Full Time 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.

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