[Hiring] Deputy Director of Tribal Relations @State of Washington

Role Description

The Deputy Director of Tribal Relations ensures consistent, effective, and meaningful tribal engagement, coordination, and tribal consultation across the Department of Commerce by supporting strong government-to-government relationships with Washington’s tribal nations.

This role provides expert guidance and operational leadership within the Office of Tribal Relations to advance agencywide alignment with the Tribal Relations Policy and strengthen equitable access to Commerce programs for tribal communities.

The position advises executive leadership and program staff on tribal engagement, leads preparation and facilitation of COMTAC sessions, and serves as a primary representative and point of contact for tribal governments and partners. It manages day-to-day operations of the Office of Tribal Relations, including:

• Personnel administration
• Resource oversight
• Process development
• Training

The role also monitors and assesses tribal-related legislation and policy impacts, coordinates agency responses, and maintains Commerce participation on boards and councils with a tribal nexus. Through these responsibilities, the position enhances organizational readiness, improves internal systems and protocols, and ensures that Commerce’s tribal engagement is respectful, coordinated, and strategically aligned with agency mission and state policy.

Qualifications

• 9 years of combined experience and education as described below:
• Experience must include a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience, working with tribal nations, tribal communities, and two or more of the following areas:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of organizational development.
  • Process improvement utilizing technical, soft, and strategic competencies.
  • Experience working collaboratively with executives, managers, and cross-functional project teams.
  • Experience designing, developing, and delivering training to diverse audiences.
• One of the following:
  • Five or more years of experience conducting business analysis, developing requirements, and managing business operations.
  • Five or more years of experience analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
• Education involves business, public administration, political science, education, project management, American Indian law, or closely aligned field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others, engage effectively with diverse groups, and adapt with flexibility to changing needs and environments.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with staff, management, stakeholders, constituent groups, and the Legislature.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build trusting relationships and productive partnerships with customers, employees, and senior leadership.
• Stewardship: Demonstrates responsible and thoughtful management of relationships, resources, and organizational interests.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of work; consistently delivers results with minimal oversight.
• Integrity: Acts in alignment with public trust, honors commitments, and demonstrates reliability through consistent and ethical behavior.
• Leadership: Positively influences people and outcomes, contributing to a healthy organizational culture and successful mission delivery.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively, respectfully, and productively with others to achieve shared goals.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance benefits
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans
• 11 paid holidays each year
• 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment)
• 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full-time employed)
• Bereavement leave
• Employee assistance program
• Other benefits