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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Stand or sit (stationary…