Job Purpose
The Policy and Planning Coordinator will play a crucial role in advancing the Rappahannock Tribe’s environmental policy priorities by fostering collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including federal and state agencies. This position is responsible for managing key environmental grants, representing the Tribe in various forums, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring the Tribe’s interests in natural resource management are protected. The coordinator will also lead legislative advocacy efforts, monitor relevant legislative developments, and support the Tribe’s strategic environmental initiatives. In addition, this role will include administrative tasks that support environmental projects, such as coordinating grant proposals, managing documentation, and assisting with project implementation. The Coordinator will collaborate with various departments and organizations to support the Tribe’s environmental programs and initiatives.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities
- Build and sustain partnerships with external agencies, funders, and stakeholders to advance environmental and natural resource program objectives and facilitate meetings to ensure the success of the Tribe’s initiatives.
- Represent the Tribe in consultations with federal and state agencies, including Section 106 and Federal Regulation Consultations, to advocate for its environmental interests.
- Oversee and manage the EPA GAP Grant, ensuring compliance and effective utilization of resources, and complete necessary paperwork such as progress reports and workplans.
- Serve as the Tribe’s representative at the EPA Regional Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC), engaging in key discussions on environmental policy and resource management.
- Act as the primary liaison between the department and legal counsel, ensuring clear and timely communication on legal matters related to environmental policy and projects.
- Lead advocacy efforts on issues impacting the Tribe’s natural resources, including preparing written and oral testimony, letters of support or opposition, and other necessary communications.
- Research and evaluate grant opportunities, assess proposal requirements, prepare first drafts of grant proposals, and coordinate the submission process under the direction of the supervisor.
- Draft, research, and help develop content for reference materials, talking points, issue briefs, charts, visuals, infographics, and presentations to engage internal and external audiences and advance policy or federal relations activities.
- Support the policy staff in the development and implementation of new policy initiatives, planning, and coordinating policy-related meetings.
- Take initiative in helping to develop the Tribe’s yearly goals and objectives in support of environmental and natural resource program priorities, driving the development of strategic plans.
- Track, report on, and analyze relevant legislative and regulatory actions at federal, state, and local levels, providing updates and strategic advice to the Tribe.
- Support the Director and Environmental and Natural Resources Department with projects as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Policy, Government Affairs, Environmental Sciences or related field.
- Must demonstrate strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, particularly the ability to convey information on complex issues using data and reasoning through writing and verbally in formal and informal settings.
- Must be able to work independently and exercise discretion and good judgment regarding matters of significance.
- Demonstrates strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Can manage many projects through their entire life cycle in collaboration with several internal and external partners.
- Passion for environmental and cultural restoration relevant to the organization’s mission.
- Knowledge of environmental and natural resource regulation (Clean Water Act, Clean Air
Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.) preferred.
Employment Details
Location: St. Stephens Church, VA. Position is full-time and hybrid, in office minimum 2-3 days per week. Candidate may need to travel or work evenings or weekends based on advocacy events.
Compensation: $50,000. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid-time off, and retirement.
Supervisor: Director of Environmental and Natural Resources
Apply by clicking here to fill out our online job application form or by sending your resume and cover letter to jnguyen@rappahannocktribe.org. This posting will remain active until the opportunity is filled.
EOE M/F/D/V The Rappahannock Tribe is committed to providing equal employment
opportunities to all individuals, regardless of gender, disability status, or veteran status. We
reserve the right to alter, change, modify, and/or terminate this job posting at any time without
notice, or obligation, to any party. The Rappahannock Tribe adheres to the Indian Preference Policy
in our hiring practices.