About Us 

In the Chinook trade language, elakha is the word for sea otter (Enhydra lutris), which were once plentiful along the rim of the North Pacific Ocean. The Elakha Alliance, an Oregon non-profit organization, is leading an effort to return sea otters to the coastal ecosystems of Oregon and restore their connection to the culture of coastal Indian people. The Elakha Alliance was formed by individuals with a shared belief in a powerful vision: an Oregon coast 50 years from now where our children and grandchildren co-exist along with a thriving sea otter population and a robust marine ecosystem. 

You can read more about the Alliance at: www.elakhaalliance.org  

About this Position 

The Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians has received a 3-year $1.56 million America Ecosystems Restoration Initiative (AERI) grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation to work with Partners to develop a tribally-led sea otter reintroduction plan. The Siletz Tribe is contracting with the Elakha Alliance to project manage the grant.  

The primary responsibility of this new position will be to lead the Elakha Alliance’s responsibilities for project management of the AERI grant.  

Secondary responsibilities will include work on selected Elakha-specific science and policy projects not encompassed within the AERI grant.   

Depending on the location of the person hired, additional responsibilities may include a limited role participating in Elakha outreach activities and/or work to secure grants/funding to augment the work under the grant. 

Note: This job is expected to last the 3 years of the grant (through the end of 2028).  Continuation of the role after 3 years will depend on future grants and/or an evolution of the role towards a hoped-for implementation phase of sea otter reintroduction.  

Description of Duties

Grant Project Management (75% of focus) (note: the precise deliverables may evolve in years 2 and 3 of the grant)

• Schedule, prepare agenda and materials for, facilitate, and generate notes from meetings of the Project Partners, including monthly Steering Committee meetings and any ad hoc meetings that prove necessary.
• Schedule, coordinate/manage logistics for, prepare the agenda and materials for, and generate notes from the in-person Project Kickoff meeting with Project Partners and other invited participants.  (An outside facilitator will be contracted for these annual meetings). 
• Develop project management framework (work plan) which includes grant activities/ tasks and timelines with the ability to track progress on deliverables/ outcomes.
• Help with development and oversee implementation of Tribal partner-led outreach to other regional tribes, including the process for providing mini-grants to non-Partner tribes for their participation in annual or other meetings.
• Track progress of work by Tribal partners to fill cultural and traditional ecological knowledge gaps and ensure that work is incorporated in the reintroduction plan. 
• Oversee Project Partner development of a northern California outreach and engagement strategy and implementation of that strategy. 
• Manage process for creating a region-wide coordinated plan document, including selecting, overseeing, and receiving progress reports from additional contractors for socioeconomic assessments, site assessments, and reintroduction planning. 
• Develop a strong, working knowledge of the regional sea otter reintroduction model and interface with the model’s developers  (Dr. Tim Tinker of NyHydra Ecological and the Monterey Bay Aquarium).  Alongside other Elakha staff, work to make sure the model is up-to-date and can be utilized effectively for the planning process.
• Prepare and submit  monthly invoices to the  Siletz Tribe for the Elakha Alliance’s work under the grant. 
• Work closely with the Siletz Tribe to ensure the Tribe has the information necessary to fulfill its reporting responsibilities to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation.   

Science, Policy, & Outreach (20% of time)

• Under direction from the Executive Director, assist and/or lead with the selection and oversight of additional science and/or policy contractors for Elakha-specific work that is outside the AERI grant.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and staff planning retreats. 
• As requested by the Executive Director, participate in meetings with state and federal agency staff to keep them apprised of the planning process and invite their input/participation where appropriate.
• Prepare quarterly progress reports of activities for and participate in quarterly Elakha Alliance Board meetings.
• Meet regularly (weekly or as needed) with the Executive Director to review current work tasks, assess progress, and identify priorities for upcoming work. 

Miscellaneous (5% of focus) 

• When and where appropriate, participate in Elakha outreach activities and fundraising events.
• If appropriate, assist the Executive Director with pursuit of future grants to augment the AERI grant. 
• Other miscellaneous organizational tasks as assigned. 

Required Qualifications & Desired Attributes 

We are seeking applicants who are committed to furthering the mission of the Elakha Alliance and working as part of a team and with partners in doing so. This position is focused on managing a large-scale grant with multiple partners and contractors. Applicants must be comfortable communicating externally with individuals and groups as well as within the Elakha Alliance. Applicants should demonstrate in a cover letter and resume how their experience, education, and/or training address the required qualifications and desired attributes for the position. 

Required Qualifications:: 

• Demonstrated experience managing grants and/or contracts.  
• Demonstrated experience working on natural resource related issues or activities.
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter who is comfortable working with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to plan, manage, complete, and be accountable for a range of work responsibilities. 
• Ability to write and speak clearly and effectively. 
• Ability to communicate with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, in formal and informal settings. 
• Ability to build and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders. 
• Experience engaging with or directly working for Tribal entities.

Desired Attributes: 

• Adaptability; able to respond positively to opportunities, changing circumstances, and the evolving needs of the organization. 
• Experience or familiarity with the social, political, geographic complexities of the Oregon’s coast, particularly around issues of natural resources use, management, and restoration. 
• Capability and interest in learning and communicating about scientific topics relevant to the Elakha Alliance’s work. 
• Past work on ocean/marine-focused natural resources issues. 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Starting salary is $6,250/ month
• Health Care reimbursement of $600 per month 
• Simple IRA retirement plan option
• Generous vacation and wellness benefits 
• Reimbursement for travel expenses 

Office 

The Elakha Alliance is a virtual organization, with no fixed office. We expect the Reintroduction Planning Manager to provide a home office or an equivalent remote location for their work with access to communication devices (e.g., a laptop, cell phone, printer).