Natural Resources Policy Coordinator

About ATNI

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), incorporated in 1953, is a member-led intertribal organization representing nearly 60 Tribal governments across the Pacific Northwest. ATNI advances Tribal sovereignty and self-determination by providing a formal forum for collaboration, advocacy, education, and technical assistance. ATNI’s work is governed by its membership-elected Executive Board and informed by Tribal leadership, committees, and resolutions.

Position Overview

The Natural Resources Policy Coordinator advances the natural resource priorities of ATNI’s member Tribes through coordinated policy development, advocacy support, research, and relationship-building. This position serves as a liaison between Tribal technical staff, ATNI leadership, partner organizations, and policymakers to ensure Tribal perspectives are effectively represented in regional, state, and federal policy processes. The Natural Resources Policy Coordinator supports resolution development, tracks and analyzes legislation, convenes working groups and listening sessions, and develops tools and resources for Tribal use.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with technical and program staff of member Tribes.
• Engage with member Tribes to understand and support local and regional Tribal priorities.
• Maintain a centralized membership repository of useful resources, notes, and contacts.
• Respond to requests for support from member Tribes.
• Maintain working knowledge of industry professionals, inter-Tribal organizations, and nonprofit groups.
• Serve as lead staff support for sector-specific summits and working groups.
• Provide support for the Natural Resources/Land Committee and other related committees as directed by ATNI Committee Co-Chairs.
• Host ongoing virtual and in-person meetings for Tribal technical staff, including listening sessions and ad-hoc convenings.
• Ensure effective documentation and completion of follow-up actions for all events.
• Support Tribal technical staff in developing, reviewing, and advancing resolutions related to Natural Resources, as requested.
• Track the progress and outcomes of relevant resolutions.
• Attend external meetings relevant to current resolutions and ATNI’s strategic priorities.
• Draft and support the submission of public comments, including through templates or collective action.
• Develop and curate policy and advocacy resources for Tribal use.
• Monitor news, agency announcements, advocacy alerts, and track emerging legislation, regulations, and agency actions affecting Tribes.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify policy gaps, risks, and opportunities, and produce policy positions, white papers, and member briefings.
• Build and maintain systems for tracking local, state and regional member priorities,
• Maintain accurate and actionable internal knowledge systems, including Tribal contact databases, meeting and visit logs, and policy tracking tools.
• Develop and implement strategic policy workplans aligned with ATNI priorities.
• Coordinate cross-team planning to align policy, programmatic, and communications efforts.
• Maintain internal calendars, documentation, and continuity systems to support effective staff coordination and communication.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to organization-wide strategic initiatives and maintain up-to-date narratives for executive review and grant reporting.

Core Competencies and Attributes

• Policy Analysis & Critical Thinking - Analyzes complex policy issues, identifies opportunities, and translates findings into actionable items.
• Strong Written Communication – Produces clear, concise, and effective briefs, reports, and outreach materials.
• Relationship Building – Develops and maintains respectful, trust-based relationships with Tribal staff, ATNI members, and partners.
• Cultural Humility – Demonstrates respect for Indigenous perspectives, Tribal sovereignty, and Tribal decision-making processes.
• Interpersonal Communication – Communicates clearly and builds trust with partners, Tribal members, and stakeholders.
• Problem Solving – Identifies challenges and contributes to practical, mission-aligned solutions.
• Accountability – Follows through on assignments with integrity and responsiveness.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of Tribal governments, Native communities, and Indigenous policy issues.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex legislative and policy documents.
• Excellent writing communication skills across multiple formats, including memos, briefs, testimonies, meeting minutes, and public-facing materials.
• Experience participating in or supporting community engagement efforts, coalition meetings, advocacy forums, or similar processes.
• Proficiency with standard office and collaboration tools, including Google Workspace, Excel, Zoom, and basic data tracking or documentation systems.
• Ability to travel regionally and work occasional evenings or weekends to support meetings, events, or organizational needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree(s), or a combination of education and professional experiences that demonstrates readiness for this role.
• 1 – 3 years of experience in policy research, legislative affairs, advocacy, Tribal governance, or a related field.
• Familiarity with one or more natural resource policy areas such as fisheries, water rights, forestry, land management, or environmental protection.
• Experience working within a Tribal organization, inter-Tribal associate, or Native-led nonprofit.

Other Information

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin. ATNI reserves the right to observe Tribal preference as a standard hiring practice, as part of our mission is to promote and provide employment opportunities for Indian People from the Member Tribes of ATNI.

Work Conditions

This is a regular, full-time exempt position based at ATNI’s Portland office. There are opportunities for hybrid & remote work for candidates located within ATNI's region. Working hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends and evenings. Regular lifting of 5-10 pounds is expected. Must maintain good attendance and regular communication and be accessible and accountable to your colleagues. Employment is dependent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Travel

The Natural Resources Policy Coordinator will be required to travel to in-person meetings and will travel throughout ATNI’s territory (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Western Montana, Northern California, Nevada, and Southeastern Alaska) frequently and occasionally nationally. Travel for this position is estimated at 15-20% of the time. Employees receive mileage reimbursement and per diem allowances consistent with Federal rates.

Benefits

Benefits include access to 100% employer-paid, employee-only medical coverage, with alternative benefit options based on individual needs, paid holidays and vacation, and a 401(k)-retirement plan option.

How to Apply

Please submit your application, including your current resume and a cover letter addressing your interest in and qualifications for the position.