Chief Tribal Counsel

Bristol Bay Native Association (BBNA); Dillingham (AK); On-site; USD 68,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol Bay Native Association (BBNA) seeks a chief in-house legal advisor to provide timely, independent counsel to the President and CEO, and BBNA Board, guiding governance and risk management across BBNA programs and tribal governments.

You will review bylaws, contracts, grants, and policies; lead negotiations; supervise outside counsel; monitor legislation; and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements affecting BBNA and the Bristol Bay region. Travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active Alaska Bar membership.
• Seven+ years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably in Federal Indian/Tribal law.
• Ability to explain complex legal matters clearly to non-lawyers; identify conflicts of interest.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, independent legal counsel to BBNA leadership and the Board.
• Review bylaws, policies, charters, and governance documents; draft corrective language as needed.
• Advise on authority, governance, and decision-making; distinguish legal advice from management decisions.
• Provide enterprise-wide legal support to BBNA departments and programs.
• Research and analyze legal, regulatory, and programmatic issues; support proposals and grants.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, grants, leases, and other instruments.
• Advise on employment law, personnel policy, and wage-and-hour matters.
• Provide legal assistance to member Tribal governments when authorized.
• Advise on natural resources, land, real estate, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Support funding and compliance matters related to federal grants and awards.
• Represent BBNA before courts and agencies; manage outside counsel when needed.
• Serve as Compliance Officer when designated; oversee investigations and reporting.
• Monitor legislation and policy developments affecting BBNA and the Bristol Bay region.

Skills

Legal advice

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Oral communication

Judgment skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Alaska Bar Association

Job description

Bristol Bay Native Association (BBNA) seeks a chief in-house legal advisor to provide timely, independent counsel to the President and CEO, and BBNA Board, guiding governance and risk management across BBNA programs and tribal governments.

You will review bylaws, contracts, grants, and policies; lead negotiations; supervise outside counsel; monitor legislation; and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements affecting BBNA and the Bristol Bay region. Travel is expected.