Civic Engagement Coordinator

Core Purpose of Role

The Civic Engagement Coordinator will coordinate and support the Alaska Native Policy Center’s (ANPC) initiatives, focusing on policy analysis, advocacy, and community engagement. This position requires a deep understanding of Alaska Native issues, strong organizational skills, and the ability to navigate policy landscapes effectively. The core purpose of the Civic Engagement Coordinator is to support initiatives that champion the rights, interests, and prosperity of Alaska Native communities. Serving as a dependable ally and facilitator, the position works to organize policy projects, manage department budgets/resources, and engage stakeholders across various policy center issues and topics. The position is part of ANPC’s team, which supports Alaska Native leaders and advocates in navigating complex policy landscapes, amplifying community voices, and helping leaders create effective policy. The position works on behalf of Alaska Native communities by providing essential support needed to advance regional and village priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in Policy Project Management: Provide support in coordinating and tracking policy-related projects and initiatives within the Alaska Native Policy Center, including organizing meetings, tracking progress towards policy goals, maintaining project documentation, and tracking project timelines. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop strategies, set goals, and track progress towards policy objectives.
• Policy Analysis and Research: Conduct research and analysis on policy issues affecting Alaska Native communities, including legislation, regulations, and administrative actions as needed. Synthesize complex information into accessible formats and provide timely updates to inform advocacy strategies and decision-making processes.
• Advocacy: Work with the team to implement civic engagement outreach activities to raise awareness of key elections, policy issues, and mobilize community action. Assist with facilitating meetings, workshops, and public forums to engage community members, share information, and facilitate conversation on civic engagement & policy solutions.
• Outreach and Engagement: Support outreach and engagement efforts with Alaska Native communities and organizations, tribal organizations, Native corporations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to gather input, build partnerships, and mobilize support for policy priorities. Assist in the coordination of meetings, events, and communications to foster collaboration and partnership.
• Event & Travel Coordination: Assist in planning and coordinating events, workshops, and forums related to policy advocacy and community engagement, including venue selection, logistical arrangements, drafting invitations, agenda development, and on-site support. When needed, assist in coordinating travel logistics for team members and community members attending events and meetings, including booking flights, arranging accommodations, and coordinating ground transportation.
• Research and Analysis Support: Collaborate with Indigenous Knowledge Researcher to conduct research and analysis as needed on policy issues affecting Alaska Native communities, gathering data, and summarizing findings to support policy development and advocacy efforts.
• Documentation and Reporting: Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and briefing materials, summarizing policy research, project updates, and advocacy activities to communicate progress and outcomes effectively.
• Support the team in hosting the annual Elders & Youth (E&Y) Conference and other all-hands on-deck events as needed.
• Assist E&Y participants in the submission and adoption process of E&Y resolutions.
• Other duties assigned or necessary to support and sustain success for ANPC and FAI.

Education / Work Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public policy, political science, Indigenous/Alaska Native studies, rural development, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience and skills may be substituted for the degree and other 
  requirements as deemed appropriate by FAI to fulfill the requirements of this role.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in public policy, law, or a related field or experience.
• Previous experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or community organizing, preferably in a nonprofit or governmental setting.
• Experience working on Alaska Native policy issues and conducting policy analysis within Alaska Native communities.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and tribal policy landscapes and legislative processes.
• Familiarity with advocacy tools and strategies, including legislative tracking and grassroots organizing techniques.
• Understanding of Alaska Native cultures, histories, and contemporary issues, with a commitment to social justice and Indigenous rights.

General Performance Capacities

• Excellent written, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform varied tasks with strong follow-through, effectively multitask, and prioritize;
• Flexibility to travel occasionally and work evenings or weekends as needed.
• Demonstrated initiative to work both independently and collectively within the work Civic Engagement Coordinator space;
• Perform miscellaneous office duties in a professional and proficient manner, including typing, filing, copying, and collating and distributing materials, etc.;
• Be proactive in setting goals and deadlines to achieve efficiency in work and service support;
• Make our approach to projects relevant to constituents and find ways to incorporate Indigenous values and ways of being into all aspects of our work;
• Exhibits excellent judgment and positive attitude in all aspects of this role, is tactful, ethical, and trustworthy;
• Comfortable with trying new approaches and flexible with organizational needs;
• Strong knowledge, appreciation, experience, and commitment to working with and for Alaska Native people and statewide Native organizations;
• Willing to engage in personal intergenerational healing as it directly impacts the ability to be prepared for and do the work this role requires;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and respond quickly to emerging opportunities with flexibility and good humor;
• Open to humbly receiving direction, incorporating feedback, and working well under pressure; and,
• Ability to facilitate and host training and discussions on civic engagement.
  
  

Equipment needs

• All FAI staff must have reliable access to a personal cell phone, internet, and a valid state driver's license.
  

How to Apply:

Our application requirements are as follows and constitute a complete* application:

• Letter of Interest
• Current Resume
• Contact Information for 3 professional references
• Relevant work sample of your writing
• Additional information may be requested during the interview process

*Incomplete application packets will not be considered. 

Applications accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

First Alaskans Institute is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of Alaska Native descent and other underrepresented groups

FAI is a dynamic organization changing as needed to address its goals. This description is representative of duties at a moment in time and is intended as a “living document” updated periodically to reflect changes in job responsibilities and/or emphasis. It is not implied to be an employment contract but is a method of communication to explain responsibilities,  advertise the job, and identify performance measures and potential training needs.