
Position Summary
The Director will lead Native Movement Action Fund (NMAF) 501(c)(4), in strong collaboration with Native Movement 501(c)(3) advocacy work, where appropriate. This position serves as the strategic leader for political and civic engagement as well as policy development, while managing staff time allocation between charitable and political activities. This role includes overseeing NMAF's electoral advocacy operations, coordinating collaborative partnerships with aligned organizations, and advancing fundraising relationships for both entities. This position will work closely with Native Movement's Deputy Director to develop and execute comprehensive advocacy strategies that advance Indigenous Rights, Environmental Justice, and community self‑determination. This role requires strong leadership and team building skills, deep understanding of policy and political landscapes, and the ability to balance charitable education activities with direct political engagement in alignment with Native Movement Action Fund's values and mission. Occasional travel for political campaigns, partner meetings, and advocacy events is required.
Essential Job Function
Strategic Advocacy & Political Engagement
Co‑develop and implement comprehensive policy advocacy and political engagement strategies in collaboration with Action & Advocacy teams
Oversee the development of candidate evaluation frameworks, scorecards, and accountability campaigns
Lead electoral strategy planning aligned with federal, state, and municipal election cycles
Direct the development and execution of electoral advocacy campaigns, including candidate endorsements and independent expenditures
Ensure the creation of high‑quality voter education materials, policy briefs, and political communications
Coordinate accountability campaigns targeting elected officials on priority issues
Manage relationships with political stakeholders, candidates, and elected officials
Oversee the development and maintenance of political messaging informed by and aligned with Native Movement values
Team Leadership & Compliance Management
Lead the recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation of Action Fund staff according to NMAF values and organizational goals:
Facilitate regular team meetings and individual check‑ins that foster authentic accountability and ongoing growth;
Provide direct supervision ensuring team members have support, resources, and guidance needed to navigate complex political and advocacy work;
Develop and implement time tracking and coding systems;
Create and maintain clear protocols for distinguishing Primary Purpose activities from Political activities;
Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, maintaining clear distinctions between charitable and political activities;
Oversee financial tracking and reporting systems to ensure legal compliance;
Maintain documentation standards for all political expenditures and activities;
Ensure compliance with political disclosure and reporting requirements.
Fundraising & Partnership Development
Collaborate with Fundraising Team to advance philanthropic and political donor relationships;
Support the development of fundraising materials and proposals specific to policy and political initiatives;
Cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, and aligned organizations;
Coordinate with partner organizations on collective political engagement projects;
Represent NMAF in coalition spaces and collaborative advocacy efforts.
Community Engagement & Ecosystem Coordination
Ensure political activities remain aligned with community needs and priorities through ongoing engagement;
Develop and maintain communication channels with Alaska Native communities;
Facilitate community partner engagement in political strategy development;
Integrate community feedback into candidate evaluations, political messaging, and strategic priorities;
Represent Native Movement and NMAF in community forums and political discussions as needed;
Foster alignment across teams to ensure organizational coherence and strategic integration.
Organizational Leadership
Regularly meet with Native Movement executive leadership team to understand strategic priorities for the organization;
Stay informed about Native Movement's programs and priorities to identify advocacy opportunities;
Regularly provide political landscape and policy analysis on developments that affect Indigenous communities.
Non‑Essential Job Functions Additional or shifted responsibilities to be identified as the organization evolves, including potential involvement in crisis management protocols for political controversies and adaptation of strategies based on changing political landscapes.
Independent Decision‑Making Make routine job‑related decisions regarding policy priorities, staff assignments, and political strategy adjustments. Major political decisions (such as candidate endorsements and significant independent expenditures) require approval from Native Movement Action Fund staff leadership, Board of Directors, and Advisory Board. All decisions must be based on organizational values, strategic goals, legal compliance requirements, and budgetary constraints.
Supervision Received and Exercised This position reports to the Native Movement Deputy Director. Additionally, this position supervises staff members whose time may be allocated between C3 and C4 activities. Remote supervision may be required. The Director coordinates with the Board of Directors and Advisory Board to gauge input and guidance on political initiatives, with leadership approval.
Work Environment and Demands of the Role Native Movement Action Fund is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to the applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with qualified physical and mental disabilities.
Ideally, this position works primarily on‑site in either the Fairbanks or Anchorage office, with travel to various properties across the state as needed. Generally, the office environment is calm, with some days of higher activity due to organizational events. Some noise from people in the office is expected, and may increase during events. We are a family‑friendly workplace, so children of all ages may be present at any time. Dogs are allowed in the office, so there may be occasional barking and dogs walking throughout the building. This position may require travel within the state. Possibility of a flexible schedule and may need to be available for evenings and/or weekends.
The physical demands of this position require the ability to remain in a stationary position occasionally, move or traverse throughout an office and event spaces. Must be able to commute to and from an office and event space. Additionally, being able to traverse through uneven terrain may be required. Requires the ability to ascend a flight of stairs several times a day. Additionally, the employee must be able to exchange information and ideas so that others will understand, receive and understand instructions, readily recall facts and details, and exercise independent judgment.
Benefits Information Native Movement Action Fund provides greater than average Paid Time Off (PTO), including “Harvest” and “Ceremony/Spiritual” leave and ample paid holidays. Additionally, Native Movement Action Fund offers paid “wellness” time and is committed to the sustainability of our team’s health and wellbeing. Employee benefits include medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents, Life/ Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, Retirement benefits. Professional development opportunities as identified by the Deputy Director and the Executive Director.
Native Movement Action Fund is committed to providing an employment environment which is welcoming of all people and free from discrimination and harassment. Native Movement Action Fund work and community spaces are generally matriarchal, welcoming, and informal. Native Movement Action Fund is an at‑will employer.
Job Qualifications
Authentic understanding of Indigenous values, history, and the complexity and brilliance of contemporary Native communities
Cultural competency to work with a diverse range of people, especially Alaska Native and rural Alaskan communities
Significant experience in policy advocacy, political campaigns, or electoral organizing
Deep understanding of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations and compliance requirements
Experience with political strategy development, candidate evaluation, and electoral advocacy
Proven track record in fundraising for both charitable and political organizations
Experience with budget management and financial tracking across multiple funding streams
Supervisory experience, especially managing staff across multiple program areas
Strong knowledge of Alaska's political landscape and electoral processes
Experience with coalition building and partnership development
Excellent leadership and team management abilities
Ability to work as part of a team and participate in collective decision making
Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills in dynamic political environments
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally, with political stakeholders and community members
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities during campaign seasons
Proficiency in project management and strategic planning
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Experience with time tracking and compliance documentation systems
Understanding of Indigenous political organizing and community‑based advocacy
Values‑Based Qualifications
Inclusive to all LGBTQIA2+ identities.
Understanding and enthusiastic support of NM Action Fund and Native Movement mission and vision.
Able to analyze information and situations in order to identify root‑causes of injustices.
Values‑aligned with our guiding principles:
The Jemez Principles of Democratic Organizing
Defend the Sacred Principles
Just Transition Framework
Practices self‑awareness and demonstrates willingness to participate in mutual accountability.
Displays humility, respectful inquiry and genuine curiosity, and a commitment to their continued growth.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Essential Job Function
Strategic Advocacy & Political Engagement
Co‑develop and implement comprehensive policy advocacy and political engagement strategies in collaboration with Action & Advocacy teams
Oversee the development of candidate evaluation frameworks, scorecards, and accountability campaigns
Lead electoral strategy planning aligned with federal, state, and municipal election cycles
Direct the development and execution of electoral advocacy campaigns, including candidate endorsements and independent expenditures
Ensure the creation of high‑quality voter education materials, policy briefs, and political communications
Coordinate accountability campaigns targeting elected officials on priority issues
Manage relationships with political stakeholders, candidates, and elected officials
Oversee the development and maintenance of political messaging informed by and aligned with Native Movement values
Team Leadership & Compliance Management
Lead the recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation of Action Fund staff according to NMAF values and organizational goals:
Facilitate regular team meetings and individual check‑ins that foster authentic accountability and ongoing growth;
Provide direct supervision ensuring team members have support, resources, and guidance needed to navigate complex political and advocacy work;
Develop and implement time tracking and coding systems;
Create and maintain clear protocols for distinguishing Primary Purpose activities from Political activities;
Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, maintaining clear distinctions between charitable and political activities;
Oversee financial tracking and reporting systems to ensure legal compliance;
Maintain documentation standards for all political expenditures and activities;
Ensure compliance with political disclosure and reporting requirements.
Fundraising & Partnership Development
Collaborate with Fundraising Team to advance philanthropic and political donor relationships;
Support the development of fundraising materials and proposals specific to policy and political initiatives;
Cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, and aligned organizations;
Coordinate with partner organizations on collective political engagement projects;
Represent NMAF in coalition spaces and collaborative advocacy efforts.
