Description
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Job Title
Tribal Court Manager
Location
Fairbanks, AK, US
Organization Name
Tribal Government \& Client Services
Job Summary
Job Summary: The Tribal Court Manager supports the regional intertribal court and rural Tribal courts by managing daily operations, scheduling and facilitating hearings, and ensuring accurate preparation and processing of court documents. The position builds Tribal court capacity through training, technical assistance, curriculum development, and onsite support to Tribal councils, judges, and clerks across TCC communities. The Manager serves as the central point of contact for Tribal court inquiries, maintains records and data systems, manages grants, tracks trends for program improvement, and organizes conferences and trainings. This role is essential in advancing Tribal sovereignty, self\-governance, and effective justice systems throughout the region. Adhere to the TCC Ch eghwtsen model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy. Essential Functions
Essential Functions: This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbent(s). Representative Duties: Under the direct supervision of Tribal Protection and Safety Director, job incumbent will:
1\. Coordinate daily operations of the regional intertribal court and assist rural tribal courts as requested, including scheduling, technical support and/or facilitating hearings, providing onsite training to build local court capacity to complete these functions.
2\. Conduct weekly pre\-hearing check\-ins with tribal courts to ensure they have required documents and orders, and post\-hearing follow\-ups to support document management and case follow\-through.
3\. Provide onboarding, orientation, and onsite training for Tribal Clerks and Judges as requested, including instruction on following tribal laws for court procedures, case management, hearing operations, documentation standards, and use of court forms to build strong local Tribal court capacity.
4\. Review, and support Tribal Clerks draft as needed, Tribal Court orders and court documents, ensuring accuracy, compliance with templates and legal requirements, timely completion and proper filing.
5\. Maintain court records and tracking processes for orders, deadlines, notices, consents, or other time\-sensitive requirements to prevent lapse. Maintain files, templates and forms, utilizing RiteTrack.
6\. Support the development and strengthening of rural tribal courts by coordinating training, technical assistance, and educational activities with TCC programs and partner organizations, and developing curriculum and training on Tribal court development and structure, forms, ICWA/CINA processes, orders, ordinances, due process, appellate procedures, and court operations. Travel to rural communities to meet with tribal councils to identify needs, create plans for strengthening courts and provide trainings.
7\. Build capacity of tribal courts through education, training and technical assistance for intergovernmental agreements, such as Civil Diversion Agreements (CDA), Criminal Rule 11(i) Agreements (CR11(i)), and Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Agreements, coordinating activities with Legal and partner agencies.
8\. Apply for, manage, and monitor grants that support Tribal courts programs, training, and technical assistance.
9\. Track, analyze, and report trends, gaps and data related to Tribal courts for program evaluation and continuous improvement.
10\. Organize the Tribal Court Conference or other trainings and conferences as requested. Proactively create forums for training and education in Fairbanks and in TCC communities to strengthen Tribal Courts.
11\. Coordinate with Legal, Tribal Social Services, other TCC programs and partner organizations, such as Alaska Native Justice Center, Alaska Court System, Office of Children Services, that provide support and services to the Tribal Courts. Other Responsibilities:
1\. Perform other job\-related duties as assigned.
2\. May supervise an administrative assistant or court clerk.
3\. All duties are carried out in accordance with the tribal laws of each Tribe and applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
1\. Bachelor s Degree in Tribal Governance or Management, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Social Work and/or related field. An equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience in Tribal, State, or Federal courts particularly involving Tribal issues may be substituted for a degree.
2\. At least three (3\) years of experience working with tribal, state or federal courts, tribal governments, court administration, child welfare, or in a related tribal or legal capacity.
3\. At least two (2\) years of drafting, reviewing or managing legal or formal documents.
4\. At least two (2\) years of experience developing and providing training and technical assistance.
5\. Demonstrated knowledge of tribal government or tribal justice systems, tribal sovereignty, Native culture, and social programs affecting Alaska Native Tribes.
6\. Willing to travel to remote communities on small planes on a regular basis.
7\. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
8\. Must pass a background check pursuant to federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements and State of Alaska background check. Knowledge, Skills \& Abilities:
1\. Knowledge of Tribal, State and Federal court systems, including familiarity with the Indian Civil Rights Act, Public Law 280, the Indian Child Welfare Act, the Indian Reorganization Act, and other Federal Indian Law, with ability to learn about additional legal decisions, regulations and statutes impacting tribal courts.
2\. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills with ability to communicate with tribal councils, community members and partner agencies.
3\. Excellent organizational, prioritization and project management skills with ability to manage multiple deadlines, track documents, and maintain records.
4\. Strong attention to detail with the ability to ensure accuracy and completeness, maintain records, and identify and correct errors promptly.
5\. Ability to work independently and as part of a multi\-disciplinary team, demonstrating self\-direction, initiative and ability to complete projects without close supervision.
6\. Excellent critical thinking skills and motivated to problem solve challenging problems.
7\. Familiarity with grant development and management.
8\. Computer skills required with proficiency using Microsoft office programs and the internet.
9\. Experience in public speaking, training, and presenting to large and small groups. Supervision: This position will supervise Tribal Court personnel. Supervision
Work Environment: The Tribal Court Manager will work out of the TCC Central Office in Fairbanks and will provide extensive on\-site service in the villages of the TCC region. The Tribal Court Manager will work closely with other entities to provide tribal court/tribal government training; this may include travel.
Physical demands: Work is generally sedentary, but at times requires moderate to extensive travel to rural areas by air and automobile. Travel by light aircraft is frequent. Sub\-zero arctic temperatures are often encountered in the winter months. Summation
Summation: This position supports Tribal sovereignty and self\-determination by strengthening Tribal court systems through training, technical assistance, and direct operational support. The role works closely with Tribal councils, Tribal courts, TCC programs, and state and federal partners to improve court operations, develop local capacity, and ensure services are delivered in alignment with Tribal, state, and federal laws. The incumbent plays a key role in enhancing justice services across TCC communities by providing guidance, coordination, and education to support effective and culturally grounded Tribal court systems.