ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategy Development: Develops and implements legislative and policy strategies for local, state and tribal priorities, including strategies related to Indian Affairs issues, cultural issues and other impacting the Nation’s sovereignty. Provides direct and indirect support in the development and implementation of the Nation’s National advocacy strategy.
2. Policy Advocacy: Develops and analyzes strategic advocacy programs to achieve the Nation’s legislative and policy objectives based on input from the Tribal Council, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Intergovernmental Affairs office, consultants and other San Manuel Tribal departments.
3. Representation: Represent the Nation in hearings, conferences, and policy forums to ensure the YSMN’s voice is heard and interests are protected.
4. Strategic Relationship Development: Cultivate and manage influential relationships with local, state and tribal governments, special districts, and key industry stakeholders to advance the Nation’s governmental, cultural, community and economic priorities.
5. Stakeholder Engagement & Influence: Identify and engage with policymakers, coalitions, and associations to build alliances, shape public policy, and enhance the Nation’s visibility and credibility across Indian Country and all levels of government.
6. Internal Collaboration & Strategic Alignment: Partner with the Chief Intergovernmental Affairs Officer and other department leaders to align advocacy strategies, coordinate stakeholder outreach, and provide expert guidance to YSMN leadership on legislative, political and regulatory matters.
7. Compliance & Political Strategy Execution: Provide guidance and direction over key relationships with political candidates, campaigns, PACs, political contributors, and fundraisers in accordance with campaign finance laws and Tribal objectives; facilitate access for Tribal leaders to key policy venues and decision-makers.
8. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department. (N/A)
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning reviewing and directing work; evaluating and appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Makes hiring decisions and designs individual development plans with succession planning in mind for all key roles.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Law, or related field required.
Master’s preferred.
Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in government affairs, Tribal relations, or public policy required.
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience managing functions, teams or departments within government relations, government affairs, or similar department required.
Federal, local and state legislation and policy experience related to Indian Affairs issues is required.
Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)
Knowledge
Tribal Governance & Sovereignty: Deep understanding of Tribal government structures, sovereignty principles, and intergovernmental protocols.
Legislative & Regulatory Processes: Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory systems, especially as they pertain to Indian Affairs, gaming, and hospitality.
Public Policy & Advocacy: Familiarity with public policy development, lobbying strategies, and campaign finance laws at the federal, local and state levels.
Economic Development & Industry Trends: Awareness of trends in Tribal economic development, gaming, hospitality, and land use.
Political Landscape: Insight into key players, coalitions, and influencers across Indian Country, federal, local and state jurisdictions.
Skills
Strategic Relationship Management: Ability to build, maintain, and leverage high-value relationships across Tribal, federal, local, state and industry sectors.
Policy Analysis & Communication: Skilled in interpreting complex policy issues and translating them into clear, actionable insights for Tribal and executive leadership.
Public Speaking & Representation: Strong presentation and advocacy skills in public forums, hearings, and stakeholder meetings.
Team Leadership & Development: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor staff, and foster a high-performance culture.
Project & Program Management: Skilled in planning, executing, and evaluating strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement programs.
Political Acumen & Diplomacy: Ability to navigate sensitive political environments with discretion, tact, and cultural competence.
Technology Proficiency: Proficient in legislative tracking systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Abilities
Influence & Persuasion: Capable of shaping policy conversations and influencing outcomes through strategic engagement.
Multitasking & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple high-stakes relationships and initiatives simultaneously.
Cultural Sensitivity & Respect: Demonstrates deep respect for Tribal traditions, values, and governance protocols.
Crisis Response & Adaptability: Able to respond effectively to emerging issues, public health emergencies, or political shifts.
Confidentiality & Integrity: Maintains strict confidentiality and acts with integrity in all interactions.
Collaboration & Partnership: Works seamlessly across departments and with external partners to advance shared goals.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS
At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
No Driving Responsibilities: Role does not require a driver’s license or insurance.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS – ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting.
Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone.
Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, via videoconference and over the telephone.
Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility.
Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties.
Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.
The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke.
Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.
As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!