Formulates, develops and implements policies, procedures, and goals for the Tribal Operations Program (TOP). Maintains good community relations by providing efficient, comprehensive, and quality service. Performs professional legal services and offers decisive legal judgments for the Tribal Council.
- Serves as in-house counsel for the Legislative Branch of government of the EBCI and directs the management of the Office of Legislative Support.
- Drafts legislation, reports, letters, memoranda, and other documents including legal opinions as necessary for the Tribal Council to carry out its duties.
- Provide advice, interpretation, and opinion on all Legislative Branch legal matters.
- Coordinates with the Attorney General in litigation or other legal proceedings, where Tribal interests are at stake.
- Monitor both State and Federal legislative initiatives affecting Tribal interests and coordinate with the Attorney General on all State and Federal lobbying initiatives.
- Must aid and coordinate response to State, Federal, and county political activities.
- Establish and periodically review protocols and procedures on government-to-government relationships as well as internal governmental protocols.
- Is responsible for advising Tribal Council, both verbally and in written memorandum on matters raised during Legislative Session and Committee meetings.
- Coordinate with the Attorney General on all State and Federal political issues.
- May be assigned to serve as representative on behalf of the EBCI on Congressional, professional, and Native Conference committees working to advance Tribal interests.
- Serves as spokesperson when so delegated by the Tribal Council, working with the media, State, local, and Federal politicians and agencies.
- Will work with the Attorney General to ensure consistent enforcement and administration of the law.
- Oversees the planning, staffing, coordination and direction of the Program.
- Plans, develops, and directs the work of the program personnel.
- Assigns in-house and/or outside legal counsel for appropriate projects and oversees the work of those projects for the Legislative Branch.
- Recommends the selection, promotion, termination, and disciplinary actions of program personnel.
- Develops and administers program policies and procedures and initiates new ones as appropriate.
- Oversees the Government accountability of divisional records through analysis reports.
- Responsible for insuring that client confidential records are adequately safeguarded.
- Prepares the Legislative Services operating budget and submits it for approval by the Tribal Council.
- Performs job duties according to established safety guidelines and Tribal policies.
- In the event of an emergency or identified immediate need, as determined by the Principal Chief or Vice Chief, participation in preparedness and response operations will be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency/identified need. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.
Works under the direction of the Tribal Council Chairperson. Has wide latitude for the exercise of initiatives, discretion, and independent judgment.
Experience: Seven (7) years of related experience required. Experience in Indian Law, including employment in administrative and management roles.
Education: Juris Doctor Degree required.
Licenses & Certifications: Valid, insurable NC Driver’s License required. Must be a member in good standing of the North Carolina State Bar. Must be eligible to or admitted to practice before the Federal, State, and EBCI Court. Juris Doctor Degree must be from an American Bar Association (ABA) Accredited Law School.
- Thorough knowledge of Federal, State and Indian law is required.
- Must have a thorough knowledge of the Federal, State, and Indian court systems' Rules of Court.
- Requires an understanding of Tribal operations, administration and policies.
- Requires knowledge of appropriate legal reference and research tools, both electronic and print. Good communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to speak in public are essential.
- Must have the ability to administer allocated funds to achieve maximum operating potential.
- Must have a thorough knowledge of the use of electronic office equipment.
- Must have the ability to supervise the work of multi-level professional staff including other attorneys and administrative staff.
- Eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) months in the position would be necessary to learn most aspects of the job.
* Disclaimer Statement
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request.
EBCI reserves the right to revise the position description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations. Complete job description is found on application site.
Legislative Branch
19
