National Intergovernmental Affairs Director

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation; Brier (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is seeking a seasoned Government Affairs Director to lead national legislative and policy initiatives. The role develops strategic campaigns, monitors the regulatory landscape, and advises senior leaders on federal engagement and political strategy.

The position requires a strong policy background, multi-department coordination, and extensive national travel to represent the Nation's interests with elected officials, agencies, and stakeholders at the national

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Relations, Law/Governmental Affairs, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of government relations, policy, or related experience.
• National legislation and policy experience related to Indian affairs required.
• National travel is required to represent the Nation and build strategic relationships.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and develops strategic campaigns to achieve national legislative objectives and monitors the policy landscape.
• Develops and implements national legislative priorities and policy agendas, including government affairs, gaming, and related issues.
• Identifies opportunities and builds relationships with federal officials and agencies to advance the Nation’s positions.
• Represents the Nation at national hearings, meetings, and coalition events and coordinates lobbying efforts.
• Broadens relationships with national tribes and stakeholders to support gaming and hospitality industry interests.
• Prepares written recommendations for political contributions in line with legal requirements and strategic initiatives.
• Maintains regular communications with Tribal leadership on legislative developments and policy issues.

Skills

Policy analysis

Legislative tracking

Stakeholder engagement

Public relations

Strategic planning

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science/Public Administration/Public Relations/Law-Governmental Affairs

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1. Analyzes and develops strategic campaigns to achieve the Nation’s national legislative and policy objectives based on input from lobbyists and coalitions, other YSMN Tribal government departments, and the Nation’s broader economic enterprises. Diligently monitors the legislative and regulatory landscape. Reviews literature, legal decisions, and proposed/enacted local legislation to determine impact on the Nation and make strategy recommendations to Chief Intergovernmental Affairs Officer and other senior leaders.
• 2. Develops and implements legislative and policy priorities and agenda at the national level, including policies related to Indian Affairs issues and national gaming interests. Activities may include identifying political priorities, white papers, legislative and regulatory analysis, advocacy, education and communication with appropriate agencies and branches of government to further the Nation’s objectives.
• 3. Identifies and executes on opportunities to enhance and maintain the Nation’s profile and impact at the highest levels of national government, including developing and leveraging relationships with key elected and agency officials to advance the issues and positions important to the Nation.
• 4. Represents Tribal participation at national hearings, agency meetings, political fundraisers, legislative meetings, political association conferences, and coalition meetings. Builds and leads coalitions and coordinates lobbying efforts within issue‑coalitions and other political associations with which the Nation may align.
• 5. Broadens and deepens relations at the national level to build support for YSMN and other local Native American Tribes in the gaming and hospitality industry, establishes political connections, and executes on specific policy priorities. Develops and enhances strong working relationships with other national Native American Tribes and their national level government affairs representatives.
• 6. Prepares written recommendations for political contributions and political action in accordance with the Nation’s strategic initiatives and in full compliance with applicable national campaign finance laws, rules and regulations.
• 7. Institutes regular and comprehensive communications for the Tribal Council, Governing Council, CEO, Chief Intergovernmental Affairs Officer, or VP of Intergovernmental Affairs regarding legislative activity, policy developments, and other issues relevant to the Nation’s overall agenda.
• 8. Works with consulting teams to identify and educate potential candidates for office who would be favorable to YSMN issues.
• 9. Directs and manages activities of national lobbyists and other consultants and resources.
• 10. Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Relations, Law/Governmental Affairs, or similar field is required. Master’s degree is preferred. Minimum of eight (8) years prior work experience in government relations, policy, government affairs, law, or relevant experience required. National legislation and policy experience related to Indian affairs issues is required. National travel is required as needed to represent the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation in support of federal legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives, and to develop, strengthen, and sustain strategic relationships with elected officials, governmental agencies, and other key stakeholders. Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

Must have strong policy background with the ability to understand, analyze, and explain complex issues across various policy areas of the state regulatory process. Must have an understanding of state and national ethics and campaign finance laws. Past experience with Political Action Committees (PACs) preferred. Must be fluent with legislative tracking systems. Must be able to analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government documents of high complexity. Must possess excellent written communication skills and the ability to articulate Tribal and industry perspectives in official correspondence including letters, position statements and other communication mediums as needed. Must be personable and professional at all times, capable of using caution and discretion in communication. Must have strong interpersonal skills and networking abilities to liaise with a wide range of stakeholder groups and work collaboratively with colleagues. Must be a self‑motivated, high performer, capable of multi‑tasking to meet deadlines, and demonstrated ability to drive results.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license. No Driving Responsibilities: Role does not require a driver’s license or insurance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS – ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Primary work environment is in a climate‑controlled office setting. National travel is required as needed to represent the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation in support of federal legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives, and to develop, strengthen, and sustain strategic relationships with elected officials, governmental agencies, and other key stakeholders. Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts. Must be able to work in a fast‑paced, high‑demand environment. Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally. Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone. Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, via videoconference and over the telephone. Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility. Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties. Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke. Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.

About San Manuel

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well‑being of its employees. San Manuel is one of the largest employers in California’s Inland Empire. Managing one of the world’s busiest casinos, our many restaurants, and a fully functioning tribal government means we can offer an incredibly wide range of professional and support positions. Each is an opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to a better future for all of us. Your commitment to San Manuel is matched by our commitment to you. We offer a Total Rewards package of monetary, benefits and development rewards to individuals who meet and exceed specific goals. These programs support our pay‑for‑performance philosophy.