Tribal Relations Manager

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Knowledge, Skill, or Ability Possesses a strong connection to AI/AN identity.

• Extensive knowledge of the commonalities, differences, and cultures of each of Montana’s American Indian tribes.

• Ability to work with, establish, and maintain credibility and develop and maintain strong working relationships with tribes and their tribal leadership.

• Knowledge of the interrelationships between State, Federal, and tribal government policies. 

• Ability to work collaboratively within the agency, including by leading discussions, providing guidance to programs, and facilitating discussions on relevant matters.

• Ability to effectively represent the DPHHS Director, DPHHS at large, and the State of Montana in public forums, meetings, and negotiations.

• Ability to provide leadership in complex and highly sensitive situations.

• Meet minimum qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in public health, public policy, public administration, Native American studies, or related field.

  • Five years of experience working with tribal governments, understanding the commonalities and differences among Montana tribes, understanding the commonalities and differences between Indian people living on reservations and in urban settings, establishing and maintaining relationships with tribes, and leading/facilitating major projects.

  • Other combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• References

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial telework within the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position may be eligible for a statutory 2.5% an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2026.

This position operates within an Indian Reservation. Per MCA 2-18-111, applicants claiming preference in hiring for employment due to being an Indian resident of the reservation must submit the preference in writing while the position is vacant.