Principal Legal Counsel and Department Manager

Principal Legal Counsel and Department Manager

• $156k to $180k annual salary

CRITFC seeks a highly skilled attorney and strategic leader to serve as the Principal Legal Counsel and Manager of the Policy Development and Litigation Support Department (PDLSD). This department plays a pivotal role in advancing the treaty rights, tribal sovereignty, and natural resource priorities of CRITFC’s four member tribes: the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Warm Springs tribe, and the Yakama Nation.

As the Manager, you will:

• Serve as CRITFC’s principal legal counsel on treaty rights, tribal sovereignty, environmental and natural resource law, and organizational compliance.
• Lead a team of attorneys and legal staff, overseeing litigation support, policy development, and intergovernmental negotiations.
• Build partnerships with tribal governments, federal and state agencies, and regional stakeholders to advance CRITFC’s mission and protect tribal treaty rights.
• Guide CRITFC’s legal and policy strategies while supporting organizational systems, risk management, and compliance efforts.

Online applications are preferred, however if circumstances prevent an applicant from completing an online application or require help with an electronic application, email jobs for assistance.

Hiring preference:
CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.

CRITFC will consider non-citizen applicants who are authorized to work in the U.S. If not authorized to work in the U.S., CRITFC will provide reasonable support and accommodations to the candidate in obtaining U.S. work authorization. With the exception of certain employer required costs, CRITFC will not pay for costs related to applicant’s legal representation, filings for work authorization or immigration, or other costs related to obtaining work authorization.

* Please note:

the term “Commission” as used in this description refers to CRITFC’s governing body. CRITFC is a tribal organization that is wholly owned and governed by the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. As a tribal organization, CRITFC is subject to a unique blend of policies and laws.