSupervise the Tribal Government Legal Assistant and provides oversight of effective and efficient Tribal Council and Committee/Commission support in all elements of meeting planning, execution and follow upIt 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 ConditionsLifting RequirementsLight 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 if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.Physical RequirementsStand 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 MotionOSHA CategoriesCategory III - Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue and as part of their employment, incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid TravelLocalIn-StateOut-of- StateQualificationsEducationJuris Doctorate requiredExperienceMinimum of 3 years of experience working with Alaska Native Tribes or Native OrganizationsExperience working with Governmental AgenciesExperience working in state, federal and tribal legislative processes is highly desiredExperience in writing summaries and interpretation of governmental initiatives, regulations and lawsExperience in Public SpeakingLicense/CertificationValid Alaska Driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policyAlaska Bar LicensePreferredKnowledge and experience working with cultural diversitiesMust be familiar with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe communityKnowledge and experience working with Alaska Native/American Indian peopleWillingness to learn the language, culture and history of the Dena'ina people.Special SkillsThe 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 PolicyAbility 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 oralConfidence, sound judgement and self-relianceExperience in interpreting legislation into practical applicationExperience in training and communicating legal requirements and proceduresStrong analytical skills and experience of analysing complex issuesBe 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.