Congressional Advocate for Native American Policy, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Washington, DC

[Jessie Palatucci]

Congressional Advocate for Native American Policy

A Two-Year Professional Fellowship

https://www.fcnl.org/updates/congressional-advocate-for-native-american-policy-2012

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is a Quaker lobby in the public interest that seeks to influence national policy for a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. We are seeking candidates for a 27-month advocacy fellowship in Washington D.C. American Indian and Alaska Native tribal members are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Program

For decades, FCNL’s Native American Advocacy Program has been an enduring ally to national Native American organizations and Indian communities engaged in policy advocacy. We collaborate with national advocacy offices of faith organizations and with Native American organizations to lobby Congress and the administration for investments in Indian country, policy changes to benefit Native American communities and respect for tribal sovereignty. We also provide information to Congress and the public on the rights and continuing struggles of Native peoples.

This work takes us into all of the issue areas encountered by any government: land and borders; environment, energy, and natural resources; economic development; care for the safety and well-being of tribal citizens; protection of religion and cultural rights; and investment in the future through health and education. Since 1976, FCNL’s program has advocated consistently for restorations and improvements in many areas covered by the promises made in hundreds of treaties. The treaties may be broken, but the promises were permanent. Examples of this work include:

• The Indian Child Welfare Act
• Violence Against Women Act
• Indian Health Care Improvement Act
• Native American Graves Protection Act
• Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act
• Language preservation programs
• Funding for tribally operated and BIE schools
• Protection of sacred sites

The Position

The Congressional Advocate on Native American Policy manages the Native American Advocacy program, keeping track of legislation and funding proposals that affect Native Americans, communicating with Congress about selected bills and issues, and lobbying on legislation that is important to Indian country. This position is a 27-month fellowship, with the final three months of the term overlapping with the Advocate’s successor. (See Term of Appointment below.)

Working within FCNL’s vision to “honor the promises,” and to “seek a society with equity and justice for all”, the Congressional Advocate lobbies for achievable legislative change, in accordance with FCNL legislative policies outlined in the document, The World We Seek.

The Congressional Advocate:

• Keeps current on relevant issues emerging in Indian country, in the administration and in Congress
• Analyzes bills, assesses FCNL’s position, and creates strategies to promote, improve or defeat legislation
• Lobbies congressional staff and members on strategically selected priorities
• Writes educational materials for Capitol Hill staff and for our constituents
• Engages our constituents around the country in legislative action
• Coordinates an interfaith group of national advocates on Native American affairs, and collaborates with other colleague organizations
• Presents information in meetings and conferences and publishes a monthly Legislative update on the web
• Reports as needed to FCNL staff, constituents and committees
• Integrates the work of the Native American Advocacy program with other aspects of FCNL’s advocacy

The Congressional Advocate on Native American Policy is the lead staff position for the Native American program and collaborates with communications, development and strategic advocacy staff. The Advocate reports to the Legislative Director for Domestic Policy and serves the FCNL General Committee under the leadership of the Executive Secretary.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, experience, and skills:

• Tribal experience, preferably in tribal programs, education, or governance
• An undergraduate or graduate degree or some college plus equivalent experience
• At least a year of professional work outside of the school environment
• Excellent research and writing skills, with a commitment to accuracy
• Strong outreach, networking, and partnership building skills
• Ability to connect with constituents and bring their stories to the Hill
• Experience with public speaking and event planning
• Self-reliance, resourcefulness, and the ability to take initiative
• A systematic and well-organized approach to problems, with attention to details and deadlines, and the ability to handle a wide range of tasks as needed
• An ability to collaborate with a staff team responsible for a wide range of objectives within FCNL’s work
• An appreciation of the vision that FCNL promotes in Congress and with administrative agencies
• An abiding passion for Indian issues and for public policy change
• A consultative and collegial manner, with skills in cooperative work with colleagues inside and outside of FCNL

Background

Since 1943, the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) has endeavored to bring strong values to bear on national policy. Through visits with congressional offices, research and analysis, letters, educational activities, grassroots lobbying, and publications FCNL works for social and economic justice, peace, good stewardship, and good government. FCNL is a non-partisan organization that speaks from a basis of spiritual and ethical purpose rather than political expediency.

Salary, Benefits and Term of Appointment

Salary
A beginning salary in the mid-$50,000 range depending on level of experience.

Benefits
Health insurance; disability and life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, personal days and sick leave; parental leave; transportation subsidy; and employer contributions to a retirement plan.

Term of Appointment
The Congressional Advocate on Native American Policy begins a 27-month term in the fall of each odd-numbered year (in the middle of a Congressional session) and serves through December of the next odd-numbered year. During the last two- three months of the term, a new Congressional Advocate will begin his or her term, and the now-experienced Advocate will train and orient the new staff member. This appointment will begin in September, 2019.

Work Week
The schedule of the Congressional Advocate cannot be guaranteed to be routine; the work week is variable within a 37.5 hour average per week. Travel and weekend meetings are sometimes necessary to the work. This is full time position, exempt from federal labor laws that protect workers in non-managerial positions.

To Apply:

Please send the following items to jo...@fcnl.org no later than June 1, 2019:

1. Your contact information, including Skype or Zoom name
2. An updated resume
3. Names and contact information for three references
4. Answers to the following questions (1,000 words or less)
   • Why do you want to work on Native American issues?
   • What background or experience do you bring that will help you effectively lobby on Native American policy?
   • How will you continue to engage in Native American policy after this fellowship ends?

Please include Congressional Advocate in the subject line of your submission.