Native Affairs Outreach Director, St. Paul, Minnesota

Native Affairs Outreach Director

The Office of US Senator Tina Smith seeks a highly-motivated Native Affairs Outreach Director, which reflects her position on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The Outreach Director will be responsible for working directly with Tribal governments and building and managing relationships with Native-led organizations and urban Indigenous communities across Minnesota. The Native Affairs Outreach Director serves as a liaison to Senator Smith, and takes meetings, attends events, and works with federal, state, and local agencies and Tribal governments on all issues impacting Tribal Nations and urban Indigenous communities. This position will primarily be located in St. Paul, MN, with limited work from home days.

Qualified candidates will have a proven ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment with overlapping short-term and long-term deadlines; superior attention to detail; exceptional writing and analytic skills; the ability to keep confidences and strong inter-personal and organizational skills. A bachelor's degree in Political Science or a related field or commensurate community organizing experience, and at least 2-3 years professional experience working for an elected official or in policy/advocacy are preferred. Candidates with developed working relationships with Tribal Nations and in urban Indigenous communities across Minnesota preferred.

The Senator's office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability. The office encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Salary starting at $70,000.

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume and references to mnjobs@smith.senate.gov. The position is open until filled, with priority to applications received by May 31, 2024.

TITLE: Outreach Director

STATUS: Exempt

Position Summary:

An Outreach Director monitors activity in his or her assigned issue and/or geographic portfolio and provides updates to the Senator and appropriate staff on issues. The Outreach Director also conducts outreach in the state and serves as a liaison between the Senator and local elected officials, government agencies, local organizations and constituent across the state in his or her assigned portfolio. The Outreach Director reports directly to the Managing Outreach Director and State Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Acts as the representative for the Senator on Native American, Tribal Government and other issues as assigned, meets with constituents, verbally communicates with constituents and serves as a liaison with federal, state and local agencies.
• Works with scheduling team to arrange and manage the Senator's calendar when she is in the region or working on Tribal and Urban Indigenous issues.
• Informs the Senator and appropriate staff of all happening in his or her assigned region or issue portfolio by screening media sources, interacting with constituents and meeting with stakeholders.
• Assists with event planning for the Senator, including site visits, meetings and other events as determined by the Managing Outreach Director.
• Maintains a strong working relationship with DC legislative staff on legislative initiatives that pertain to his or her assigned geographic or issues areas.
• Works with Communications staff on publicity for events and updates for e-newsletter, press releases and other office communications.
• Exercises discretion in discussing policy and legislative issues with stakeholders and demonstrates the ability to speak on behalf of the Senator.
• Attends meetings and events that pertain to federal issues/issues areas.
• Present a positive reflection of the Senator and her office while maintain good working relationships.

Travel: This position will require travel around the state of Minnesota.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science or related field or commensurate community organizing experience; strong academic credentials.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant and professional manner.
• Thoroughness and careful attention to detail.
• Proficiency in word-processing, databases and spreadsheets preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple and shifting priorities.

Preferred:

• At least 2 or 3 years federal experience, Native American issue advocacy or working for an elected official.
• Thorough knowledge of legislative process and of Senate organization and procedures preferred.
• Candidates with developed working relationships with Tribal nations and urban Indigenous communities across Minnesota are preferred.