Tribal and Local Government Liaison Fellow

This position is part of the NOAA Coastal Resilience Fellowship Program, supporting the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC) projects. The fellow will support the project: Advancing Regional Climate Resilience for Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Region.

Host Organization: Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC)
Location of Position: Duluth, Minnesota
Duration of Position: Two years
Annual Salary: $42,000
Benefits: Medical insurance, 11 paid federal holidays per year, 15 paid personal days per year, professional development training, travel funding, relocation allowance

Work Environment: The fellow can work a hybrid schedule, and the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission is flexible based on the fellow’s preferences. The fellow will be provided with a workspace at the commission’s offices in Duluth and necessary office technology.

Fellowship Position Description: 

The fellow will serve as a key liaison between Tribal governments, local units of government, and the Climate Resilience planning team. Specific responsibilities include:

• Building and nurturing relationships with Tribal and local government stakeholders within the project area
• Identifying and documenting community needs, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration
• Leading or collaborating with the planning team to ensure that community insights are integrated into the broader regional climate resilience plan
• Assisting the climate resilience planner with aligning community needs with project goals
• Managing and tracking project progress with a focus on detail-oriented project management.
• Coordinating with a fellow based out of the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) to assist in the creation and curation of an online resource website for the project and community presentations
• Developing a Tribal consultation framework report

Anticipated Travel: 

The fellow is expected to travel to meetings and gatherings within the region throughout their fellowship. Each year will include an estimated 20 individual day trips, averaging 200 miles round trip, including mileage ($0.67/mile) and one extended day per diem ($66.00) for a total estimated per-trip cost of $200. This travel allowance amounts to $4,000 per year or $8,000 over the two-year fellowship. The fellow will have access to an agency vehicle provided they can meet agency requirements and a motor vehicle check.

Desired Qualifications:

• Completed undergraduate degree (master’s degree or PhD candidate preferred) in environmental planning, environmental policy, public policy, or a related field preferred
• Knowledge of or a strong desire to learn about the region, its communities, and Tribal nations
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Proficient in public speaking and effective written and oral communication
• Experience working with diverse groups of people
• Skilled in meeting facilitation, both online and in-person
• Experience with local government operations (Tribal, municipal, and county)
• Ability to engage with communities in a respectful and adaptable manner
• Prior experience in developing toolkits or similar resources
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders

Fellow Mentoring:

• Josh Bergstad, lead and principal planner, Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. Josh is the senior manager for the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.
• Karol Dalen, support, sustainability coordinator, St. Louis County
• Jason Hollinday, support, planning director, Fond du Lac Reservation
• Lynelle Hanson, support, senior planner, Arrowhead Regional Development Commission

To apply, please upload the following materials in one PDF file:

• Resume (two-page limit)
• Statement of interest, where the candidate describes what they hope to gain from the fellowship experience and what they can contribute. Candidates should also highlight any connections to or special interests in the region, including Indigenous or local knowledge and relevant life experiences (500-word limit)
• Unofficial academic transcripts to show coursework (or joint services transcript for veterans)
• Two professional or academic references (names and contact information)