Communication Specialist - Closes 8/28/2026

Southern Ute Indian Tribe; Ignacio (CO); On-site; USD 74,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Ute Indian Tribe is seeking a Communications Manager to oversee Tribal Council communication and public relations strategies. The role serves as a liaison for the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Tribal Council, with responsibilities spanning media relations, press materials, and event coordination.

Requirements include a BA/BS in Public Relations or Communications (or AA/AS with substantial experience), strong public speaking and organizational skills, and proficiency with Word, Excel,

Qualifications

• Requires BA/BS in Public Relations, Communications, or related field with 2 years of relevant experience, OR AA/AS with 5 years experience in communications/public relations.
• Experience managing multiple tasks including scheduling, reporting, filing, and records management.
• Public speaking experience and event planning ability are required.

Responsibilities

• Acts as formal spokesperson and liaison for Tribal leadership and Council, ensuring professional representation.
• Monitors media correspondence and builds relationships with media outlets.
• Develops and implements the Tribal Council Communication Plan and PR strategy, including emergency communication processes.

Skills

Public speaking

Multitasking

Event planning

Communication

Media relations

Education

BA/BS in Public Relations or Communications

AA/AS with 5 years communications experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

Closing Date:

Position closes at 5:00 pm Mountain Standard Time on 8/28/2026.

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Executive Office Manager for Tribal Council Affairs, incumbent proactively manages Tribal Council Communication and Public Relations Strategy. Acts as the communication liaison, and in some cases representative, for the Offices of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Tribal Council. This position is a grade E16; pay is $82,285.00/annually.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts as formal spokesperson and communication liaison for the Chairman, Vice- Chairman, and Tribal Council. Ensuring professional representation of the Tribal Membership, Tribal Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Tribal Council.
• Monitors and reports on media outlets’ correspondence related to the Tribe or Tribal Interests.
• Fosters effective relationships with multiple media outlets.
• Develops, reviews, and implements the Tribal Council Communication Plan and Public Relation Strategy. This would include a formal Emergency Preparedness and Communication process.
• Responsible for dissemination of any decision or statement by Chairman, Vice Chairman and Tribal Council that may impact tribal operations and reputation.
• Creates materials for and coordinates press releases and press conferences.
• Partners, develops, and organizes Tribal Council events and information by utilizing multiple communication and public relation strategies and channels.
• Works in coordination with Tribal entities and other relevant stakeholders to properly disseminate Tribal Council communications and information for release. Collaborates and works in conjunction with Tribal Information Services Department to respond to request for information and for statements from the Chairman’s Office, the Vice Chairman’s Office, and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
• Collects information and drafts correspondence, statements, testimonies, reports, and documents for special projects and requests for Tribal Council on Southern Ute issues.
• Evaluates, communicates and prepares Tribal Council members appropriately on relevant issues and events related to the Tribal Council Communication and Public Relation Strategy.
• Develops and implements internal policies and systems for submitting, reviewing, managing, and recording requests and the release of sensitive Tribal information to individuals and organizations.
• Oversees and coordinates the creation and distribution of the Tribal Council’s newsletter, focus groups and questionnaires.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with all relevant stakeholders of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
• Becomes familiar with all aspects of Tribal Council operations and performs all duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and codes.
• Travels locally and out of state to interview, record, and photograph Tribal Council and other individuals at meetings, conferences, conventions, exhibitions, ceremonies, and other events as necessary.
• Performs other job-related duties as required or requested.

Education And Experience

• Must have a BA/BS in Public Relations, Communications, or related field and 2 years of relevant work experience OR an AA/AS and 5 years of work experience in communications or public relations field.
• Must have experience managing multiple tasks to include scheduling, organizing, reporting, filing, and records management.
• Must have experience in organizing, scheduling, and planning events and experience in public speaking.
• Must have computer experience in software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and ADOBE applications (Photoshop and Illustrator).
• Must have a valid Driver’s License for the state of residency and be insurable under the Tribal vehicle insurance policy
• Must pass a thorough criminal history background check.

Company:

Southern Ute Indian Tribe