Tribal Partnership Program Manager & Tribal Liaison (WMS 3)

Description

Do you want to make a difference? Are you looking for an opportunity to foster relations between Washington state and tribal governments? If so, then this might be the perfect opportunity for you. The Department of Revenue's Executive Division/Tribal Partnerships Program is excited to announce an incredible opportunity as our Tribal Partnership Program Manager and Tribal Liaison. This position is a vitally important part of the Revenue team, supporting government-to-government relations with the sovereign tribal nations and relations with tribal members and businesses. As the leader of this team, your focus is on tribal legal and policy issues, tribal relations, and all current and future compacts and agreements within the department’s purview. This is a highly visible role that interacts with the tribes, tribal representatives and businesses; the agency Director and various units within Revenue; the Governor’s Office, members of the legislature, and other interested parties.

Duties

The Tribal Partnership Program Manager and Tribal Liaison leads Revenue’s vision for building strong relationships and partnerships with Washington’s tribal nations. This position serves as the agency’s strategic leader for tribal engagement, in coordination with the Director, setting a clear direction for how Revenue fulfills its government-to-government responsibilities. In this role, you guide how the agency listens, consults, and works together supporting interactions that honor tribal sovereignty and reflects a respectful government approach. You act as the agency’s primary representative in high-level consultations with tribal governments and the Governor’s Office, ensuring each engagement is purposeful, respectful, and aligned with legal and policy requirements. You serve as Revenue’s conduit on tribal tax and policy issues; helping leadership and staff navigate complex questions involving federal law, treaty rights, and state tax administration. You will provide strategic advice, relationship management, legislative and policy assistance, consultation guidance, and practice compliance oversight to ensure the agency is meeting our obligations; while recognizing tribal sovereignty and maintaining strong government-to-government relations with our federally recognized tribes in Washington state.

You manage and mentor the Tribal Partnership Program team, overseeing the development, negotiation, and implementation of state-tribal tax compacts and agreements. Through strong coordination across Revenue’s divisions, you ensure compact commitments are carried out effectively and that tribal concerns are addressed promptly and thoughtfully. Your expertise informs complex decision-making, and you support teams statewide in understanding how tax administration functions within tribal contexts.

This role is central to building long-term trust. You cultivate strong relationships with tribal governments, facilitate meaningful consultation, and help resolve sensitive cross-jurisdictional issues. By identifying risks, anticipating challenges, and keeping agency leadership informed, you ensure Revenue meets its legal obligations while advancing shared priorities and fostering interactions rooted in respect.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in tribal tax law, federal tribal law, tribal/state compacting, or related policy areas.
• Demonstrated experience in government-to-government relations with tribal nations.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong policy analysis and strategic advisory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to make high-level decisions and delegate effectively.
• Proven ability to work across agencies and jurisdictions.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow. 
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. 
• Uses an equitable & inclusive approach. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social work, human services, education, public policy, Native American or Indigenous Studies, or a closely related field; OR Advanced degree in law, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Five years of experience in tribal tax law, federal Indian law, or related policy areas.
• Experience leading complex negotiations, preferably involving tribal governments.
• Experience identifying program risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Competence supervising and developing professional staff.
• Exceptional administrative skills.
• Exceptional communication skills, especially in sensitive or high-stakes settings.
• Experience in state, local, and federal tax.

Supplemental Information

My name is Chuck, and I am here to assist you with this amazing opportunity. As a retired veteran and career state employee, I understand how important it is to find meaningful work, in an organization with strong values, a good culture, attractive benefits, and with a great work & life balance.  We have all of this at Revenue.  Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions that you may have or with any help you may need. My email is chuckj@dor.wa.gov, or if you prefer, you may contact me by phone at (360) 704-5737.
  
To take advantage of Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22.Please black out your social security number and date of birth before attaching.
  
The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses.  We encourage you to apply.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.