Vice President, Intergovernmental Affairs

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians • Highland, CA

2d

About The Position

The Vice President of Intergovernmental Affairs (VPIGA) is a senior leader responsible for executing and expanding the Tribe’s intergovernmental relationship portfolio across Tribal Nations, local governments, and key industry stakeholders. This role supports the Chief Intergovernmental Affairs Officer in advancing Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s (the “Nation”) governmental, cultural, community and economic development interests through high-impact engagement, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships. The VPIGA is an internally and externally visible key strategy and policy advocate who develops and implements state, local and tribal advocacy strategies that provide proactive engagement on policy issues affecting the Nation’s governmental, cultural, community and economic interests and provides direct and indirect support to the Nations National advocacy priorities. The VPIGA is a trusted advisor and relationship architect who cultivates meaningful connections with Tribal leaders, government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry influencers. This role ensures the Nation’s voice is amplified in critical policy discussions and that its interests are protected and promoted through collaborative, forward-looking intergovernmental strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Law, or related field required.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in government affairs, Tribal relations, or public policy required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience managing functions, teams or departments within government relations, government affairs, or similar department required.
• Federal, local and state legislation and policy experience related to Indian Affairs issues is required.
• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.
• Knowledge Tribal Governance & Sovereignty: Deep understanding of Tribal government structures, sovereignty principles, and intergovernmental protocols.
• Legislative & Regulatory Processes: Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory systems, especially as they pertain to Indian Affairs, gaming, and hospitality.
• Public Policy & Advocacy: Familiarity with public policy development, lobbying strategies, and campaign finance laws at the federal, local and state levels.
• Economic Development & Industry Trends: Awareness of trends in Tribal economic development, gaming, hospitality, and land use.
• Political Landscape: Insight into key players, coalitions, and influencers across Indian Country, federal, local and state jurisdictions.
• Skills Strategic Relationship Management: Ability to build, maintain, and leverage high-value relationships across Tribal, federal, local, state and industry sectors.
• Policy Analysis & Communication: Skilled in interpreting complex policy issues and translating them into clear, actionable insights for Tribal and executive leadership.
• Public Speaking & Representation: Strong presentation and advocacy skills in public forums, hearings, and stakeholder meetings.
• Team Leadership & Development: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor staff, and foster a high-performance culture.
• Project & Program Management: Skilled in planning, executing, and evaluating strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement programs.
• Political Acumen & Diplomacy: Ability to navigate sensitive political environments with discretion, tact, and cultural competence.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in legislative tracking systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Abilities Influence & Persuasion: Capable of shaping policy conversations and influencing outcomes through strategic engagement.
• Multitasking & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple high-stakes relationships and initiatives simultaneously.
• Cultural Sensitivity & Respect: Demonstrates deep respect for Tribal traditions, values, and governance protocols.
• Crisis Response & Adaptability: Able to respond effectively to emerging issues, public health emergencies, or political shifts.
• Confidentiality & Integrity: Maintains strict confidentiality and acts with integrity in all interactions.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Works seamlessly across departments and with external partners to advance shared goals.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategy Development: Develops and implements legislative and policy strategies for local, state and tribal priorities, including strategies related to Indian Affairs issues, cultural issues and other impacting the Nation’s sovereignty. Provides direct and indirect support in the development and implementation of the Nation’s National advocacy strategy.
• Policy Advocacy: Develops and analyzes strategic advocacy programs to achieve the Nation’s legislative and policy objectives based on input from the Tribal Council, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Intergovernmental Affairs office, consultants and other San Manuel Tribal departments.
• Representation: Represent the Nation in hearings, conferences, and policy forums to ensure the YSMN’s voice is heard and interests are protected.
• Strategic Relationship Development: Cultivate and manage influential relationships with local, state and tribal governments, special districts, and key industry stakeholders to advance the Nation’s governmental, cultural, community and economic priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence: Identify and engage with policymakers, coalitions, and associations to build alliances, shape public policy, and enhance the Nation’s visibility and credibility across Indian Country and all levels of government.
• Internal Collaboration & Strategic Alignment: Partner with the Chief Intergovernmental Affairs Officer and other department leaders to align advocacy strategies, coordinate stakeholder outreach, and provide expert guidance to YSMN leadership on legislative, political and regulatory matters.
• Compliance & Political Strategy Execution: Provide guidance and direction over key relationships with political candidates, campaigns, PACs, political contributors, and fundraisers in accordance with campaign finance laws and Tribal objectives; facilitate access for Tribal leaders to key policy venues and decision-makers.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

Benefits

• As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees.
• Your commitment to San Manuel is matched by our commitment to you. We offer a Total Rewards package of monetary, benefits and development rewards to individuals who meet and exceed specific goals. These programs support our pay-for-performance philosophy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive