Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
Director of Communications And Public Relations
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Battle Creek, Michigan, United States, 49014
Director of Communications & Public Relations
NHBP is seeking its next Communications & Public Relations Director to lead strategic communications that strengthen the sovereignty, visibility, and cultural voice of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. Reporting to the CEO, this role serves as the Tribe’s storyteller and spokesperson, ensuring meaningful communication with Tribal Members and the broader community through clear, culturally grounded, and impactful messaging.
JOB TITLE:
Director of Communications & Public Relations
Status:
Exempt
Salary:
Starting at $107,968 Annually
Location:
Fulton, MI
Posting Ends:
10/31/2025 9:00am
Eligible for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
Excellent medical coverage plan supplemented by Employer's HRA for minimal cost sharing by its Team Members
100% Employer Paid premiums for dental and vision coverage
100% Employer Paid premiums on short term disability, life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
Flexible Spending Account for Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care
401K Plan with eligible match with 100% invested in employer contributions
A generous paid time off program where all employees begin earning accrued paid time off immediately upon hire
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program with Educational Release Time
Thirteen Paid Holidays
Employee wellness and fitness programs
Opportunities to participate in NHBP Sponsored activities
NHBP is a self-sustaining Sovereign Nation dedicated to achieving the shared vision of our community. Our mission is to preserve our culture and history, build a healthy community, provide essential services, and secure our financial future through strategic decision-making. We are always seeking outstanding individuals who wish help us fulfill this mission and join us on our journey to protect and promote the cultural, emotional, physical, and financial well-being of our Tribal community for the next Seven Generations.
POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Communications & Public Relations is a key member of the NHBP Executive Leadership Team responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the sovereignty, visibility, and reputation of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director serves as the Tribe’s chief storyteller and spokesperson, ensuring consistent, strategic, and culturally grounded messaging across all platforms.
This role provides vision, leadership, and accountability for the Communications Department while building a high-performing team prepared for future growth through succession planning, mentorship, and professional development. The Director partners closely with Tribal Council, NHBP leadership, and external stakeholders to position NHBP as a respected employer, thought leader, and sovereign nation in Southwest Michigan and beyond.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy aligned with NHBP’s mission, sovereignty, and long-term goals.
Provide strategic communications counsel to the CEO, Tribal Council, and senior leadership on key initiatives, public positioning, and emerging opportunities.
Lead, mentor, and develop a Communications team with clear pathways for growth, succession planning, and cross-training.
Serve as executive editor for all NHBP publications and platforms, including Turtle Press, website, social media, digital assets, and press releases.
Oversee the creation and enforcement of communication standards, including brand integrity, cultural accuracy, and design consistency.
Build systems and processes that strengthen accountability, prioritize requests, and improve workflow efficiency.
Foster a proactive approach to communications by anticipating needs, identifying opportunities, and making recommendations to leadership.
Represent NHBP as the primary Public Relations contact, managing media relationships, press outreach, and crisis communications.
Partner with external stakeholders, including FireKeepers Casino Hotel, Waséyabek Development Company, and other Tribal entities, to strengthen NHBP’s reputation and influence.
Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring resources are aligned with strategic priorities.
Serve as NHBP’s Public Information Officer (PIO) when required.
Other duties as assigned in support of Tribal priorities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and senior-level experience.
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in communications, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications plans for complex organizations (government, corporate, nonprofit, or Tribal).
Proven track record of team leadership, mentorship, and succession planning.
Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives.
Strong knowledge of modern communications platforms, digital engagement strategies, and analytics-driven decision-making.
Experience managing budgets, external vendors, and cross-functional projects.
Ability to establish strong relationships with executive leadership, governing bodies, staff, and external partners.
Cultural competency and commitment to honoring and elevating Native voices, sovereignty, and traditions.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license and successfully pass background and drug screening; GSA certifiable.
Ability to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Must be able to travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in Tribal Government, public sector communications, or working directly with Tribal communities.
Familiarity with Potawatomi or other Native cultures, traditions, and storytelling approaches.
SECURITY SENSITIVE This position may contain information that is security-sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions.
