Tribal Relations Manager

Tribal Relations Manager

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Directors Office. The Tribal Relations Manager (TRM) serves as the DPHHS strategic lead for formal consultations, engagements, and relationships with Montana's eight federally recognized Tribal Governments, five Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), the Indian Health Service (IHS), and other American Indian / Alaska Native (AI / AN) stakeholders. The TRM is the department's expert on tribal relations, providing insights and recommendations to the Director and executive leaders on tribal sovereignty, federal Indian law, and policy implications of state actions. This position supervises the American Indian Health Director (AIHD) and oversees the work of the AIHD and the Office of American Indian Health (OAIH), ensuring that health and human service initiatives align with state-tribal partnership goals. The TRM reports to the DPHHS Director and works onsite at DPHHS Headquarters in Helena.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents. The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work / life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

Knowledge, Skill, or Ability

Possesses a strong connection to AI / AN identity.

Extensive knowledge of the commonalities, differences, and cultures of each of Montana's American Indian tribes.

Ability to work with, establish, and maintain credibility and develop and maintain strong working relationships with tribes and their tribal leadership.

Knowledge of the interrelationships between State, Federal, and tribal government policies.

Ability to work collaboratively within the agency, including by leading discussions, providing guidance to programs, and facilitating discussions on relevant matters.

Ability to effectively represent the DPHHS Director, DPHHS at large, and the State of Montana in public forums, meetings, and negotiations.

Ability to provide leadership in complex and highly sensitive situations.

Meet minimum qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in public health, public policy, public administration, Native American studies, or related field.
• Five years of experience working with tribal governments, understanding the commonalities and differences among Montana tribes, understanding the commonalities and differences between Indian people living on reservations and in urban settings, establishing and maintaining relationships with tribes, and leading / facilitating major projects.
• Other combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.