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 Senior Policy Manager shall lead advocacy initiatives and messaging for ATNI. “Enhancing Advocacy” is a strategic direction proposed in the ATNI 2026-2028 Strategic Framework. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director and ATNI Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs to proactively stay apprised of issues that affect ATNI member Tribes and develop responsive strategies. The successful candidate is action-oriented, highly organized, and a strong communicator (written and verbal). Knowledge and understanding of issues that are of high priority to Pacific Northwest Tribes is a must.
Responsibilities
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Tribal leaders, lobbyists, elected officials, and key partners.
- Establish and maintain a regular cycle of engagement with Tribal stakeholders to gather insights and inform ATNI’s strategies.
- Support and facilitate listening sessions, convenings, webinars, and policy roundtables.
- Respond to inquiries and requests for information from Tribal members in a timely and professional manner.
- Serve as a liaison to ensure that Tribal perspectives inform ATNI’s programs, communications, and leadership decisions.
- Conduct research and analysis on Tribal, state, and federal policy issues affecting ATNI member tribes.
- Track and summarize legislative, regulatory, and agency updates across ATNI’s policy domains.
- Draft and develop policy briefs, memos, advocacy letters, and white papers for internal and external audiences.
- Maintain organized policy tracking systems, databases, and archives for reference and reporting.
- Monitor policy trends and identify opportunities to align advocacy efforts with ATNI priorities.
- Assist with drafting, reviewing, and formatting ATNI resolutions to ensure clarity and alignment with ATNI’s standards and priorities.
- Maintain ATNI’s resolution tracking system, documenting all resolution-related actions, updates, and outcomes.
- Support committees by preparing meeting documentation, tracking progress and following up on action items.
- Prepare reports on resolution outcomes and develop tools to improve consistency and communication across committees.
- Provide training and guidance to staff and committee members on resolution process and documentation standards.
- Collaborate with Policy Coordinators and staff across ATNI programmatic and policy areas to ensure consistent messaging and coordination.
- Coordinate the production and distribution of policy newsletters, updates, and other communication materials.
- Assist in the development of templates and resources to support Tribal advocacy efforts.
- Work with the communications team to ensure advocacy messages are clear, accurate, and aligned with ATNI’s values.
- Support the implementation of ATNI’s annual and multi-year policy goals and strategic advocacy initiatives.
- Communicate the impact and outcomes of policy actions to internal and external stakeholders.
- ATNI is a growing organization. You may occasionally be asked to support ATNI activities that are outside of this position description.
Core Competencies and Attributes
- Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage time, balance multiple priorities, and maintain systems that support efficient executive and team operations.
- Strategic Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience in developing messaging and content aligned with organizational values and audiences.
- Initiative and Follow-Through: Self-starter who anticipates needs, tracks action items, and follows through with minimal supervision to keep projects and commitments on track.
- Relationship Management: Ability to work respectfully with senior leaders, Board members, partners, and staff while supporting a culture of collaboration and respect.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Respect: Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultures, governance structures, and community priorities.
- Calm Under Pressure: Maintains composure and professionalism while juggling competing priorities or working in high-stakes, public-facing situations.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across departments and teams, promoting alignment and clarity of roles.
- Adaptability and Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to shifting needs, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in program coordination, project management, communications, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- Proven experience working respectfully with diverse communities.
- Ability to travel regionally for events and organizational activities and the ability to work extended hours on-site as needed.
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Proven ability to manage tasks independently while maintaining strong attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
- Experience with supporting cross-functional teams
- Proficiency with standard office and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the legal, advocacy, and/or policy fields.
- Experience creating outreach or promotional content for public audiences
- Experience working in a Tribal organization, inter-Tribal association, or Native-led nonprofit.
- Knowledge of key Tribal issues or initiatives related to governance, climate, education, and/ or economic development.
- Exercises a high tolerance for ambiguity.
- Experience creating outreach or promotional content for public audiences.
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 work for candidates located within ATNI's region. Working hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends and evenings. 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 Senior Policy Manager will be required to attend ATNI’s conventions, which occur three times per year, as well as several additional Summits and key events throughout the year. While most work is office-based or remote, some occasional travel within ATNI’s service area (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Western Montana, Northern California, Nevada, and Southeastern Alaska) may be required. 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.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, OR 97232
