Apply Now: Tribal Engagement Coordinator

Jul 31, 2025

Position Title: Tribal Engagement Coordinator
Organization: Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO)
Location: Remote, with occasional travel in the Mid-Atlantic and potentially Northeast regions
Reports To: Executive Director, MARCO
Hours per week: 30-40 (dependent on candidate availability)
Contract value: $65,000 – $85,000 annually (commensurate with experience and hours)

Note: Contractor will provide necessary work equipment (e.g., laptop, software, phone) for this remote position

Position Overview

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) seeks a dedicated and collaborative Tribal Engagement Coordinator to strengthen and sustain engagement between MARCO and federally and state-recognized Tribes with interests in ocean and coastal issues across the Mid-Atlantic region. This position supports both formal and informal dialogue through the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Partnership Tribal Caucus and other venues, and serves as a key liaison to Tribal partners in regional ocean planning and data coordination.

The successful candidate will be a thoughtful communicator and skilled coordinator who respects Tribal sovereignty and promotes inclusive participation in MARCO’s regional initiatives, including but not limited to the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee, topic-specific working groups, and other collaborative committees. This position also manages all aspects of MARCO’s support for the NOAA Tribal Community of Practice.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Tribal Coordination and Relationship Building
  • Facilitate regular communication and collaboration with Tribal Nations in the Mid-Atlantic region, both collectively through the Mid-Atlantic ROP Tribal Caucus and individually with Tribal representatives and staff.
  • Serve as a liaison between MARCO and Tribal Nations, ensuring information sharing and meaningful participation in regional ocean and coastal initiatives.
  • Coordinate with the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee Tribal co-chair to ensure alignment with broader Tribal priorities.
  • Coordinate with other regions, including but not limited to the Northeast Regional Ocean Council, as appropriate.
  1. Mid-Atlantic ROP Tribal Caucus Support
  • Coordinate all logistics associated with the Mid-Atlantic ROP Tribal Caucus, including:
    • Scheduling and organizing regular virtual and in-person meetings.
    • Developing agendas in collaboration with Tribal and MARCO leadership.
    • Preparing and distributing materials in advance of meetings.
    • Ensuring follow-up actions are tracked and completed.
    • Maintaining an up-to-date roster of Caucus participants.
    • Providing timely communications and updates to Caucus members between meetings.
  • Brief the MARCO Executive Director regularly on key Tribal engagement developments and Caucus outcomes.
  1. Data Portal Engagement
  • Introduce Tribal representatives to the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal, including demonstrations of its core features and potential applications.
  • Coordinate follow-up training sessions, in collaboration with the Portal Manager, to support deeper Tribal engagement.
  • Facilitate discussions to identify opportunities for the development of Tribal-specific data layers within the Portal, including considerations for data sharing and sovereignty.
  • Serve as a liaison between Tribal communities and the Portal team to ensure culturally relevant and collaborative integration of data and perspectives.
  1. Mid-Atlantic Coastal Resilience Initiative
  • The incumbent will provide staff support to Mid-Atlantic Coastal Hazard and Resilience efforts, including:
    • Ensuring that Tribes, subject-matter experts, states, and federal agencies are adequately represented.
    • Work toward adequate Tribal representation in this and related regional resilience efforts.
    • Support the planning and coordination of meetings.

Qualifications

Required:

  • At least 3 years of demonstrated experience working respectfully and effectively with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, including active participation or coordination of advisory boards or intergovernmental Tribal collaboration
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Experience with meeting facilitation and logistical coordination.
  • Familiarity with Tribal sovereignty, government-to-government principles, and Indigenous rights.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain discretion in communications.
  • Proficiency with virtual collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office).

Preferred:

  • Experience with coastal and ocean issues including coastal hazards, fishery management, or natural resource management.
  • Knowledge of the relationships between Mid-Atlantic state governments and Tribal Nations.
  • Familiarity with the Mid-Atlantic region and/or Tribal Nations located within the MARCO member states (VA, MD, DE, NJ, NY).
  • Understanding of regional ocean partnerships or intergovernmental coordination efforts.

To Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Avalon Bristow, MARCO Executive Director, at info@midatlanticocean.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates identifying as Native American or Indigenous are especially encouraged to apply.

 

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