Closing Date: Open until filled.

Position works to forward the culture, goals and aspirations of the Commission and its member tribes to the broader public through media and outreach activities. The position will write press releases, news stories, website and social media posts, and other creative writing to share the work, priorities, and aspirations of CRITFC and its member tribes. The potential of performing some job duties via telework, particularly from or near the CRITFC member tribes’ reservations and ceded lands, could be considered.

The position also executes CRITFC’s media strategy, occasionally serves as a CRITFC spokesperson, and is a liaison between CRITFC and national, regional, local, and tribal press. The position works closely with Commissioners, CRITFC staff and tribal staff to ensure that the programs’ outreach needs are met and the Commission’s goals are accomplished.

The position will require regular interaction with the public, representation of CRITFC to groups and audiences, and being called upon to speak extemporaneously on a variety of topics relating to CRITFC and its member tribes’ work. Tribal preference will be followed, with the ideal candidate possessing a broad knowledge of fisheries or natural resource, Columbia Plateau tribal culture, and Native American issues in general.

Position Details

Department: Office of Executive Director

Classification: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Salary/Wage Range: $65,137 to $71,651 DOQ

Location: Portland, Oregon

Responsibilities

• Inform the general public and tribal public of CRITFC’s issues and programs using a variety of communication tools and approaches.
• Responsible for fielding media inquiries, coordinating interviews and media events, and developing strong relationships with the region’s newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and tribal newspapers.
• Stay up to date on technical, tribal, and political issues facing the Commission in order to respond in a timely manner to media inquiries. Research information on topics of immediate interest to internal and external audiences. Meet the needs of reporters for high-level technical data.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of news outlets and key environmental reporters covering salmon-, environmental-, and Native-related issues.
• Coordinate with tribal staff and agencies to promote CRITFC and tribal programs. Work closely with tribal and CRITFC managers to keep abreast of potential newsworthy stories, events, or developments that can be pitched to media outlets.
• Develop and write talking points, press releases, articles, web and social media content, one-pagers, and other materials needed to convey CRITFC’s messages to the public.
• Participate in the Communications Division’s resource pool, which includes:
  • Handle inquiries received from the tribes, tribal members, and the general public.
  • Conduct or coordinate external outreach activities at schools, festivals, and other public events.
  • Curate news items pertinent to the interests of the member tribes into a daily morning newsletter briefing (Morning News e-newsletter).
  • Assist with other CRITFC departments’ communications needs which may include graphic design, writing support, photography, event coordination, and presentation design and development.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree is required and a minimum of five years’ experience in a public relations, public affairs, communications, or journalism field.
• Energetic, confident, and polished communicator with exceptional written and oral communication skills, public speaking, and outreach experience.
• The candidate can make decisions independently and multi-task in a team environment.
• Candidate must have a high level of proficiency with word processing and editing written materials.
• Experience with natural resource management, especially Columbia Basin salmon issues.
• Experience working with Indian tribes and tribal governments.
• A valid driver’s license and insurable driving record is required.

In addition, preferred qualifications include:

• Knowledge of Columbia Plateau tribal culture, and Native American issues in general.

Supervision

Supervision Received: Supervised by the Communications Director

Supervision Given: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Working Conditions

Position may often require extra hours to meet deadlines and participate in outreach activities, including some evenings and weekends. Some lifting and carrying of displays and outreach material is required. Frequent travel, primarily by automobile, both local and regional, is required. Occasionally this position conducts or participates in tours to field locations, including hydroelectric dams, and may also occasionally ride in a boat.

COVID-19

CRITFC requires all new employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first day of employment, and as a condition of that employment.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

This job regularly requires driving a CRITFC vehicle or your own vehicle for business (mileage compensated), and therefore you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Suspension or revoked license
• No more than two at-fault accidents
• No more than one major violation or two minor violations

Application Procedure

CRITFC requires all new employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first day of employment, and as a condition of that employment.

Application Form

Note: In addition to the application materials described below, please submit three writing samples that reflect creative ability, attention to detail, or skill expressing thoughts and ideas in writing. These can include articles, press releases, brochures or flyers, or other writing that are representative of applicant’s abilities. Additionally, since the position also involves social media work, examples of posts that reflect the applicant’s skill and instinct for creating engaging social media content would be appreciated.