Community Engagement & Ecosystem Coordination
Ensure political activities remain aligned with community needs and priorities through ongoing engagement;
Develop and maintain communication channels with Alaska Native communities;
Facilitate community partner engagement in political strategy development;
Integrate community feedback into candidate evaluations, political messaging, and strategic priorities;
Represent Native Movement and NMAF in community forums and political discussions as needed;
Foster alignment across teams to ensure organizational coherence and strategic integration.
Organizational Leadership
Regularly meet with Native Movement executive leadership team to understand strategic priorities for the organization;
Stay informed about Native Movement's programs and priorities to identify advocacy opportunities;
Regularly provide political landscape and policy analysis on developments that affect Indigenous communities.
Non‑Essential Job Functions Additional or shifted responsibilities to be identified as the organization evolves, including potential involvement in crisis management protocols for political controversies and adaptation of strategies based on changing political landscapes.
Independent Decision‑Making Make routine job‑related decisions regarding policy priorities, staff assignments, and political strategy adjustments. Major political decisions (such as candidate endorsements and significant independent expenditures) require approval from Native Movement Action Fund staff leadership, Board of Directors, and Advisory Board. All decisions must be based on organizational values, strategic goals, legal compliance requirements, and budgetary constraints.
Supervision Received and Exercised This position reports to the Native Movement Deputy Director. Additionally, this position supervises staff members whose time may be allocated between C3 and C4 activities. Remote supervision may be required. The Director coordinates with the Board of Directors and Advisory Board to gauge input and guidance on political initiatives, with leadership approval.
Work Environment and Demands of the Role Native Movement Action Fund is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to the applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with qualified physical and mental disabilities.
Ideally, this position works primarily on‑site in either the Fairbanks or Anchorage office, with travel to various properties across the state as needed. Generally, the office environment is calm, with some days of higher activity due to organizational events. Some noise from people in the office is expected, and may increase during events. We are a family‑friendly workplace, so children of all ages may be present at any time. Dogs are allowed in the office, so there may be occasional barking and dogs walking throughout the building. This position may require travel within the state. Possibility of a flexible schedule and may need to be available for evenings and/or weekends.
The physical demands of this position require the ability to remain in a stationary position occasionally, move or traverse throughout an office and event spaces. Must be able to commute to and from an office and event space. Additionally, being able to traverse through uneven terrain may be required. Requires the ability to ascend a flight of stairs several times a day. Additionally, the employee must be able to exchange information and ideas so that others will understand, receive and understand instructions, readily recall facts and details, and exercise independent judgment.
Benefits Information Native Movement Action Fund provides greater than average Paid Time Off (PTO), including “Harvest” and “Ceremony/Spiritual” leave and ample paid holidays. Additionally, Native Movement Action Fund offers paid “wellness” time and is committed to the sustainability of our team’s health and wellbeing. Employee benefits include medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents, Life/ Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, Retirement benefits. Professional development opportunities as identified by the Deputy Director and the Executive Director.
Native Movement Action Fund is committed to providing an employment environment which is welcoming of all people and free from discrimination and harassment. Native Movement Action Fund work and community spaces are generally matriarchal, welcoming, and informal. Native Movement Action Fund is an at‑will employer.
Job Qualifications
Authentic understanding of Indigenous values, history, and the complexity and brilliance of contemporary Native communities
Cultural competency to work with a diverse range of people, especially Alaska Native and rural Alaskan communities
Significant experience in policy advocacy, political campaigns, or electoral organizing
Deep understanding of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations and compliance requirements
Experience with political strategy development, candidate evaluation, and electoral advocacy
Proven track record in fundraising for both charitable and political organizations
Experience with budget management and financial tracking across multiple funding streams
Supervisory experience, especially managing staff across multiple program areas
Strong knowledge of Alaska's political landscape and electoral processes
Experience with coalition building and partnership development
Excellent leadership and team management abilities
Ability to work as part of a team and participate in collective decision making
Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills in dynamic political environments
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally, with political stakeholders and community members
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities during campaign seasons
Proficiency in project management and strategic planning
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Experience with time tracking and compliance documentation systems
Understanding of Indigenous political organizing and community‑based advocacy
Values‑Based Qualifications
Inclusive to all LGBTQIA2+ identities.
Understanding and enthusiastic support of NM Action Fund and Native Movement mission and vision.
Able to analyze information and situations in order to identify root‑causes of injustices.
Values‑aligned with our guiding principles:
The Jemez Principles of Democratic Organizing
Defend the Sacred Principles
Just Transition Framework
Practices self‑awareness and demonstrates willingness to participate in mutual accountability.
Displays humility, respectful inquiry and genuine curiosity, and a commitment to their continued growth.
#J-18808-Ljbffr