Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Director- Tribal Relations, Equitable Engagement

Salary: $90k – $125k

THE ORGANIZATION:
Kearns & West is a leader in the field of public involvement and stakeholder engagement, facilitation, public affairs, community outreach, communications and strategic planning for the public and private sectors. Founded in 1984, Kearns & West has offices in Washington, DC; Austin, TX; Charleston, SC; Denver, CO; Portland, OR; and throughout California in Sacramento, San Francisco, Davis, San Diego and Riverside. We are a relationship-driven organization – internally and externally.

Kearns & West’s high-stakes projects include work at the federal, state, and local levels of government. We work on a variety of issues including water quality and quantity, marine and coastal resources, transportation, land use, energy and more. At their core, our projects are designed to identify and ultimately implement solutions to advance policies and programs essential to solving some of society’s most pressing problems. Kearns & West staff help clients build more equitable and sustainable communities through policy innovation, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration.

Kearns & West is the ideal match for professionals seeking meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and colleagues that are smart, supportive, and oriented toward public service. Once on board, our team members stay for the long term. The entrepreneurial culture at Kearns & West values employee initiative in both practice innovation and business development.

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THE POSITION:
Based out of the Sacramento Office the ideal Senior Associate/Director is an inclusive, and equitable public and Tribal engagement professional immediately ready to help manage and contribute to a portfolio of water resource and environmental justice facilitation projects with government clients. This role will see the ideal candidate spend much of their time on strategic and inclusive communications, public outreach, stakeholder engagement, Tribal relations, and planning accessible public meetings for multiple water resource and equitable engagement public involvement projects. Most projects are located in Northern California while others are located nationally. Candidates should expect to interface with government staff, community and business stakeholders, Tribal governments and indigenous communities, environmental groups, and technical experts to help clients deliver meaningful engagement that meets and exceeds federal and state requirements. Any remaining time will be spent on public involvement services for regional government clients and business development to support the firm’s Sacramento and Great Lakes regional practices.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement equitable engagement strategies for historically underserved populations in California, with a specific focus on environmental justice communities and Tribes affected by water management decisions.

1. Plan and facilitate Tribal consultation meetings related to California water resources, adhering to best practices in Tribal relations and relevant state guidelines (e.g., Brown Act, California Environmental Quality Act).

1. Support and enhance engagement with California Tribal governments, indigenous communities, and environmental justice groups on water management issues.

1. Design and conduct inclusive stakeholder discussions, workshops, and events on California water policy and projects, ensuring participation from Tribes and environmental justice communities.

1. Research and create culturally appropriate content on water management topics for various communication channels, including presentations, reports, and digital media.

1. Implement multilingual engagement strategies with diverse stakeholders, including indigenous groups, environmental justice communities, and water-focused organizations.

1. Manage the production of communication materials on water resources, ensuring cultural sensitivity and relevance to Tribal and environmental justice audiences.

1. Synthesize and report on engagement outcomes, particularly attention to Tribal and environmental justice feedback on California water management issues.

1. Plan and execute targeted outreach through diverse channels to effectively reach indigenous and environmental justice communities affected by water policies and projects.

1. Support project management for water-related Tribal and environmental justice engagement initiatives, including budget development, proposal writing, and contract administration.

1. Collaborate with team members to coordinate tasks and develop innovative approaches to Tribal, environmental justice, and inclusive engagement in the context of California water management.

1. Apply mediation and conflict resolution techniques in water-related consultation processes, particularly when addressing competing interests between various stakeholders.

1. Stay informed about current California water policies, projects, and environmental justice issues to ensure effective and relevant engagement strategies.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate will possess strong cross-cultural communication skills and demonstrate experience in fostering inclusive dialogue with diverse communities, particularly Tribal nations. They should have a proven track record of providing culturally responsive client service in dynamic environments, with expertise in equitable community engagement, intercultural public relations, and inclusive communications strategies.

We seek an individual who embodies cultural humility, practices diplomacy, and values diverse perspectives. The successful applicant will have a high degree of emotional intelligence, a commitment to promoting equity, and the ability to build trust across cultural boundaries. A sense of humor and an appreciation for collaborative, respectful engagement are essential in this role.

Minimum requirements include:

• 5+ years of experience in tribal relations, community engagement, public policy, and public participation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of tribal sovereignty, governance structures, and cultural protocols.
• Demonstrated knowledge of inclusive and equitable public participation methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences.
• Experience in project management, particularly in collaborative, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and social media platforms.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Willingness to travel for meetings and events, primarily within the greater Sacramento, CA region and occasionally state and nationwide.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• MINIMUM EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies, Public Policy, Communications, or related field. An advanced degree or education is a plus but will not change job duties.
• REQUIRED SKILLS: Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel). Proficiency in online collaboration tools (Zoom, Teams, etc..). Proficiency with database management, graphic design, and social media tools are a plus. Experience with Brown Act, Bagley-Keene, CalEnviroScreen, and Section 508 compliance.

SALARY RANGE- $90,000-$125,000

Job Tags

Contract work, Local area, Immediate start,

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