INDIAN PREFERENCE Indian preference will be applied in the selection of qualified applicants in accordance with the NHBP Indian Preference in Employment Code, which affords employment preference to NHBP citizens, spouses/parents of NHBP citizens, and citizens of other Federally and Tribally recognized Indian tribes.
Seniorities
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
JOB TITLE:
Director of Communications & Public Relations
Status:
Exempt
Salary:
Starting at $107,968 Annually
Location:
Fulton, MI
Posting Ends:
10/31/2025 9:00am
Eligible for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
Excellent medical coverage plan supplemented by Employer's HRA for minimal cost sharing by its Team Members
100% Employer Paid premiums for dental and vision coverage
100% Employer Paid premiums on short term disability, life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
Flexible Spending Account for Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care
401K Plan with eligible match with 100% invested in employer contributions
A generous paid time off program where all employees begin earning accrued paid time off immediately upon hire
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program with Educational Release Time
Thirteen Paid Holidays
Employee wellness and fitness programs
Opportunities to participate in NHBP Sponsored activities
NHBP is a self-sustaining Sovereign Nation dedicated to achieving the shared vision of our community. Our mission is to preserve our culture and history, build a healthy community, provide essential services, and secure our financial future through strategic decision-making. We are always seeking outstanding individuals who wish help us fulfill this mission and join us on our journey to protect and promote the cultural, emotional, physical, and financial well-being of our Tribal community for the next Seven Generations.
POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Communications & Public Relations is a key member of the NHBP Executive Leadership Team responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the sovereignty, visibility, and reputation of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director serves as the Tribe’s chief storyteller and spokesperson, ensuring consistent, strategic, and culturally grounded messaging across all platforms.
This role provides vision, leadership, and accountability for the Communications Department while building a high-performing team prepared for future growth through succession planning, mentorship, and professional development. The Director partners closely with Tribal Council, NHBP leadership, and external stakeholders to position NHBP as a respected employer, thought leader, and sovereign nation in Southwest Michigan and beyond.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy aligned with NHBP’s mission, sovereignty, and long-term goals.
Provide strategic communications counsel to the CEO, Tribal Council, and senior leadership on key initiatives, public positioning, and emerging opportunities.
Lead, mentor, and develop a Communications team with clear pathways for growth, succession planning, and cross-training.
Serve as executive editor for all NHBP publications and platforms, including Turtle Press, website, social media, digital assets, and press releases.
Oversee the creation and enforcement of communication standards, including brand integrity, cultural accuracy, and design consistency.
Build systems and processes that strengthen accountability, prioritize requests, and improve workflow efficiency.
Foster a proactive approach to communications by anticipating needs, identifying opportunities, and making recommendations to leadership.
Represent NHBP as the primary Public Relations contact, managing media relationships, press outreach, and crisis communications.
Partner with external stakeholders, including FireKeepers Casino Hotel, Waséyabek Development Company, and other Tribal entities, to strengthen NHBP’s reputation and influence.
Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring resources are aligned with strategic priorities.
Serve as NHBP’s Public Information Officer (PIO) when required.
Other duties as assigned in support of Tribal priorities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and senior-level experience.
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in communications, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications plans for complex organizations (government, corporate, nonprofit, or Tribal).
Proven track record of team leadership, mentorship, and succession planning.
Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives.
Strong knowledge of modern communications platforms, digital engagement strategies, and analytics-driven decision-making.
Experience managing budgets, external vendors, and cross-functional projects.
Ability to establish strong relationships with executive leadership, governing bodies, staff, and external partners.
Cultural competency and commitment to honoring and elevating Native voices, sovereignty, and traditions.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license and successfully pass background and drug screening; GSA certifiable.
Ability to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Must be able to travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in Tribal Government, public sector communications, or working directly with Tribal communities.
Familiarity with Potawatomi or other Native cultures, traditions, and storytelling approaches.
SECURITY SENSITIVE This position may contain information that is security-sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions.
INDIAN PREFERENCE Indian preference will be applied in the selection of qualified applicants in accordance with the NHBP Indian Preference in Employment Code, which affords employment preference to NHBP citizens, spouses/parents of NHBP citizens, and citizens of other Federally and Tribally recognized Indian tribes.
Seniorities
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr