Executive Director for Tribal Relations Portland State University

The Executive Director for Tribal Relations is a full-time, 12-month position, reporting directly to the President of Portland State University. The Executive Director will act as the primary representative of the President and campus leadership in relationships with tribal governments and the urban Indian community. The Executive Director is responsible for building respectful, authentic, and symbiotic relationships with tribal nations, communities, and peoples in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and possibly beyond. This will include appreciation of and adherence to government to government protocols and executing and implementing MOUs.

While reporting to the President, the Executive Director will have opportunities to work closely with leaders across campus (including members of the President’s Executive Council and Deans) as well as with important centers of instruction, research, and community engagement groups focused on Native American and Indigenous communities. This includes the Indigenous Nations Studies Department; the Institute for Tribal Government; the staff of the Native American Student and Community Center; and the Center for Internships, Mentorship & Research. Although this is an administrative position, If appropriate and with the proper credentials, the incumbent may be considered for a non-tenure or tenure related faculty rank.

We believe a successful Executive Director will embody the following knowledge and capacities:

• A deep understanding of Tribal History and Sovereignty.
• Ability to manage complex projects.
• A passion for the Native American and Alaskan Native Communities and Confederations, and a willingness to be a strong advocate for them within the campus community.
• Deep and nuanced understanding of intergenerational and personal trauma.
• Willingness, and ability to be a strong and visible presence and role model.
• A strong communicator.
• Robust understanding of government to government protocols and experience consulting with, and convening, tribes and tribal organizations.
• Cultural humility and curiosity.