Tribal Relations Manager

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Knowledge Skill or AbilityPossesses a strong connection to AI/AN identity.

• Extensive knowledge of the commonalities differences and cultures of each of Montanas 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:

  • Bachelors degree in public health public policy public administration Native American studies or related field.

  • Five years of personal experience and interaction working directly with tribal government leaders.

  • Knowledge and experience working with federal public health and human service programs.

  • An understanding of 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 andleading/facilitating major projects.

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

  • Preferred:

  • Masters degree in public health public policy public administration Native American studies or related field.

  • Experience working specifically with Montana tribal leaders.

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 teleworkwithin the state of 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.

Thisposition operates within an Indian Reservation. Per MCAapplicants 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.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants. The first screening of candidates will take place on October 31st 2025.

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at .

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Directors Office.

The Tribal Relations Manager (TRM) serves as the DPHHS strategic lead for formal consultations engagements and relationships with Montanas eight federally recognized Tribal Governments five Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) the Indian Health Service (IHS) and other American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) stakeholders. The TRM is the departments expert on tribal relations providing insights and recommendations to the Director and executive leaders on tribal sovereignty federal Indian law and policy implications of state position supervises the American Indian Health Director (AIHD) and oversees the work of the AIHD and theOffice of American Indian Health(OAIH) ensuring that health and human service initiatives align with state-tribal partnership TRM reports to the DPHHS Director and working onsite at DPHHS Headquarters in Helena.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health safety well-being and empower independence. By joining our department you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montanas comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage retirement plans paid vacation sick leave and holidays work/life balance and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) addition DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.