Tribal Healthcare Systems and Education Director

The Northwest Tribes have long recognized the need to exercise control over the design and development of health care delivery systems in their local communities. To this end, they formed the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (also referred to as NPAIHB or “the Board”) in 1972.

Guided by a vision of “Health and Wellness for the Seventh Generation,” NPAIHB is a 501(c)3 designated (non‑profit) organization and Tribal organization, P.L. 93-638, under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) serving the 43 federally recognized Tribes in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington (Northwest Tribes). Tribes become voting members of the Board through resolutions passed by their governing body.

Each member Tribe designates a delegate to serve on the NPAIHB Board of Directors.

Led by our Board of Directors (Tribal Delegates), NPAIHB’s mission is to “eliminate health disparities and improve the quality of life of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) by supporting Northwest Tribes in their delivery of culturally appropriate, high‑quality health programs and services.” We have a staff of over 100 professionals dedicated to advancing Tribal health for the 7th generation in the Pacific Northwest.

The Tribal Healthcare Systems and Education Director (THSED) is a senior leader responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the Clinical Support Services Division (Clinical Division) at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB). The THSED ensures that the Clinical Division works in service to the 43 federally recognized tribes Idaho, Oregon, and Washington by meeting Division goals in alignment with NPAIHB’s 2025‑2030 Strategic Plan, by ensuring operational efficiency and fiscal compliance, and by fostering a positive and productive work environment.

The THSED serves as leader and central resource for technical assistance, training, management, and quality assurance, along with leading the supervision of all NPAIHB’s Clinical Division programs, projects, and services. Key responsibilities include team leadership, program development and implementation, critical communication, strategic planning, financial management, and performance oversight.

The THSED reports directly to the Director of Programs and Development and serves as a member of the Management Team.

This position is based at NPAIHB’s offices in Portland, Oregon; the option of teleworking may be available with approval from the Executive Director. Local travel and/or overnight travel outside of the area is required approximately 20% of the time.