Director of Tribal Relations

Director of Tribal Relations
- State Prog Admin Manager Prin

Job Class:
State Program Administrator, Manager Principal

Agency:
Children Youth & Families Dept

Job

Location:

St. Paul

Telework Eligible:
Yes (up to 50%)

Full/Part Time:
Full-Time

Regular/Temporary:
Unlimited

Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted: 09/02/2026

Closing Date: 09/22/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
Children Youth & Families Dept / Dept Child Yth &Fam-Managerial

Division/Unit: DCY
- Payroll / DCYF Commissioner's Staff

Work Shift/

Work Hours:

8am-4pm

Days of Work:
Monday
- Friday

Travel Required:

Yes (20%) Travel regularly to meetings and travel to remote Tribal locations

Salary Range: $50.04 - $71.75 / hourly; $104,483 - $149,814 / annually

Classified Status:
Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep

FLSA Status:
Exempt
- Executive

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Telework Within Minnesota and flexible hours options are available. Employees that live 50 miles or less from their primary/principal work location and live within the State may telework more than 50% with approval.

The Executive Director of Tribal Relations is a highly visible role that represents The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in American Indian policy matters, coordinates Indian policy work across DCYF, and works in coordination with the Tribal Relations Office in the Governor's Office and with other agencies, coordinates and chairs committees, task forces, and advisory groups, provides expert consultation to executive staff, and oversees and accounts for DCYF activities relating to Minnesota's tribal governments to ensure recognition of tribal authorities, interests, and agreements.

The focus of the Indian Policy Office will be to improve outcomes for indigenous populations throughout the state, particularly with the goal of reducing disparities.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing, planning, and coordinating agency-wide efforts related to Indian tribes, indigenous communities, and Urban Indians to reduce disparities.
• Directing the Indian Policy Office and serving as a liaison between DCYF, American Indian tribes, Urban Indians, and other agencies/key partners.
• Leading Indian Country and tribal consultation and advisory groups for DCYF.
• Working in partnership and collaboration with the Tribal Relations Office in the Governor's Office and other agencies related to DCYF programs.
• Providing tribal relations expertise and consultation to the DCYF executive team.

Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) years of experience providing Tribal relations, Tribal government affairs, intergovernmental relations, public policy, government affairs, consultation. Combined with Three (3) years of leadership or supervisory experience, including experience leading cross-functional or cross-agency teams or initiatives. Experience must include:

• Working directly with Tribal governments, Tribal Nations, or Tribal communities and demonstrating knowledge and respect for Native American values, cultures, traditions, and Tribal sovereignty.
• Providing strategic advice and consultation to executive leadership, elected officials, or senior government leaders on Tribal, policy, legislative, or intergovernmental matters.
• Developing, coordinating, or implementing Tribal consultation, engagement, outreach, or government to government relations strategies.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with Tribal governments and diverse internal and external stakeholders, including the ability to mediate, negotiate, build consensus, and resolve complex issues.
• Analyzing and interpreting federal, state, Tribal, or other governmental laws, policies, regulations, or agreements affecting Tribal Nations or Native American communities.
• Leading or…