Tribal Member Communications Coordinator

POSITION TITLE: Tribal Member Communications Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: Communications
LOCATION: Longview, WA / Hybrid
REPORTS TO: Communications and Public Relations Director
STATUS: Hourly, fulltime
WAGE RANGE: $29.90 - 34.35 per hour DOE

Closing date: Open Until Filled, first candidate review: 9/28/26

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

The Tribal Member Communications Coordinator serves as a key member of the Communications team and supports the coordination, development, and distribution of member-facing communications for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe under the direction of the Communications and Public Relations Director. This role assists with gathering information, drafting content, coordinating timelines, and supporting the execution of approved communication strategies and materials for Tribal members. The incumbent maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers, and honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of CIT.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

- Supports the coordination, development and distribution of member communications by working with Tribal staff and leadership to gather and share information with Tribal membership.

- Coordinates with Tribal departments and programs to maintain current and accurate information for member communications, including program updates, deadlines, events, resources, and announcements.

- Gathers content, consolidates, edits, and provides clean copy for the Tribal newsletter, member emails, member portal, and other member-facing materials.

- Assists in drafting member-facing communication materials and supporting approved communication efforts that engage Tribal members of all ages, including youth, adults, and elders, regardless of location.

- Provides feedback and observations regarding member communication needs and opportunities for improvement to support departmental planning and decision-making.

- Assists in adapting content across platforms, including print and e-newsletters, brochures, and digital content.

- Supports consistency and accuracy of information and resources across all member-facing platforms, including newsletters, website content, social media, and other communications, through content review and coordination.

- Collaborates and coordinates with the Communication Design Specialist and Communication Content Specialist to develop member-facing communications that align with Tribal priorities, communication goals, and brand standards.

- Coordinates timelines and content collection for recurring communications such as the weekly newsletter and other regular member outreach.

- Maintains positive and collaborative working relationships with Tribal departments, leadership, and staff.

- Assists the Communications and Public Relations Director with implementation of the Tribes communication plan across departments and programs.

- Performs communications-related duties under the direction and approval of the Communications and Public Relations Director and in alignment with Tribal communication priorities and established processes.

- Assists with Tribal member event-related planning and communications as needed.

- Assists in identifying communication process improvements and policy needs for departmental review.

- Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.

- Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Knowledge of Tribal government structure, customs, and traditions.

- Knowledge and an understanding of the diversity of the local American Indian population.

- Knowledge of email marketing best practices, including content development, formatting, and audience engagement.

- Strong skill in attention to detail in writing, editing, and content accuracy.

- Skill in using communication and design tools, including email platforms and basic graphic design software.

- Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet and database software programs in a Windows environment.

- Exceptional skill in written and verbal communications.

- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships across departments, leadership, and Tribal members.

- Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.

- Ability to work various schedules and extended hours.

- Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.

- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing for a variety of audiences.

- Ability to organize and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.

- Ability to gather a high volume of information from multiple sources and translate it into clear, member-friendly content.

- Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.

- Ability to exercise sound judgment within established procedures and seek guidance when appropriate.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

- High school diploma or equivalent.

- Associates degree in a communications-related field, public or business administration, or similar field preferred, but not required.

- Two (2) years of experience in communications, content creation, internal communications, or a related field.

- Experience working in Indian Country preferred.

- Experience working in tribal organizations preferred.

- Experience developing newsletters, digital content, or other written materials.

- Event coordination experience preferred.

- A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

- Valid drivers license required when driving for work-related purposes.

- Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CITs established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

- Pre-employment drug screen.

- Reference checks, education, and employment verification.

- Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.

- Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office or outdoor setting with a moderate noise level. Exposure to natural weather conditions and dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens may occur while performing outdoor duties. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. May come in contact with hostile, violent, or offensive individuals. Overnight travel, evening and/or weekend work is occasionally required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.