Job Posting: Native American Cultural Liaison

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The Utah Division of Indian Affairs is looking for a Native American Cultural Liaison. This position would serve an estimated population of 45,000 Native Americans living in Utah’s urban areas, as well as those living on reservations throughout the State. Currently, there are eight federally recognized tribes in Utah: Ute, Ute Mountain Ute-White Mesa Community, Navajo, San Juan Southern Paiute, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Skull Valley Band of Goshute, Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, and the Northwestern Band of Shoshone. The Liaison would seek consultation with the eight Native American governments on State projects that either directly, or indirectly, affect them. Therefore, the position would serve the interests of the entire State of Utah at any given time. Principal Duties As the Native American Cultural Liaison, you will:

• Encourage and involve tribal governments to protect the State’s cultural and archeological sites for the benefit of future generations and cultural preservation, in coordination with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) programs.

• Serve as the primary contact between tribal governments and Department of Cultural & Community Engagement projects. Examples include:

  • State Flag Redesign

  • Museum of Utah (State History Museum) - including exhibition content

• Through consultation with tribal leaders, or appropriate tribal government representatives, provide input from tribes on state projects where tribal representation is needed and/or solicited.

• Attend Native American Remains Review Committee (NARRC) meetings and assist with administration of restricted account grant program in an effort to repatriate ancient human remains and associated funerary objects.

• Establish a cultural working group across divisions within the Department of Community and Cultural Engagement to ensure efforts to engage tribal communities are effective, organic, and representative. The working group will include partners from the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Utah State Library, and others. Assist this group to make inroads and build relationships with official and "unofficial" culture keepers and experts for each tribe who are recognized as authorities on cultural practices, history, and community standards.

• Conduct a minimum of one (1) visit annually to each reservation within the state, or designated place of meeting, for consultation.

• Work with tribes to elevate cultural awareness in the State of Utah.

• Pass on information regarding CCE grant and funding opportunities open to tribal governments.

• Provide additional consultation and coordination with tribes as requested by the Director of the Division of Indian Affairs and Director of the Dept of Cultural & Community Engagement.

• Assist the Division of Indian Affairs with ongoing projects, events and meetings, including in-person programming.

• Provide an annual report to the Division Director and Department Director with the results of their efforts to promote consultation with tribal governments.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal person for this position has these traits and characteristics:

• Experience in engaging and collaborating with varied community representatives. Ability to convene and moderate conversations with project stakeholders.

• Ability to collaboratively work with division and department team to ensure priorities are agreed upon and adjust workload accordingly.

• Ability to acquire a deep understanding of the goals of the Division of Indian Affairs and the State of Utah, and to carry them throughout projects and conversations.

• Possess a friendly, diplomatic nature with strong meeting facilitation skills.

• Comfortable in a deadline-driven environment.

• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Have a “Team Player” mentality.

• Maintain a positive and energetic perspective.

The Native American Cultural Liaison will report directly to the Executive Director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs.

Preferences

Preference will be given to those with significant experience working with Utah’s eight federally recognized tribal nations.

Why You Should Join Our Team

The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement isn't just another state agency. The programs we manage and the services we provide are the heart and soul of Utah. By working with local arts agencies, historical societies, volunteer organizations, libraries, museums, and other state and federal agencies, as well as the state's many indigenous and minority groups, the professionals in our department improve the lives of individuals and communities throughout Utah.

The department provides a fast paced, collaborative, and energetic work environment that supports employees in balancing work and home life. We actively encourage flexible work schedules and telecommuting options where it makes sense, as well as participation in exercise and mass transit programs. Consider joining the Cultural & Community Engagement team for a rewarding public service experience.

As a benefited employee of the Department Cultural & Community Engagement, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. Clickhere to view a summary of the benefits we offer. We also provide generous paid time off so you can spend more time with your family and have a positive work-life balance. You will work on important public policy issues to benefit state residents.

The Agency

For more information about the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement and the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, click here.

Supplemental Information

• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.

• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

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