Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
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Deputy Manager, Policy Development and Litigation Support Dept

Closing Date: Open until filled.

Salary Range: $ 102,160 To 150,256 Annually

The Deputy Manager position works under the supervision of the Department Manager and assists the manager with overseeing and strategically guiding CRITFC’s Policy Development and Litigation Support Department (PDLSD). The Department addresses matters that affect the integrity of its member tribes’ treaty rights and fisheries. The Department assists the Commission and its member tribes in realizing maximum benefits from their leadership roles in the development, coordination and implementation of local, regional, national, and international forums affecting Columbia River treaty-secured fisheries.

The department supports the overall mission of the organization and its departments to implement Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit the tribes’ Spirit of the Salmon Plan, (https://plan.critfc.org/). In this context, the overarching task of the department is to maintain existing tribal jurisdictional and management authorities and develop and recommend a plan for obtaining additional authorities as necessary to protect the treaty rights of the tribes and of the tribal members exercising those rights. The department applies legal principles to promote tribal reserved rights and tribal regulatory authorities. It advocates and monitors legal and policy initiatives that uphold Treaty rights by ensuring that the conservation burden to protect and restore Columbia Basin salmon is equitably shared.

Responsibilities

Legal Analyses

  • Report on changes in laws and regulations affecting CRITFC, the tribes, tribal treaty fishing rights, and natural resources.
  • Provide legal guidance on a wide range of matters, including tribal treaties, tribal sovereignty, natural resources, contracts, litigation, and compliance.
  • Identify legal risks and propose strategies to mitigate them. Monitor and enforce compliance with laws and regulations applicable to CRITFC.

Policy Development & Strategic Planning

  • Collaborate with other departments and senior management to align legal strategies with CRITFC’s organizational goals.
  • Contribute to the development and execution of the Policy department’s strategic plan.
  • Develop and implement CRITFC policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and mitigate potential risks.
  • Keep policies updated to reflect changes in laws and regulations.
  • Assist in integrating departmental initiatives, encouraging collaboration and innovation among program managers and staff members.

Organizational Collaboration

  • Collaborate with other departments, such as HR, finance, and enforcement, to ensure legal considerations are integrated into overall business processes.
  • Work with other departments to assess and address legal risks associated with activities.
  • Ensure that contracts align with CRITFC policies and legal requirements. Support Finance in maintaining a centralized contract management system to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

Budget Management

  • Assist in the development and management of the Policy department budget.

Legal Proceeding Management

  • Coordinate litigation (and other similar actions) with tribal attorneys and support member tribes in their legal proceedings.
  • Oversee and manage CRITFC’s legal proceedings.
  • Develop strategies to resolve disputes efficiently.
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Application Procedure



Online applications are preferred, however if circumstances prevent an applicant from completing an online application or require help with an electronic application, email jobs@critfc.org for assistance.



Hiring preference:
CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.

CRITFC will consider non-citizen applicants who are authorized to work in the U.S. If not authorized to work in the U.S., CRITFC will provide reasonable support and accommodations to the candidate in obtaining U.S. work authorization. With the exception of certain employer required costs, CRITFC will not pay for costs related to applicant’s legal representation, filings for work authorization or immigration, or other costs related to obtaining work authorization.

*Please note: the term “Commission” as used in this description refers to CRITFC’s governing body. CRITFC is a tribal organization that is wholly owned and governed by the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. As a tribal organization, CRITFC is subject to a unique blend of policies and laws.