Government Relations Specialist

Summary Job Goal: This position supports AVCP’s government relations and advocacy efforts by monitoring legislative, regulatory, and administrative activities affecting AVCP and its member Tribes. The Specialist conducts research, prepares advocacy and informational materials, coordinates outreach, and assists with initiatives that advance AVCP’s advocacy priorities under the direction of the Government Relations Director. The position does not independently set advocacy strategy, speak on behalf of AVCP without authorization, or supervise staff. This is not a lobbying position.

Performance Responsibilities: Include the following:

• Monitor, identify, track, and summarize State of Alaska and federal legislation, regulations, policies, and government activities affecting AVCP and its member Tribes.
• Monitor legislative hearings, congressional activities, agency actions, tribal consultations, and public comment opportunities.
• Research government actions and policy issues and prepare clear summaries for AVCP leadership, staff, and member Tribes.
• Maintain legislative and regulatory tracking systems, calendars, contact lists, and government relations records.
• Assist in preparing AVCP leadership and staff for tribal consultations, listening sessions, legislative hearings, interviews, meetings, and public presentations.
• Assist with researching and preparing advocacy and informational materials, including draft written testimony, public comments, briefing papers, white papers, reports, letters, memoranda, talking points, and fact sheets for review and approval by the Government Relations Director or other authorized AVCP leadership.
• Assist with outreach to AVCP member Tribes regarding legislative, regulatory, and policy matters, under the direction of the Government Relations Director.
• Provide informational support and technical assistance to help member Tribes understand opportunities to participate in federal and state consultation and public comment processes.
• Coordinate meeting materials, agendas, background information, presentations, and follow-up items for government relations activities as assigned.
• Track advocacy requests, deadlines, correspondence, resolutions, support letters, and follow-up actions.
• Assist with collecting, organizing, and maintaining resolutions, support letters, testimony, and other advocacy records.
• Coordinate with AVCP departments to gather information related to policy priorities and advocacy initiatives.
• In coordination with the Communications Department, develop educational advocacy content, including newsletter articles, public information materials, and social media content.
• Support assigned joint advocacy activities involving AVCP, member Tribes, tribal organizations, government agencies, and regional partners.
• Attend meetings, hearings, consultations, and community or regional events as assigned.
• Prepare meeting notes and document decisions, commitments, deadlines, and follow-up actions.
• Maintain professional working relationships with Tribal leaders, government officials, partner organizations, and AVCP staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
3. Ability to summarize complex legislative, regulatory, and policy information in clear, understandable language.
4. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team and multicultural environment.
5. Ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with remote teams, member Tribes, partner organizations, and government representatives.
6. Familiarity with general principles of federal Indian law and laws affecting Alaska Native Tribes and tribal organizations.
7. Ability to work independently, follow direction, and prioritize multiple assignments.
8. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
9. Ability to track deadlines, maintain accurate records, and balance multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
10. Ability to research and communicate legislative, regulatory, and government matters to diverse audiences.
11. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
12. Ability to travel as required.

Education and Experience: An associate degree in political science, public administration, tribal governance, communications, business administration, or a related field is preferred but not required. A high school diploma or equivalent may be acceptable when combined with substantial relevant experience in Tribal affairs, Alaska Native advocacy, government relations, public policy, or related work.

Candidates should have strong knowledge of Alaska Native issues, Tribal governments, Tribal consortia, and advocacy processes affecting Alaska Native communities. Experience working with or advocating for Alaska Tribes, Tribal organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or rural Alaska communities is strongly preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Word and general Microsoft Office tools is required.