Tribal Planner

POSITION TITLE: Tribal Planner
DEPARTMENT: Administration
LOCATION: Longview, WA
REPORTS TO: Assistant Tribal Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt, fulltime
SALARY RANGE: $105,664.00 - $126,776.00

Open until filled - first review May 16, 2025

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Supports the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s (CIT) strategic vision by leading close, medium and long-range development and planning projects. Develops, maintains, and implements the Tribe’s Master Plan and other strategic initiatives. Researches and pursues community development grants, develops planning documents, coordinates engagement with internal and external partners, and supports tribal programs that enhance services to Cowlitz Tribal Members. Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers, and honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of CIT.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Leads the development, implementation, and ongoing management of the Tribe’s Master Plan, Strategic Plan, and related tribal development plans.
• Facilitates engagement with Tribal Council, committees, departments, and membership to gather input and provide updates on planning initiatives.
• Conducts research and prepares reports, recommendations, and analyses on planning topics such as land use, housing, transportation, community development, and environmental considerations.
• Leads space planning and office allocation efforts to optimize government office and facility usage, aligning space needs with staffing and program growth.
• Works with the Public Works Department on developing and maintaining the Tribe’s capital improvement plan in coordination with Master Plan priorities.
• Identifies, researches, and prepares grant applications to support planning, infrastructure, and community development programs.
• Develops and maintains planning-related data, community profiles, and facility inventories.
• Serves as a liaison to local, state, and federal agencies, regional organizations, and other tribes to advance Tribal planning interests.
• Develops communication materials to support planning efforts and promote community engagement.
• Designs and implements public and internal engagement strategies to ensure meaningful input in planning and strategic initiatives.
• Assists in administering grants related to planning and development, including reporting and compliance.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to Tribal Council, committees, and community members.
• Facilitates strategic planning sessions and provides technical support to Tribal leadership on strategic initiatives.
• Drafts planning-related policies, procedures, and recommendations for Tribal Council consideration.
• Participates in regional, state, and national planning and development meetings as a representative of the Tribe.
• Provides technical support and assistance to other departments and committees on planning-related activities.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Cowlitz Indian Tribe governance, culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, and Tribal-State-Federal relations as they relate to planning.
• Knowledge of advanced principles and practices of community, regional, long-range, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of land use, infrastructure, transportation, housing, and community development planning.
• Knowledge of office space planning, facility programming, and space utilization best practices.
• Knowledge of capital improvement planning and budgeting.
• Knowledge of applicable Tribal, federal, and state regulations related to planning, land use, grants, and development.
• Knowledge of program administration, service delivery models, and process improvement strategies.
• Knowledge of grant and contract management practices, including reporting and compliance.
• Skill and proficiency in Microsoft Office, GIS, data analysis software, and project management tools.
• Skill in research, data analysis, and policy development at an intermediate to mastery level.
• Skill in exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, architectural plans, and GIS data.
• Ability to facilitate public meetings, focus groups, and strategic planning sessions.
• Ability to manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Tribal members, staff, external partners, and governmental agencies.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems creatively, and work independently.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Community Development, Business Administration, Tribal Governance, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of professional experience in community development, long-range planning, or related work.
• Experience facilitating public or stakeholder engagement processes.
• Demonstrated experience working with or in Tribal governments or other governmental organizations.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Community Development, Business Administration, Tribal Governance, or a related field.
• Ten (10) years of professional experience in community development, long-range planning, or related work.
• Experience with grant reporting and contract compliance.
• Familiarity with Cowlitz Indian Tribe governmental structure and services.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Proficiency with GIS and other spatial data management tools.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and communicate effectively. The employee occasionally is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.

Salary : $105,664 - $126,776