Principal Legal Counsel and Department Manager

Company: Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
Location: Portland
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

CRITFC seeks a highly skilled attorney and strategic leader to serve as the Principal Legal Counsel and Manager of the Policy Development and Litigation Support Department (PDLSD). This department plays a pivotal role in advancing the treaty rights, tribal sovereignty, and natural resource priorities of CRITFC’s four member tribes: the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Warm Springs tribe, and the Yakama Nation. As the Manager, you will: Serve as CRITFC’s principal legal counsel on treaty rights, tribal sovereignty, environmental and natural resource law, and organizational compliance. Lead a team of attorneys and legal staff, overseeing litigation support, policy development, and intergovernmental negotiations. Build partnerships with tribal governments, federal and state agencies, and regional stakeholders to advance CRITFC’s mission and protect tribal treaty rights. Guide CRITFC’s legal and policy strategies while supporting organizational systems, risk management, and compliance efforts. Responsibilities Department Leadership and Strategic Direction Develop and implement departmental strategic plans, budgets, and performance metrics aligned with CRITFC’s mission. Mentor staff and support succession planning to build long-term departmental capacity. Plan and execute projects consistent with CRITFC goals, budgets, and strategic plans. Develop and manage the department budget. Legal Counsel and Risk Management Report on changes in laws and regulations affecting CRITFC, the tribes, tribal treaty fishing rights, and natural resources. Provide legal guidance on a wide range of matters, including tribal treaties, tribal sovereignty, natural resources, contracts, litigation, and compliance. Identify legal risks and propose strategies to mitigate them. Monitor and enforce compliance with laws and regulations applicable to CRITFC. Coordinate litigation (and other similar actions) with tribal attorneys and support member tribes in their legal proceedings. Oversee and manage CRITFC’s legal proceedings. Policy Development & Strategic Planning Collaborate with other departments and senior management to align legal strategies with CRITFC’s organizational goals. Contribute to the development and execution of the Policy department's strategic plan. Develop and implement CRITFC policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and mitigate potential risks. Keep policies updated to reflect changes in laws and regulations. Assist in integrating departmental initiatives, encouraging collaboration and innovation among program managers and staff members. Organizational Collaboration and Relationship Building Collaborate with other departments, such as HR, finance, and enforcement, to ensure legal considerations are integrated into overall business processes. Work with other departments to assess and address legal risks associated with activities. Ensure that contracts align with CRITFC policies and legal requirements. Support Finance in maintaining a centralized contract management system to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Collaborate with member tribes to align CRITFC’s legal and policy positions reflect tribal priorities and perspectives. Build strong working relationships with tribal governments, federal and state agencies, and regional partners. Qualifications Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, active bar membership in WA, OR, or ID (or ability to obtain within one year). Special consideration will be given to practice in other states accompanied by the ability to acquire a license to practice in any of the three states listed. Certificate, specialized training, and/or experience in Expertise in Indian law, tribal sovereignty, environmental and natural resource law, and federal litigation procedures. Experience working with Native American Tribes in any capacity. Minimum of 10 years’ experience as a practicing attorney. Minimum 5 years’ experience in a supervisory position. Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and communication skills. Ability to work in a dynamic environment, adapt to changing priorities, and effectively manage multiple tasks or projects concurrently. Excellent inter-personal and cross-culture communication skills. Knowledge and experience with tribal fishing treaty rights, customs, and regulations, especially those of the Warm Springs, Umatilla, Yakama, and Nez Perce tribes, is helpful. Working Conditions Requires some regional travel, particularly to CRITFC tribes’ reservations, regional cities, and the Columbia River. May include travel to Washington D.C. with CRITFC delegation. Occasional extended hours may be required to meet deadlines or respond to urgent legal matters. Eligible for hybrid telework. CRITFC offers competitive compensation and an exceptional benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(k), 12 days of vacation (to start), 13 paid holidays, and paid sick time. We provide professional development opportunities, promote from within, and have a Native hiring preference as part of our commitment to our people. As a result, you will find a work environment that supports and inspires our shared goals of protecting the natural world and the tribal cultural connection to it. Native Hiring Preference CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply. CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.

Keywords: Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Beaver Creek , Principal Legal Counsel and Department Manager, Legal , Portland, Oregon