Regional External and Governmental Affairs Specialist

Job Description

The Regional and External Affairs Specialist supports the Senior Director of External & Government Affairs in advancing NANA’s mission through strategic stakeholder engagement, policy research, and coordinated regional outreach. This exempt-level position plays a key role in cultivating partnerships with tribal, regional, state, and federal entities, and supports NANA’s internal teams with communication, advocacy, and public affairs initiatives. The Specialist is expected to work independently while aligning closely with the Senior Director on priorities and strategies that support NANA’s corporate and regional goals.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic and External Engagement Support

• Represent NANA in a manner consistent with the Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat.
• Support the Senior Director in maintaining relationships with tribal governments, local and regional agencies, state and federal partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Coordinate logistics, materials, and follow-up for external meetings and engagements involving the Senior Director and/or other senior leadership as necessary.
• Prepare or contribute to briefing materials, correspondence, presentations, and talking points for executive use.

Policy Monitoring and Advisory Support

• Research and monitor local, state, and federal legislation, regulations, and initiatives relevant to the NANA region and operations.
• Provide concise, actionable policy updates to the Senior Director and internal teams.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure consistent messaging and alignment on public policy positions.

Project Coordination and Regional Outreach

• Assist in developing and executing public and regional engagement strategies.
• Participate in community and regional meetings, outreach events, and public hearings.
• Coordinate logistics and culturally appropriate support for visits to the NANA region by public officials and external partners.

Communications and Reporting

• Draft internal reports, summaries, and external-facing documents that highlight NANA’s engagement and advocacy.
• Track and report on stakeholder relationships, legislative activities, and regional initiatives to inform strategic planning.

Administrative and Compliance Support

• Serve as the department’s first point of contact by professionally handling phone calls and emails; route inquiries as appropriate and ensure timely follow-up.
• Maintain department records, calendars, contact databases, and schedules to support stakeholder engagement and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate logistics for internal and external meetings and events, including travel, AV/IT support, catering, venue setup, and material preparation.
• Prepare expense reports, process invoices, and assist with budget tracking in collaboration with the Accounting team; may have purchasing authority within established limits.
• Handle and safeguard confidential information in accordance with organizational standards.
• Assist with compliance activities related to public affairs and advocacy regulations.
• Support administration of NANA’s Political Action Committee (PAC), ensuring all tracking and reporting aligns with state and federal laws.
• Take initiative in leading or supporting assigned projects, from planning through execution.
• Maintain strong working relationships with regional partners including tribal and city governments, regional organizations, vendors, and other external stakeholders.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree in public administration, communications, political science, business, or a related field required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in external affairs, public engagement, government relations, or mid- to senior-level administrative support roles with increasing responsibility.
• Experience working with or supporting tribal governments, regional organizations, or public-sector entities is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the NANA region and cultural values is a strong plus.
• Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills, including the ability to draft and edit formal correspondence, briefing materials, and public-facing content.
• Proven ability to coordinate high-level meetings, prepare executive-level documents, and support leadership in relationship management.
• Working knowledge of government processes and the ability to monitor and summarize legislative or regulatory developments.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); comfortable using video conferencing tools and managing digital records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team, exercising sound judgment and discretion with confidential or sensitive matters.
• Strong cultural awareness and the ability to work respectfully in a cross-cultural environment.
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets NANA’s insurance requirements.
• Commitment to representing NANA in a manner consistent with the Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Weather: Indoors - environmentally controlled; requires most or all work to be done inside.

Noise level: The noise level in the work environment is usually that of a standard office atmosphere.

Description of environment: Office building with standard office environment.

Physical requirements: Employee is required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands/fingers to handle or feel, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk/hear, see, taste/smell, and carry weight/lift.

Travel: Yes, 15%.Must be able to travel and work in both urban and non-urban areas using many different means of transportation. Incumbent must be able to work in less-than-ideal offices, facilities, or situations.

Equal Opportunity Employer NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. and its subsidiaries are equal employment opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, gender-identity and sexual orientation), age, disability, genetic information, veteran protected status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NANA grants employment preference to shareholder of NANA, their spouses and descendants to the extent allowed by law.

Accommodation Requests for Job Seekers with a Disability. If you are a job seeker with a disability and require accessibility assistance or an accommodation for any part of the employment process, contact us at recruiting@nana.com or 1-800-478-2000.

Default: Location : Location US-AK-Kotzebue

Job ID 2025-17320

Work Type On-Site

Work Location Kotzebue