Position Overview:

The Chairman's Office Leadership Intern will gain hands-on experience in Tribal governance, executive leadership, public administration, policy research, and the day-to-day operations of the Chairman's Office. The intern will work closely with the Chairman, Chief of Staff, and executive staff to support executive priorities, policy and governance initiatives, governmental affairs, meeting preparation, community engagement, and special projects. A key component of the internship will include conducting research to support the Chairman's executive and governmental responsibilities. This may include reviewing existing Tribal policies and identifying areas that may benefit from further review or policy development, researching emerging issues affecting the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and preparing background information in advance of meetings with governmental officials, organizations, dignitaries, community partners, and other stakeholders. The placement is designed to provide meaningful exposure to executive-level leadership and the responsibilities associated with supporting the Office of the Chairman. Through mentorship, observation, research, and hands-on assignments, the intern will learn how executive priorities are developed, researched, coordinated, communicated, and carried out within Tribal government.

Schedule & Work Environment:

Reports To:

Chairman and Chief of Staff, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council Semester:

Spring 2027

Schedule:

Approximately 10-12 hours per week; flexible based on academic schedule and needs of the

Chairman's Office Pay:

$3,000 semester stipend Essential Duties The intern may: Work closely with the Chairman, Chief of Staff, and executive staff on assigned projects, initiatives, and priorities of the Chairman's Office. Conduct research on Tribal, state, and federal policies, legislation, governmental affairs, and emerging issues affecting the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Research Tribal departments, programs, and operational areas to identify existing policies that may require further review, revision, or additional development. Review existing Tribal policies, ordinances, resolutions, laws, agreements, procedures, and other governance-related materials and summarize findings for the Chairman and Chief of Staff. Conduct background research in preparation for meetings with governmental officials, organizations, dignitaries, community partners, and other external stakeholders. Prepare concise research summaries, briefing materials, background information, talking points, memos, correspondence, and other executive materials to support the Chairman in meetings and official engagements. Research specific topics or emerging issues identified by the Chairman or Chief of Staff, and synthesize relevant information into clear, useful, executive-level materials. Assist with preparation and follow-up for Tribal Council, executive, governmental, and departmental meetings, community engagements, and other official activities. Track assigned projects, policy priorities, action items, deadlines, and follow-up activities aligned with the Chairman's Office priorities. Assist with special projects and initiatives identified by the Chairman or Chief of Staff. Shadow the Chairman and Chief of Staff to gain exposure to executive leadership, office operations, priority management, and decision-making. Observe and assist with executive schedules, meetings, correspondence, travel, events, and other official activities as appropriate. Attend approved Tribal Council, governmental, and departmental meetings, community events, conferences, and other official engagements. Assist with approved constituent or community follow-up and learn how concerns and requests are appropriately routed through Tribal government. Observe interactions with Tribal departments, community partners, governmental officials, organizations, and other external stakeholders. Accompany the Chairman, Chief of Staff, or designated executive staff to approved meetings, conferences, community events, or other official activities when appropriate. Perform other internship-related duties, research assignments, and special projects as assigned. Learning Objectives By the end of the internship, the intern will: Develop an understanding of the Chairman's role and responsibilities within the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Government. Gain exposure to executive leadership, decision-making, and the daily operations of the Chairman's Office. Understand how the Chairman, Chief of Staff, executive staff, Tribal Council, Tribal Administration, and Tribal departments work together to advance Tribal priorities. Build skills in policy research and review, professional writing, executive communication, meeting preparation, briefing development, and project coordination. Develop the ability to research complex topics and summarize relevant information for executive-level meetings and engagements. Gain exposure to Tribal, state, and federal governmental affairs and government-to-government relationships. Develop an understanding of how executive leadership responds to community needs, emerging issues, policy priorities, and competing responsibilities. Strengthen professional skills related to confidentiality, discretion, organization, adaptability, communication, receiving feedback, and public service. Preferred Skills and Professional Qualities The ideal intern should demonstrate: Strong research, writing, critical-thinking, and organizational skills. An interest in Tribal governance, public administration, public policy, governmental affairs, law, political science, or related areas. Ability to review information from multiple sources and communicate key findings clearly and concisely. Ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and changing priorities in an executive environment. Professional maturity, adaptability, and composure when receiving direct feedback and constructive criticism. Willingness to ask questions, learn from feedback, revise work, and continuously improve the quality of assigned work. Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills. Ability to interact respectfully and professionally with Tribal leadership, employees, community members, governmental officials, dignitaries, organizations, and external partners. Sound judgment and discretion when working with confidential, sensitive, or privileged information. Dependability, accountability, initiative, and attention to detail. Ability to maintain appropriate professional conduct and presentation when representing or accompanying the Chairman's Office. Confidentiality and Professional Responsibility Due to the nature of the Chairman's Office, the intern may be exposed to confidential, sensitive, or privileged governmental information. The intern will be expected to maintain the highest level of professionalism and discretion and comply with all Tribal policies, confidentiality requirements, and internship agreements. Information, research, documents, conversations, and briefing materials obtained or prepared through the internship must be handled appropriately and shared only with authorized individuals as directed by the Chairman, Chief of Staff, or designated executive staff. The intern will work under the guidance and supervision of the Chairman, Chief of Staff, and designated executive staff. All assignments and activities will be completed within the scope of the internship and in accordance with applicable Tribal policies and procedures.