Tribal Relations Manager
Tacoma Public Utilities, Tacoma, WA, United States
Position Description
Tacoma Public Utilities is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Tribal Relations Manager to strategically guide and strengthen our relationships with Tribal governments and communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. This role is central to ensuring that TPU’s operations and initiatives are conducted with respect for Tribal sovereignty, cultural values, and natural resources. The Tribal Relations Manager serves as a key advisor, relationship builder, and internal resource—supporting TPU in fostering meaningful, collaborative, and sustained partnerships with Tribal nations.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, refine, and implement TPU’s Tribal Relations strategy, including outreach, consultation, and partnership-building with Tribal governments and communities.
Provide expert guidance to senior leadership and internal departments on Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, government-to-government protocols, and culturally appropriate engagement practices.
Guide and advise on complex matters involving traditional cultural properties, natural resource management, and federal agency processes— including FERC hydropower relicensing and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operations.
Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Tribal councils, elected leaders, Tribal staff, and community representatives through regular, in‑person engagement and ongoing communication.
Support TPU project teams in planning and executing effective Tribal consultation and coordination efforts.
Collaborate closely with internal TPU teams and the City of Tacoma General Government to ensure alignment and consistency in Tribal engagement activities.
Promote awareness and understanding of Tribal history, governance, and cultural considerations across the organization.
Minimum Education Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, public policy, political science, communication, or a directly related field.
Minimum Experience
4 years of governmental relations experience, including 1 year at a senior, lead, or supervisory level.
Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year‑for‑year basis.
Desired Qualifications Experience working with Tribal governments and communities, including building and maintaining respectful, collaborative relationships.
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements Washington State Driver’s License.
Compensation & Benefits Hourly Rate: $63.10 – $88.85 Annual Salary: $131,248.00 – $184,808.00
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Tacoma’s diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi‑cultural and multi‑ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma’s entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long‑term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and multicultural skill sets.
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
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Key Responsibilities
Develop, refine, and implement TPU’s Tribal Relations strategy, including outreach, consultation, and partnership-building with Tribal governments and communities.
Provide expert guidance to senior leadership and internal departments on Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, government-to-government protocols, and culturally appropriate engagement practices.
Guide and advise on complex matters involving traditional cultural properties, natural resource management, and federal agency processes— including FERC hydropower relicensing and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operations.
Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Tribal councils, elected leaders, Tribal staff, and community representatives through regular, in‑person engagement and ongoing communication.
Support TPU project teams in planning and executing effective Tribal consultation and coordination efforts.
Collaborate closely with internal TPU teams and the City of Tacoma General Government to ensure alignment and consistency in Tribal engagement activities.
Promote awareness and understanding of Tribal history, governance, and cultural considerations across the organization.
Minimum Education Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, public policy, political science, communication, or a directly related field.
Minimum Experience
4 years of governmental relations experience, including 1 year at a senior, lead, or supervisory level.
Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year‑for‑year basis.
Desired Qualifications Experience working with Tribal governments and communities, including building and maintaining respectful, collaborative relationships.
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements Washington State Driver’s License.
Compensation & Benefits Hourly Rate: $63.10 – $88.85 Annual Salary: $131,248.00 – $184,808.00
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Tacoma’s diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi‑cultural and multi‑ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma’s entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long‑term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and multicultural skill sets.
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
#J-18808-Ljbffr