DNR - Assistant Director for Tribal Affairs Policy Advisor VI

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental plans

PERA retirement plans

Paid life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee Wellness programs

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

11 paid holidays and generous leave

Remote-work options

Career advancement opportunities

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

State of Colorado, Department of Natural Resources, is seeking a Policy Advisor VI to lead Tribal relations and government-to-government engagement. The role focuses on advancing DNR’s Tribal sovereignty priorities, coordinating with tribal partners, and guiding policy development across divisions.

The position is remote/hybrid with travel within Colorado and beyond, requiring strong analytical and leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of tribal affairs and public policy.

Qualifications

• Nine years of relevant experience in natural resource policy, public policy, natural resource management, or Tribal Affairs.
• Bachelor's degree in public policy, law, political science, public administration, natural resource management, Tribal Affairs or equivalent experience.
• State of Colorado residency at time of application is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications, engagement and interactions between the Department and Tribal partners.
• Ensure government-to-government relations with Tribal Nations and coordination with Governor’s Office, CO Commission of Indian Affairs, and other agencies.
• Develop and advance strategic plans, policies, programs, and partnerships with Tribes and AI/AN organizations.
• Coordinate CGNAB facilitation and engagement with Tribal representatives and stakeholders.
• Provide training and guidance on cultural protocols, Indian law and policy to DNR staff.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Policy understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in public policy/public administration/law/political science/natural resource management/Tribal Affairs

Job description

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It’s our mission to manage and conserve Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today – and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children.

We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/about-us to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado’s natural resources for today – and tomorrow. The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Medical and Dental plans
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax and Roth 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Wellness programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Department of Natural Resources, Executive Director's Office

The Executive Director’s Office (EDO) within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) exists to manage and supervise the activities of the Divisions within DNR in the management and conservation of Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today – and tomorrow. EDO combines and manages the administrative, operational and performance functions of all DNR divisions, including the EDO.

The Policy Team work unit exists to guide and supervise the activities and policy development of the eight Divisions within DNR in the development, preservation, and enhancement of Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of people today and tomorrow.

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

The position exists to advance DNR's values, mission, goals and objectives, and responsibilities as a state agency that manages natural and cultural resources by building and maintaining collaborative, mutual and trusting relationships with Tribal Nations in Colorado and beyond. The position exists to lead the Department’s Tribal Affairs work, ensure that DNR’s government-to-government and consultation responsibilities are being met at the highest standards, and serve as the subject matter expert for the Department on Tribal issues, relations, and outreach as it relates to the Department’s mission. The position is the primary point of contact within the Executive Director’s Office for Tribal partners and all DNR Divisions leading to more consistent and improved engagement, further advancing strategic partnerships and spearheading initiatives that align with State and Tribal priorities, and enhancing DNR’s engagement and awareness of Tribal issues and interactions, as well as DNR’s ability to prioritize and provide direction to its Divisions working with Tribes and the greater American Indian/Alaska Native community. The position also ensures DNR coordination and collaboration on Tribal government and community matters with the Governor’s Office, the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, the Office of Tribal and American Indian/Alaska Native Affairs, Attorney General’s Office, State Legislature, and other local, state and federal agencies.

The position’s function is to lead communications, engagement and interactions between the Department and Tribal partners and help ensure consistent application and adherence to the law and policies governing the DNR’s relationship with Tribal Nations. The position provides training and other support to DNR and Division staff to advance cultural competency and assist with overall guidance and programmatic development that supports Tribal sovereignty and priorities. The position requires travel to regional offices, training conferences, and other related activities, and travel to and engagement directly with Tribal Nations and American Indian/Alaska Native community partners regarding implementation of the Department’s policies and programs. The position is dedicated to working with and communicating directly with Tribal Nations.

The position exists to develop and maintain strong relationships with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the other 46 Historic Tribes of Colorado, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) organizations, and affiliated groups. This includes ensuring strong relationships with Tribal staff at multiple levels and coordinating with Tribal council members, community partner organizations, community conservation organizations, and other organizations.

The position coordinates engagement between DNR Divisions and Tribal partners, ensures access and engagement for Tribes in DNR public processes, assists with facilitation and management of the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board (CGNAB), and performs other special projects as assigned.

Managing DNR’s Tribal Relations

The position develops and maintains strong relationships with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, including staff at multiple levels, and coordinates with Tribal council members, other federally recognized Tribes, community partner organizations, community conservation organizations, staff of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, the Office of Tribal and American Indian/Alaska Native Affairs, and other organizations.

