Tribal Policy Coordinator

Many local, utility, state, and federal policies will shape the types of projects that Tribes may choose to build within and surrounding their Tribal Lands. These policies may prevent the construction of optimal projects and hinder a Tribe’s ability to exercise their energy sovereignty.  

This position will help to unlock optimal projects for Tribes and will play a key role in leveraging funding to support Tribes in exercising energy sovereignty. In addition to on-the-ground support for policy work, MTERA plans to provide an important platform to contribute to and shape national conversations on Tribal energy, in collaboration with MTERA partners. This will include directly working with State, Federal, and Tribal policy staff.  

MTERA is seeking an interested individual to lead policy-related work for MTERA Tribes, working with those Tribes to mitigate local, utility, state, and federal-level restrictions to optimal projects, as well as contributing MTERA’s voice to national conversations on Tribal energy policy. 

Please see the following document, Addressing Regulatory Challenges to Tribal Solar Development, for more context on the challenges this position will seek to address.  

This role will work collaboratively with all MTERA staff and will directly report to the Chief Operations Officer. This role involves overseeing complex policy objectives and tasks with many Tribes, managing key partnerships with external organizations, and driving sustainable energy policy solutions.  

RESPONSIBILITIES & SKILLS 

The responsibilities will include project planning, program management, project execution engagements, and will require the ability to perform the following skills: 

• Research and analyze complex policies and legislation, assessing their impact on Tribal communities and energy initiatives 
• Create and implement long-term advocacy plans that align with MTERA goals and community needs 
• Navigate changing political landscapes and adapt strategies accordingly 
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Tribal leaders, policymakers, community organizations, MTERA partners, and other stakeholders 
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the capacity to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively 
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously 
• Confident public speaker, comfortable presenting to diverse audiences, including Tribal councils and legislative bodies 
• Understanding of Tribal sovereignty, governance, cultures, and histories.  

Summary of Responsibilities: 

• Research, analyze, and develop policy recommendations to guide the development of optimal projects 
• Support individual Tribes in writing their own energy-related policies or alternative paths to exercise Tribal sovereignty to achieve energy goals  
• Support individual Tribes in conversations with utilities to ensure optimal projects can be built 
• Design and execute advocacy strategies to influence local, state, and federal energy policies and programs to ensure the interests of Midwest Tribes are represented  
• Build and maintain relationships with Tribal leaders, policymakers, regulatory agencies, and community organizations to foster collaboration and support for energy initiatives  
• Monitor relevant legislation, regulations, and initiatives at various levels of government, providing analysis and recommendations to MTERA leadership 
• Collaborate with other MTERA departments to identify funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and support fundraising efforts related to MTERA policy and advocacy initiatives 
• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to support advocacy initiatives