Employment Opportunity: Director, Policy Research Center NCAI

Director, Policy Research Center - National Congress of American Indians - Washington, DC

 Skills and Qualifications - Employee must possess:
• Advanced educational degree, including J.D., Master’s degree, or other comparable credential (a Ph.D. is
preferred, but not required);
• A minimum of five years of experience in working on Indian policy and/or with American Indian/Alaska
Native tribal governments or communities;
• Substantial experience in conducting large-scale, original research and writing research reports on
American Indian policy issues and in Native settings;
• Strong writing, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills;
• The ability to take direction and work independently, taking initiative within areas of responsibility, as well
as providing leadership and direction while working in a team oriented environment;
• Experience with supervising and providing support for staff, including assistance with workload
management and prioritization; self-assessment; and continuous employee growth and improvement;
• Management experience, including scoping, planning, and administering multiple projects simultaneously;
• The ability to meet with, solicit cooperation of, and deal effectively with people at various levels, e.g., tribal
representatives, funders, program directors, state and federal officials, consultants, etc.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment; and
• The ability to adjust to changing priorities and growing responsibilities

Advanced educational degree, including J.D., Master’s degree, or other comparable credential (a Ph.D. is preferred, but not required)

Required Education - Advanced educational degree, including J.D., Master’s degree, or other comparable credential (a Ph.D. is preferred, but not required)

Duties and Responsibilities - Under the direction of the NCAI Executive Director, the primary duties of the Policy Research Center (PRC) Director consist of:
• Provide overall leadership and direction for the PRC;
• Convene and staff the PRC national advisory council;
• Work with PRC advisory council, NCAI Executive Director, and staff to establish research priorities;
• Ensure the alignment of PRC capacity and priorities to support NCAI policy staff on proactive policy
development;
• Supervise Policy Research Center staff, contractors, and consultants;
• Manage and plan for the effective use of Center and contracted research staff, including support to PRC
staff in their efforts to conduct research projects that reflect Center values, priorities, and expectations;
• Delegate and monitor project work;
• Develop business and administrative plans;
• In coordination with Development Director and PRC staff, develop core funding and project-specific
funding proposals;
• Assist in the identification and engagement of stakeholders and potential partners; coordinate partner
involvement where appropriate;
• Assist in the tracking of national trends in research related to Center priorities and funding opportunities to
be continuously apprised of the most current and relevant information;
• Utilize academic research and other resource materials;
• Prepare reports and other written information for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and funders;
• Coordinate the dissemination of information on relevant research projects to tribal leaders, Indian
programs, policymakers, federal and state agencies, partner agencies, funders, NCAI Executive Board,
NCAI staff, PRC advisory council, and other individuals or entities in a timely manner;
• Adhere to PRC core values, guiding principles, and Center policy regarding ownership of data, respect for
tribal sovereignty and community-driven research and evaluation activities;
• Oversee development and maintenance of PRC website; and
• Various other duties as assigned. 

Salary and Benefits -This is a salaried position that offers competitive salary and benefits (including health benefits, 401(k) plan, vacation time, etc.). Salary will be determined based on experience.

More Information - Position will be located at NCAI’s Washington DC offices and is open until filled. Initial application review will include all applications received by January 14, 2010.

Contact Information - To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, brief writing sample and the names of three references, by email (preferred) or mail to: National Congress of American Indians Attn: Nketia Agyeman 1516 P St, NW Washington, DC 20005 jobs@ncai.org

-Carolyn