Working Title: Director of Tribal Relations - State Prog Admin Manager Prin

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Principal

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

- Job ID: 96774
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes (up to 50%)
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 09/02/2026
- Closing Date: 09/22/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DeptChildYth&Fam-Managerial;
- Division/Unit: DCY - Payroll / DCYF Commissioner's Staff
- Work Shift/Work Hours: 8am-4pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes (20%) Travel regularly to meetings and travel to remote Tribal locations
- Salary Range: $50.04 - $71.75 / hourly; $104,483 - $149,814 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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 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.

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 Experience Providing Tribal Relations, Tribal Government Affairs, Intergovernmental Relations, Public Policy, Government Affairs, Consultation.

Combined With

Three (3) Years Of Leadership Or Supervisory Experience, Including Experience Leading Cross-functional Or Cross-agency Teams Or Initiatives.

Experience Must Include

- Working directly with Tribal governments, Tribal Nations, or Tribal communities and demonstrating knowledge and respect for Native American values,



cultures, traditions, and Tribal sovereignty.
- Providing strategic advice and consultation to executive leadership, elected officials, or senior government leaders on Tribal, policy, legislative, or intergovernmental matters.
- Developing, coordinating, or implementing Tribal consultation, engagement, outreach, or government to government relations strategies.
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with Tribal governments and diverse internal and external stakeholders, including the ability to mediate, negotiate, build consensus, and resolve complex issues.
- Analyzing and interpreting federal, state, Tribal, or other governmental laws, policies, regulations, or agreements affecting Tribal Nations or Native American communities.
- Leading or coordinating complex, high visibility initiatives, programs, committees, task forces, advisory groups, or cross government projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Providing leadership, direction, or supervision to staff, programs, or organizational initiatives, including responsibility for strategic planning, resource allocation, budgeting, or program administration.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex and politically sensitive information effectively through oral and written communication, presentations, briefings, and meetings with executive leaders, Tribal leaders, government officials, and community partners.
- 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)
- Driver’s License Check
- Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
- Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

How To Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at (phone hidden) or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Tonika Shobe at [email protected] or (phone hidden).

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at (phone hidden) or DCYF ADA at [email protected]. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#,



the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Tonika Shobe at [email protected].

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and skilled growth

Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children

- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals
- Training, classes, and professional development
Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at (phone hidden) or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.

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