DNR - Assistant Director for Tribal Affairs Policy Advisor VI

• 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at [email protected].