General Counsel

Description

AVCP is the largest tribal non-profit organization in Alaska, serving its fifty-six (56), federally recognized Tribes 011 the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in Southwestern Alaska. AVCP is based in Bethel, Alaska, a town of about 7,000 people that is not connected by road to the rest of Alaska and where travel is by air, boat or snowmobile. The tribes of the AVCP region (primarily Yup'ik) are located within a geographical area approximately the size of the State of Washington, whose members continue to practice a centuries old hunting, fishing and gathering way of life. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The General Counsel will act as the chief legal officer for AVCP and will report directly to the AVCP President. This position will be accountable for managing both in-house and outside legal counsel; oversee the activities of the Tribal Justice Department; oversee the legal issues of the organization, including litigation; participate in legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives both statewide and nationally; provide advocacy representation and assistance to AVCP's member Tribes on issues such as tribal sovereignty, self-governance, natural resource law, including subsistence rights under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; provide advice on tribal justice matters, and protection of civil rights and liberties. This position interacts frequently with the Board of Directors, advising on corporate governance matters. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. 
• License to practice law in the State of Alaska or ability to pass the Alaska Bar Exam within one year from the date of hire. 
• Minimum of ten (10) years of demonstrated work with basic principles of Indian law, including tribal sovereignty, civil and criminal jurisdiction, state and federal legislative initiatives, and tribal/state/federal intergovernmental relations. 
• Minimum of five (5) years as in-house counsel with responsibilities that include corporate, employment, litigation and regulatory matters preferred but not required. 
• Demonstrated ability to deal successfully with complex issues and a broad array of stakeholders, including Tribal, state and federal leaders. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and analytical and reasoning skills, 
• Excellent interpersonal and people management skills, an effective team player with the ability to work with others and to coordinate complex projects. 

Native preference for hiring in accordance with Pl. 93-638. All other applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or any other non-merit factor. AVCP is an equal opportunity employer.