Self-Governance Coordinator (Open Until Filled)

Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma; Pawnee (OK); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma is seeking a Self-Governance Coordinator to oversee planning, negotiating, and administering Tribal Self-Governance initiatives. Under the Executive Director, you will coordinate federal compact activities, funding agreements, and program expansions, aligning tribal priorities with federal requirements.

You will work with tribal leadership, finance, legal counsel, and program directors to prepare negotiation positions, analyze funding implications, monitor compliance,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant experience may substitute per tribal policy.
• 3–5 years in Tribal government, federal programs, or related fields preferred.
• Experience with self-governance, grants, or contracts is advantageous.
• Ability to interpret laws, policies, and funding terms for governance.
• Strong written and oral communication for negotiations and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Self-Governance planning, negotiations, and administration.
• Maintain records of Self-Governance agreements, deadlines, and funding docs.
• Prepare briefing materials and recommendations for leadership.
• Monitor federal laws and administrative requirements affecting Self-Governance.
• Collaborate with Finance to integrate Self-Governance funding into budgets.
• Support strategic planning to increase tribal control and service integration.
• Travel for negotiations, consultations, and trainings as needed.

Skills

Tribal government knowledge

Self-Governance understanding

Federal Indian law

Negotiation

Policy analysis

Communication

Project management

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

SELF-GOVERNANCE COORDINATORDepartment: Executive Office / AdministrationReports To: Executive DirectorClassification: ExemptEmployment Status: Full-TimePOSITION OVERVIEWUnder the general supervision of the Executive Director or designee, the Self-Governance Coordinator is responsible for coordinating, developing, implementing, and monitoring the Tribal Government’s Self-Governance initiatives and activities.The position serves as a central point of coordination for matters involving Tribal Self-Governance, including federal compact and funding agreement activities, program assumption and expansion opportunities, negotiations with federal agencies, regulatory compliance, financial and programmatic analysis, and coordination among Tribal departments and programs.The Self-Governance Coordinator works closely with executive leadership, department directors, finance, legal counsel, grants and contracts personnel, federal agencies, consultants, and other Tribal representatives to advance the Tribe’s exercise of sovereignty and strengthen Tribal control over programs, services, functions, and activities that may be administered through Self-Governance.The position requires a strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty, federal Indian law and policy, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), federal funding mechanisms, Tribal administration, and government-to-government relations.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESSelf-Governance AdministrationCoordinate the Tribe’s Self-Governance planning, implementation, negotiation, and administrative activities.Maintain organized records of Self-Governance agreements, negotiations, correspondence, reports, deadlines, funding documents, and supporting materials.Develop and maintain an annual Self-Governance calendar identifying negotiations, reporting requirements, renewal dates, federal deadlines, planning activities, and other significant milestones.Work with Tribal leadership, legal counsel, finance personnel, program directors, and subject-matter experts to prepare negotiation positions, supporting documentation, funding analyses, and proposed agreement of language.Participate in federal and Tribal meetings, consultations, negotiations, conferences, and technical assistance sessions related to Self-Governance.Develop briefing materials, reports, presentations, and recommendations for executive leadership and the Tribal governing body regarding Self-Governance matters.Coordinate feasibility assessments to determine the operational, financial, legal, staffing, and administrative impacts of assuming additional programs.Prepare written analyses and recommendations regarding potential Self-Governance expansion opportunities.Coordinate transition planning when programs or services are transferred from federal administration to Tribal administration.Monitor applicable federal laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and administrative requirements affecting Tribal Self-Governance.Monitor performance, reporting, funding, and administrative requirements established through Self-Governance agreements.Work closely with the Finance Department to monitor Self-Governance funding, expenditures, budget modifications, carryover, and other financial matters.Coordinate with appropriate staff to ensure Self-Governance funding is incorporated into the Tribe’s annual budgeting and financial planning processes.Assist in developing Tribal policies, procedures, administrative systems, and internal controls necessary to effectively administer Self-Governance programs.Support long-term strategic planning designed to increase Tribal control, administrative flexibility, service integration, and responsiveness to Tribal citizens.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal leaders, federal officials, Tribal organizations, technical assistance providers, consultants, and other stakeholders.Protect the Tribe’s interests and maintain appropriate confidentiality when handling negotiations, financial information, legal matters, personnel information, and other sensitive governmental information.Prepare reports and presentations for the Tribal governing body as requested.Maintain appropriate documentation supporting decisions, negotiations, funding requests, and federal communications.Perform other duties related to Self-Governance and Tribal administration as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSEducationBachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.Relevant professional experience in Tribal government, Self-Governance, federal programs, grants administration, or governmental administration may be considered in lieu of a portion of the educational requirement, consistent with Tribal policy.ExperienceA minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Tribal government, federal Indian programs, Self-Governance, grants and contracts, public administration, finance, program management, or a related field is preferred.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThe employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Duties may require prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, reading, writing, communicating, attending meetings, and occasional lifting or transporting of standard office materials.OTHER REQUIREMENTSMust possess and maintain a valid driver's license when travel is required.Must successfully complete applicable background screening requirements.Must comply with all Tribal Government personnel policies and procedures.Must maintain professional conduct appropriate for a position involving sensitive governmental and federal matters.Must be willing to travel as necessary for negotiations, consultations, meetings, conferences, and training.