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Congressional Relations Director

role at

National Indian Health Board .

Pay Range $130,000.00/yr – $150,000.00/yr

As NIHB’s lead strategist and advocate with Congress, the Director will advance Tribal health priorities on Capitol Hill, manage appropriations and budget efforts, build bipartisan relationships, and ensure execution of NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Agenda in collaboration with Tribal leaders, coalitions, and partners.

The position is full‑time, exempt, based in Washington, D.C., requires approximately 25% travel, and offers a hybrid work schedule with two days per week remote.

Position Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management

Lead and manage a small team of congressional relations staff, providing mentorship, oversight, and professional development.

Ensure the team delivers high‑quality legislative analysis, testimony, and advocacy materials.

Set clear goals and priorities for staff, aligning individual and team workplans with NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Agenda.

Foster collaboration within the Policy Division and across NIHB’s departments to advance organizational objectives.

Legislative Strategy & Advocacy

Lead NIHB’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill to advance Tribal health and public health priorities.

Help develop, implement, and evaluate NIHB’s annual Legislative and Policy Agenda in close collaboration with Tribal leaders, member organizations, and staff.

Manage NIHB’s engagement in the Tribal budget formulation and appropriations process, aligning advocacy with Tribal leaders’ priorities.

Provide consistent, nonpartisan education to Congress on the federal Trust responsibility, Tribal sovereignty, and policies impacting American Indian and Alaska Native health.

Lead the drafting of congressional testimony, policy letters, comments, and briefing materials in collaboration with Tribal stakeholders.

Policy Development & Support

Facilitate the research, analysis, tracking, drafting, and editing of legislation on appropriations, and top policy priorities reflecting a variety of health and public health policy areas such as Medicaid and Medicare, behavioral health, workforce, data, and others.

Provide technical policy support for Tribal leaders during national listening sessions and consultation sessions.

Work with the Vice President, Policy and Advocacy, and other Policy leadership to provide technical support to Tribal leaders serving on federal Indian health advisory committees.

Ensure high‑quality research, drafting, and editing of advocacy materials to advance Tribal health policy priorities.

Relationship Building & Representation

Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, committees, and staff.

Represent NIHB in coalitions and alliances to elevate Tribal health issues nationally.

Engage in strategic coalition building with other national advocacy organizations in healthcare and public health.

Strengthen health systems and policy for both Direct Service and SelfGovernance Tribes.

Work closely with Tribal leaders, technical experts, and national partners to ensure their priorities are reflected in legislative advocacy.

Collaborate with NIHB’s Communications & Engagement team to provide timely policy updates, talking points, and media support on legislative matters.

Organizational Engagement

Prepare and deliver legislative briefings for NIHB’s Board of Directors, Tribal leaders, and external partners.

Secure congressional speakers for NIHB’s national conferences and represent NIHB at external events, including presenting relevant workshops.

Support NIHB’s national convenings as a representative and presenter on policy topics.

Mobilize grassroots engagement to advance NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Agenda.

Serve as an active leader within NIHB’s Policy Division, working alongside other directors and staff to advance NIHB’s overall policy, regulatory, and legislative priorities.

Requirements and Qualifications

5 to 10 years of experience on Capitol Hill (committee or personal staff), or in legislative/government affairs with a national advocacy organization.

Minimum 3 years of direct experience working with Tribal governments or Tribal organizations.

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or related field. Advanced degree (JD, MPA, MPP, MPH) preferred.

Strong understanding of health care delivery, the federal trust relationship, and the legal, policy, and political frameworks impacting the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal health systems.

Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and speechwriting.

Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor staff, manage projects, and foster collaboration within a cross‑functional policy team.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.

Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings or weekends, as legislative priorities require.

Demonstrated expertise in the federal appropriations and budget process.

Deep knowledge of federal Indian policy; expertise in Indian health policy strongly preferred.

Proven track record in bipartisan engagement and coalition building.

This position is based on a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote and on‑site work, due to the collaborative nature of the role.

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