The position staffs the Executive Director and/or Deputy Executive Director in serving on the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs and any related subcommittees - and at times, represents the Department in their place. The position facilitates and/or works with Governor’s Office staff on formal Tribal consultations and facilitates government-to-government relations between the Department and Tribes.

The position advocates for and designs new strategic plans, policies, programs/projects, resources, systems and processes that encourage and enhance opportunities with the Tribes and community partner organizations. The position trains DNR staff and provides resources on cultural protocols, Indian law and policy, and other related areas to advance awareness when interacting with Tribes.

Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board facilitation and management:

Working with direction and supervision of the Deputy Executive Director and Board Administrator, assists with the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board (CGNAB), including engagement with Tribal representatives for input and partnership. This includes advising and expediting the Board’s docket as it relates to Tribal engagement, advising on communication strategies, understanding local interests, preparing meeting agendas, issue briefs and reports, collaborating with federal agencies on outreach and consultation, facilitating input from relevant Tribes and stakeholders, and working with stakeholders to develop proposals.

Tribal Government, Stakeholder and Community Engagement:

Engages in government to government conversations and consultations with Tribal governments. Identifies key stakeholders and develops strong relationships with decision-makers, community groups, Tribal governments, and organizations. Facilitates community stakeholder engagement or advises on best practices to facilitate engagement. Educates Department decision makers and community stakeholders on the consequences of policy or practice decisions on Tribal communities in Colorado.

Special Projects and Other Duties as Assigned:

Manages special projects with an emphasis on Tribal relations and issues affecting the Department and its divisions. Researches, writes and presents reports, briefings and studies on policy issues for both internal and external distribution. Prepares policy statements, white papers, and background documents for the Governor’s Office, Executive Director, boards and commissions and the General Assembly.

Minimum Qualifications:

Nine (9) years of relevant professional experience in natural resource policy, public policy, natural resource management, or Tribal Affairs at least one year of which must have been related to Tribal Affairs. OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of a bachelor's degree in public policy, law, political science, public administration, natural resource management, Tribal Affairs or in another field of study directly related to the assignment and/or professional experience in natural resource policy, public policy, natural resource management, or Tribal Affairs at least one year of which must have been related to Tribal Affairs equal to nine (9) years

Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. “See Resume” statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

Substitutions:

Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required general experience on a year-for-year basis.

Class Code:

POLICY ADVISOR VI

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master's or law degree or advanced degree in a field of study directly related to the assignment.
• Demonstrated experience in the public sector in a fast-paced high-volume environment.
• Demonstrated experience in public sector policy strategy and analysis in areas related to the position (i.e., Tribal Affairs).
• Demonstrated experience as a liaison or spokesperson for an organization to stakeholder groups Demonstrated experience and understanding of the federal, Tribal, state, and local regulatory and legal environment that impacts subject areas of the job.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.

Required Competencies:

• Attention to Detail.
• Analytical & Critical Thinking Skills.
• Compliance.
• Leadership.
• Problem Solving.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

• State of Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
• May be required to conduct a background check.
• Travel up to 4 times per month within CO; Travel out of state up to 8 times annually.
• This is a Remote/Hybrid position - Work is primarily performed from a home office, however the selected candidate will report to the office at 1525 Sherman Street - Denver, CO periodically as well as other locations throughout the State for meetings, trainings and projects as directed by the supervisor.
• Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position. (Please Note: Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with DNR).
• Pursuant to the DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver's license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle. To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who:

• Have an assigned State fleet vehicle

• Are required to operate a vehicle as part of the position

• Utilize a State fleet vehicle as a pool vehicle

The current work arrangement for this position is as follows:

(Please note, this arrangement can be subject to change)

• This is a Remote/Hybrid position - Work is primarily performed from a home office, however the selected candidate will report to the office at 1525 Sherman Street - Denver, CO periodically as well as other locations throughout the State for meetings, trainings and projects as directed by the supervisor.

APPEAL RIGHTS:

It is recommended that you contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below to resolve issues related to your possession of minimum qualifications. However, if you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

The Assessment Process

• All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.
• Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position will be a structured application review by Subject Matter Experts.
• Resumes, cover letters and other attachments are not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important to document in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement.
• Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) since question responses may be evaluated for content, writing ability, spelling, grammar, and effective communication.
• This recruitment may involve additional testing and/or exams to arrive at the top group for interviews.
• This recruitment may fill multiple vacancies at the same reporting level.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL