Working Title: Director of Tribal Relations
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Principal
Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
Job ID : 88525
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/27/2025
Closing Date : 09/16/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Children Youth & Families Dept / DeptChildYth&Fam-Managerial
Division/Unit : DCY - DCYF Commissioner's Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : 8am-5pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes 20-25% travel to MN Tribal Nations and other community meetings as needed
Salary Range: $48.45 - $69.48 / hourly; $101,163 - $145,074 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
Re-Posting : Yes
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
** Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) Within Minnesota and flexible hours options are available. Employees that live 50 miles or less from their primary/principal work location and live within the State may telework more than 50% with approval. Employees may telework outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and live 50 miles or less from the primary/principal work location.
The Executive Director of Tribal Relations is a highly visible role that represents The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in American Indian policy matters, coordinates Indian policy work across DCYF, and works in coordination with the Tribal Relations Office in the Governor's Office and with other agencies, coordinates and chairs committees, task forces, and advisory groups, provides expert consultation to executive staff, and oversees and accounts for DCYF activities relating to Minnesota's tribal governments to ensure recognition of tribal authorities, interests, and agreements. The focus of the Indian Policy Office will be to improve outcomes for indigenous populations throughout the state, particularly with the goal of reducing disparities.
Responsibilities include:
Managing, planning, and coordinating agency-wide efforts related to Indian tribes, indigenous communities, and Urban Indians to reduce disparities.
Directing the Indian Policy Office and serving as a liaison between DCYF, American Indian tribes, Urban Indians, and other agencies/key partners.
Leading Indian Country and tribal consultation and advisory groups for DCYF.
Working in partnership and collaboration with the Tribal Relations Office in the Governor's Office and other agencies related to DCYF programs.
Providing tribal relations expertise and consultation to the DCYF executive team.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.
Five (5) years of professional experience working directly with Tribal Nations, Tribal governments, or Indigenous communities in Tribal affairs, Policy development, Consultation or engagement social services or public sector collaboration
Included
Three (3) years of leadership or supervisory experience, including experience leading cross-functional or cross-agency teams or initiatives. Which includes:
Demonstrated knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and the federal trust responsibility, Government-to-government relations and the history and impact of federal and state policies on Tribal communities
Proven ability to build and maintain respectful, effective working relationships with Tribal leaders and community members
Communicate clearly and persuasively in writing and verbally, including in public or governmental settings
Navigate complex political, cultural, and organizational environments with diplomacy
Cultural competency and sensitivity to Tribal customs, values, and governance structures.
Willingness and ability to travel statewide, including to Tribal lands.
Ability to travel regularly, including to remote Tribal locations.
Preferred Qualifications
Lived experience in a Tribal community or as a citizen of a federally recognized Tribe
Prior experience working in a state or federal agency in a Tribal liaison or Tribal affairs role
Experience facilitating formal Tribal consultation processes
Familiarity with ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act), MIFPA (Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act), or similar child- and family-related Tribal policies and statutes
Knowledge of the state's 11 federally recognized Tribes and their unique histories, cultures, and governance structures **.
Additional Requirements**
It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:
Reference check
Criminal Background check
Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
