Position Overview:

The Tribal Leadership Intern assigned to Councilwoman Andrea Gonzales will gain hands-on experience in Tribal governance, education policy, interdepartmental collaboration, and community engagement. The intern will work closely with Councilwoman Gonzales on education and youth services projects while gaining an understanding of how the Tribal Council works with departments, schools, programs, and community partners. This placement will combine policy and program research, communication and coordination, community engagement, mentorship, and administrative support.

Schedule & Work Environment:

Position Title:

Tribal Leadership Intern -

Office of Councilwoman Andrea Gonzales Program:

Pascua Yaqui Tribal Leadership Internship Program Placement:

Office of Councilwoman Andrea Gonzales Program Term:

Spring 2027

Time Commitment:

Approximately 10-12 hours per week

Compensation:

$3,000 semester stipend Approximately 10-12 hours per week with flexibility based on the intern's academic schedule and Councilwoman Gonzales's availability. Hybrid work arrangement with opportunities for both in-person and remote work. Remote responsibilities may include research, email communication, telephone outreach, information gathering, and project coordination. Councilwoman Gonzales anticipates meeting with the intern approximately twice per week. Tuesdays and Fridays may be used for regular in-person meetings, mentorship, and project updates. Interview Availability Councilwoman Gonzales generally has availability for intern interviews on: Tuesday afternoons Fridays Final interview dates and times will be coordinated based on Councilwoman Gonzales's schedule and the selected applicants' availability.

Responsibilities:

The intern may assist with the following duties and projects: Review education- and youth-related policies, procedures, handbooks, and program materials. Compare department- or program-specific policies with broader Tribal policies and procedures to identify areas of alignment, overlap, or potential gaps. Assist with reviewing materials such as staff handbooks, parent handbooks, and program procedures. Research and compare policies or practices of other education and youth-serving programs, as appropriate. Gather and organize information from Tribal departments and programs through email, telephone communication, meetings, and research. Support communication and coordination among departments and programs that serve Tribal youth. Assist with coordinated calendars for education- and youth-related programs, activities, meetings, and events. Help identify opportunities to strengthen communication and collaboration among programs, department leadership, and the Tribal Council. Assist with coordinating meetings and outreach with local schools, principals, educators, and other community partners. Participate in visits with Tribal departments, programs, schools, and staff to gain a better understanding of how services are delivered. Support opportunities for Councilwoman Gonzales and, when appropriate, other Tribal Council members to engage with students and schools. Provide general office support, including organizing and filing documents, preparing materials, and appropriate document disposal or shredding. Attend approved Tribal Council, departmental, community, education, or youth-related meetings and events. Meet regularly with Councilwoman Gonzales for mentorship, project updates, and professional development. Complete program-required leadership sessions, reflections, evaluations, and a final presentation . Learning Objectives By the completion of the internship, the intern will be able to: Develop an understanding of the Tribal Council's roles and responsibilities and how elected leadership works with Tribal departments and programs. Understand how Tribal policies and procedures influence the development and delivery of education and youth services. Build foundational skills in reviewing, researching, and comparing policies, procedures, and program materials. Strengthen research skills by gathering, organizing, and summarizing information from multiple departments and sources. Develop professional written, verbal, email, and telephone communication skills within a Tribal government environment. Gain experience with interdepartmental collaboration and understand the importance of coordination among programs serving Tribal youth and families. Develop an understanding of how Tribal government collaborates with schools, educators, community organizations, and other external partners. Strengthen organizational, time-management, and project coordination skills through assigned projects and responsibilities. Gain practical experience connecting policy and Council priorities with the day-to-day work of Tribal programs and employees. Develop leadership and professional skills through direct mentorship with an elected Tribal Council member. Demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, accountability, and appropriate workplace conduct within Tribal government. Possible Majors or Areas of Interest This placement may be especially relevant for students with academic, professional, or personal interests in: Education Public Administration Public Policy Political Science or Government Youth Development Community Development Communications Social Sciences Indigenous Studies Organizational Leadership Other related fields or areas of interest All majors are encouraged to apply. Students do not need to be pursuing a specific degree to be considered for this placement. An interest in Tribal governance, education, youth services, policy, community engagement, or public service is encouraged. Mentorship & Professional Exposure Councilwoman Gonzales will provide ongoing mentorship throughout the placement. The intern will have opportunities to learn about her role as an elected Tribal leader and how Tribal Council works with departments, programs, schools, and the community.

The intern may also:

Meet with Tribal employees who directly provide education and youth programs and services. Participate in department and program visits to better understand day-to-day operations. Attend appropriate meetings, events, and community activities. Participate in school visits and meetings with principals, educators, and other school representatives. Support opportunities for Tribal leadership to engage directly with Tribal youth and students. Participate in appropriate Tribal Council and program activities that provide additional exposure to Tribal governance and leadership. Confidentiality & Professional Expectations The intern will be expected to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information, records, correspondence, and discussions encountered during the placement appropriately. The intern must demonstrate professionalism, reliability, respect, and accountability and comply with all applicable Tribal policies, internship program requirements, confidentiality agreements, and workplace expectations.