Associate Director of Policy, Research and Tribal Governance

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Closing Date:

12/18/2025

Type of Position:

Researchers and Scientists

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas Fayetteville

Founded in 1871 the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nations top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills fostering a welcoming climate and nurturing creativity discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nations strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health dental life and disability insurance tuition waivers for employees and their families 12 official holidays immediate leave accrual and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations OEOC University of Arkansas () : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department:

Policy Director IFAI

Departments Website:

of Job Duties: The University of Arkansas Associate Director of Policy Research and Tribal Governance for Indigenous Food and Agriculture Program is a member of the IFAI Team. The position is responsible for participating in developing executing and maintaining a comprehensive policy analysis and Tribal Governance strategy for the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative located within the School of Law. Strategies will also include activities to increase the visibility and profile of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative major national initiatives. The Associate Director of Policy Research and Tribal Governance will be working directly with Tribal governments on matters of governance and economic development Tribal colleges and inter-tribal organizations as well as the partners to the Initiative in the execution of the Initiative programs. This position reports to and is evaluated by the Director of the Policy Research and Tribal Governance and works in collaboration with colleagues throughout the campus. The Associate Director of Policy Research and Tribal Governance is also responsible for day to day leadership and management of the Policy Team including but not limited to the Policy Liaison and the Policy Assistant.

Additionally the Associate Director of Policy Research and Tribal Governance will assist in the management of systems to track information about key issues of policy regulation and rule-making. This position also will assist in research monitoring analysis and response to policy issues that affect Tribes and Tribal organizations/stakeholder groups at the direction of the Director of Policy Research and Tribal Governance. This position may be required to travel long distances by air or vehicle on behalf of for various events.

Regular reliable and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty as is the ability to create and maintain collegial harmonious working relationships with others. This position is eligible for remote work.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree from an accredited institution of higher education or international equivalent

• At least two years of government policy experience

• At least two years of experience working with Tribal policy

• Technical assistance experience with Native American populations

• Exposure to agriculture and agriculture related policy proposals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school or international law degree

• At least five years of government policy experience
  Previous experience providing policy interface between American Indian Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian governments and communities on complex issues related to agriculture and food rural economic development business development and related areas central to the sustainable economic development
  

• Willingness to work as part of a complex team of professionals on issues related to supporting of Native farmers and ranchers

• Experience in assisting with Native American organizations tribal governments and inter-tribal organizations and providing tribal governments with advice on complex issues

Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• At least five years of experience working with Tribal policy

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding and demonstrated experience working with topical issues and policy issues affecting Native populations

• Working knowledge of MS Office applications including Word Excel and Outlook

• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to identify and evaluate problems as well as devise effective solutions with minimal supervision

• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to set priorities meet deadlines and manage workload

• Demonstrated ability to handle complex legal and policy matters interface with the public on complex matters and seek answers and solutions to complex matters.

• Demonstrated ability to utilize critical thinking skills to find solutions to complex policy issues facing Native communities

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues

• Ability to speak effectively one-on-one in small groups or in large groups

Additional Information:

This position is renewable annually based on continued need for the position availability of funding and satisfactory job performance.

Salary Information:

$100000 - $110000

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application List of three Professional References (name email business title) Resume

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:

Brenton Jones Senior Director of Administration or 479.575.3227

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check Motor Vehicle Reports Check Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions there may also be a financial (credit) background check a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract develop and retain high quality faculty staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law including age race color national origin disability religion protected veteran status military service genetic information sex sexual orientation or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex may be sent to the Universitys Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Driving Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Required Experience:

Director