Position Introduction:

The Native Nations Center for Tribal Policy Research (Native Nations Center or Center) at the University of Oklahoma invites applications for the position of Tribal Energy Policy Analyst. The Native Nations Center is an award-winning policy research institute at a Carnegie R1 university dedicated to producing rigorous, trustworthy, non-partisan research that supports tribal governance and decision-making. The Center, housed within the Office of Tribal Relations in the Office of the President, conducts original policy research and analysis at the intersection of tribal sovereignty and federal Indian law and policy. The Center's research portfolio continues to expand as it develops new policy research initiatives focused on how federal policy environments intersect with tribal governance and decision-making, recognizing that Tribal Nations often combine federal frameworks with their own priorities, investments, and policy approaches.

The Tribal Energy Policy Analyst will conduct independent policy research and analysis on federal energy policy initiatives affecting Tribal Nations, including legislation, executive actions, agency policies, and federal funding programs. The analyst will synthesize complex statutory, regulatory, and technical information into clear, accessible analysis designed to provide insight into federal policy developments and their potential implications for tribal governance and energy development. This position is ideal for someone interested in applying rigorous policy research to issues affecting Tribal Nations in Indian Country. The Tribal Energy Policy Analyst will report to the Director of the Native Nations Center and collaborate with the Center's research team to integrate research findings into publications and research dissemination efforts.

Summary:

The Tribal Energy Policy Analyst will support the Native Nations Center's research portfolio through policy research and analysis related to energy issues affecting Tribal Nations. The role involves translating complex policy and technical developments into clear, accessible, and actionable research products designed to inform tribal leaders and decision-makers. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong research and analytical skills, an understanding of tribal sovereignty and governance, and the ability to communicate complex policy issues in formats that are useful to tribal audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Research & Analysis

• Conduct independent policy research and analysis on energy policy issues affecting Tribal Nations. This includes examining federal policy developments across the legislative, executive, and regulatory branches of government, including federal energy statutes, federal energy regulatory frameworks, and federal funding programs affecting tribal energy development. Areas of analysis may include energy infrastructure, generation of resources, electricity markets, grid modernization, transmission systems, energy storage, distributed energy resources, and federal energy regulatory frameworks.
• Monitor congressional committee activity, executive branch initiatives, and federal agency guidance or rulemaking processes relevant to energy development in Indian Country, including those administered by agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of the Interior (DOI), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).Examine how federal statutes, regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, and federal funding programs may affect tribal energy initiatives and development opportunities.
• Analyze how Tribal Nations approach energy development and related policy decisions, including how tribal priorities, governance structures, and financial resources may shape energy initiatives. Maintain awareness of how federal energy policies interact with tribal jurisdiction, land status, and federal trust responsibilities affecting energy development.

Research Publications & Briefings

• Produce research publications that translate complex statutory, regulatory, and technical developments into accessible and practical formats for tribal audiences. Research products may include the following: Sovereign Snapshots; Sovereign Reports; Sovereign Casts; or other policy memoranda or briefing materials. These publications are designed to provide tribal leaders and decision-makers with clear analysis of federal policy developments affecting tribal energy initiatives.
• Respond to questions from tribal leaders and decision-makers regarding research publications and federal policy developments addressed in the Center’s work.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate internally within the Native Nations Center to advance the Center’s research initiatives and support the development of new research projects.
• Assist with dissemination of research findings through written publications, podcasts, and presentations communicating policy developments affecting Tribal Nations.
• When appropriate, represent the Center in meetings, partnerships, and collaborative discussions related to tribal energy policy and federal policy developments affecting Tribal Nations.

Research Growth & Funding Development

• Assist in identifying funding opportunities that support energy policy research benefiting Tribal Nations.
• Contribute to grant proposals and research initiatives that expand the Center's research portfolio and partnerships.

Skills:

• Proven technical writing and editing skills with the ability to produce clear, accessible policy analysis for tribal audiences.
• Interest in, and the ability to develop familiarity with, federal energy policy frameworks, infrastructure development, or regulatory processes affecting Tribal Nations.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex statutory, regulatory, and technical information.
• Knowledge of federal legislative, executive, and regulatory processes.
• Understanding of federal Indian law, treaty rights, tribal sovereignty, and the federal trust responsibility.
• Awareness of the importance of building and maintaining respectful relationships with Tribal Nations, including familiarity with tribal governance structures and consultation practices.
• Strong organizational abilities and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across tribal, federal, academic, and policy communities.

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Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in a related field.
• 12 months of related research experience.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 72 months of related experience in lieu of the Master's degree for a total of 84 months of related experience.

Department Preferences:

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Energy Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Environmental Policy, Law, or related field, AND:
  Minimum of 12 months of experience in tribal policy, energy policy, federal Indian law and policy, or federal legislative and regulatory analysis related to energy, infrastructure, or natural resources.
• Experience working with Tribal Nations or tribal organizations.
• Experience conducting policy research related to federal energy policy or tribal energy development.
• 3+ years of policy analysis experience.
• Published written work as lead or co-author.
• Advanced degree such as Juris Doctor or PhD in a relevant field.