The Executive Director for Tribal Relations is a full-time, 12-month position, reporting directly to the President of Portland State University. The Executive Director will act as the primary representative of the President and campus leadership in relationships with tribal governments and the urban Indian community. The Executive Director is responsible for building respectful, authentic, and symbiotic relationships with tribal nations, communities, and peoples in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and possibly beyond. This will include appreciation of and adherence to government to government protocols and executing and implementing MOUs.

While reporting to the President, the Executive Director will have opportunities to work closely with leaders across campus (including members of the President’s Executive Council and Deans) as well as with important centers of instruction, research, and community engagement groups focused on Native American and Indigenous communities. This includes the Indigenous Nations Studies Department; the Institute for Tribal Government; the staff of the Native American Student and Community Center; and the Center for Internships, Mentorship & Research. Although this is an administrative position, If appropriate and with the proper credentials, the incumbent may be considered for a non-tenure or tenure related faculty rank.

We believe a successful Executive Director will embody the following knowledge and capacities:

Knowledge of national, state, and local policies and issues to Native American education, self-determination, and tribal governance, economic enterprises, culture and customs.

Significant demonstrated experience in building relations with and between Native American/Alaska Native organizations and external entities like universities, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and others.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to convene multiple partners and constituents.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher education institution.

Graduate degree from an accredited higher education institution.

An understanding of the factors impacting the success of Native American and Indigenous faculty, staff and students in higher education.

Experience working in a position designed to build connections and partnerships between university and tribal nations and communities.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity. The starting annual salary for this position will be between $92,856 and $117,504 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR. An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet 100% of the qualifications listed in the job post. We are more interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed. If you are unsure if you meet the qualifications of this role, please email employment@pdx.edu to discuss your application.