Tribal Relations Director: Policy & Partnerships

ST Public Branding; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Long-term disability & life insurance

Employee assistance program

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Parental leave

Pet insurance

ORCA card

Tuition reimbursement

Reproductive health support

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Sound Transit seeks a Tribal Relations Program Director to serve as the agency’s principal advisor to Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest Tribal Governments, guiding policy, engagement strategies, and regulatory compliance. You will build trusted relationships with tribal leaders and stakeholders to advance partnerships and sound transit projects.

The role requires a bachelor’s in Public Administration or related field with extensive tribal government knowledge and at least eight years of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or related field; Eight years of experience must include extensive knowledge of Puget Sound tribal governments, treaty rights, and Native American culture.
• Knowledge of public infrastructure development processes and the Federal Transit Administration is a plus.
• Experience managing consultants preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison to Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest Tribal Governments.
• Provide strategic leadership, policy direction, and subject matter expertise regarding tribal affairs.
• Develop and maintain tribal engagement strategies and consultation protocols.
• Build and sustain relationships with tribal leaders, officials, and stakeholders.
• Support negotiations and partnership discussions with Tribal Governments and tribal organizations.
• Coordinate with management to integrate tribal considerations into planning and project delivery.
• Design and deliver training on tribal sovereignty and engagement practices.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for executive leadership.
• Manage budgets, work plans, and program priorities related to tribal relations.

Skills

Public administration

Tribal government knowledge

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or related field

Job description

Sound Transit seeks a Tribal Relations Program Director to serve as the agency’s principal advisor to Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest Tribal Governments, guiding policy, engagement strategies, and regulatory compliance. You will build trusted relationships with tribal leaders and stakeholders to advance partnerships and sound transit projects.

The role requires a bachelor’s in Public Administration or related field with extensive tribal government knowledge and at least eight years of