Tribal Ombudsman - Director of Tribal Engagement

Title: Tribal Ombudsman - Director of Tribal Engagement

Hiring Range: $83,000 to $86,000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Secretary of the Commonwealth

Location: Patrick Henry Building

Agency Website: https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

The Director of Tribal Engagement supports the Secretary of the Commonwealth in advancing respectful, effective, and coordinated engagement with Virginia’s federally recognized and state-recognized tribal nations. This role provides policy expertise, strategic guidance, and operational support to ensure successful government-to-government interactions. In addition to facilitating government-to-government relations, the director manages cross agency coordination, development of consultation policies and maintains subject matter expertise on tribal policy.

Key Responsibilities:
• Support the Secretary of the Commonwealth in fulfilling the role as the Commonwealth’s official liaison to Virginia’s tribal nations.
• Facilitate communication between Commonwealth agencies and federally and state recognized Tribal Nations in the Commonwealth for consultation on environmental, cultural, and historical issues.
• Prepare briefing materials, meeting summaries, background memos, and communications to support tribal engagement at the Secretary level.
• Provide expert analysis on federal Indian law, state tribal policy, and Indigenous governance structures.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting tribal nations and advise on their impact.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to Commonwealth agencies on consultation protocols, culturally informed engagement practices, and compliance with state expectations for tribal consultation.
• Coordinate cross-agency efforts to ensure consistent, respectful, and effective consultation processes.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with tribal governments, federal partners, and interagency stakeholders.
• Support the planning and execution of government-to-government meetings, consultations, ceremonies, and public events involving tribal partners.
• Develop clear, accurate, and culturally respectful written materials, including reports, statements, and policy recommendations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the histories, cultures, priorities, and governmental structures of Virginia’s tribal nations.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for collaboration on shared priorities such as education, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic development.
• Provide guidance on state protocols, historical context, and best practices for engagement with tribal nations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in government relations, preferably in a federal, state, or tribal context.
• Excellent writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Strong knowledge of state policies affecting Indigenous communities.
• Proven experience working with tribal governments or Indigenous-focused organizations.
• Ability to navigate sensitive intergovernmental issues with diplomacy and cultural awareness.
• Experience with collaborative engagement processes, including consultation or interagency coordination.

Core Competencies:
• Cultural competency and respect for tribal sovereignty
• Strong policy analysis skills
• Clear and effective written communication
• Strategic relationship-building
• Professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion

Additional Considerations

Preferred Qualifications:
• Background in public policy, public administration, Indigenous studies, or related fields.
• Experience with grant programs, federal funding mechanisms, or tribal capacity building initiatives.
• Experience drafting executive level briefing materials.

This At-Will position is appointed by the Governor of Virginia.

There is no regular teleworking for this position.

Special Instructions

The chosen applicant will need to successfully complete a Fingerprint Background check.

Contact Information

Name: Cheryl Oppan

Phone: (804) 786-2441

Email: SOC75@governor.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.