General Counsel

Jun 5

Written By Chun Guerue

Department: REDCO Executive Office

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Classification: Salary, Exempt

Salary Range: DOE

Location: Mission, South Dakota; occasional hybrid schedule negotiable

About Sicangu Co

As the economic engine of the Sicangu Lakota nation, Sicangu Co’s purpose is to improve the financial and social well-being of our tribal relatives. We are guided and inspired by the 7Gen Vision, which imagines the type of world we'd like to see our descendants living in 175 years from now. We ask, how do we live today to create a healthy, just, abundant world for our grandchildren’s grandchildren?

Grounded in our ancestral and cultural wisdom, with a deep understanding of the profound challenges faced by our people, Sicangu Co is working towards Wicozani or “the good way of life” for the Sicangu Oyate - holistic health, economic self-sufficiency, cultural revitalization, sustainable housing, food sovereignty, climate resilience, and shared lasting prosperity.

Sicangu Co is a coalition of organizations that form a collaborative economic development ecosystem: Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO), an independent company wholly owned by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and the nonprofit organizations Sicangu Community Development Corporation (Sicangu CDC) and Tatanka Funds, an emerging Native CDFI.

Position Summary:

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to Sicangu Co, providing comprehensive legal guidance and representation to REDCO departments, programs, enterprises, and Sicangu Coalition for Economic Development contracted nonprofit partners.

This role ensures all organizational actions comply with applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, while supporting sovereignty, governance, and strategic priorities of the Tribe’s economic development arm.

Reporting to the REDCO CEO, the General Counsel will advise and support the REDCO Executive team and Board of Directors, and the leadership of Tatanka Funds and Sicangu CDC.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintain knowledge of legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting all Sicangu Co programs and operations to ensure policies, procedures, and reporting are compliant.
Provide legal advice and counsel on a wide range of issues including contracts, employment, real estate, regulatory compliance, business formation, and litigation.
Represent REDCO, and Sicangu Co nonprofit partners as appropriate, in legal proceedings, negotiations, or in collaboration with external counsel.
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, and legal documents.
Interpret federal, state, and tribal statutes and regulations relevant to Sicangu Co’s operations.
Ensure the Tribe’s policies and procedures comply with applicable legal standards.
Advise the Executive leadership and Board of Directors on risk management, strategic initiatives, and business and funding relationships.
Coordinate with external attorneys and manage legal service providers as needed.
Support the development, presentation to Council, and implementation of codes, ordinances, and resolutions that support the economic development of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
Lead or assist in legal matters involving Sicangu Co’s economic development mission.
Provide legal updates and information to Sicangu Co leadership and staff.
Comply with all confidentiality requirements, laws, regulations, and agreements as applicable.
Manage legal operating budget, contractors, and projects as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

While we have outlined a comprehensive set of qualifications, we recognize that great talent comes in many forms. We are seeking a candidate who demonstrates a strong combination of the following skills and experiences and is eager to grow within our organization.

Required:

o Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

o Member in good standing of the South Dakota State Bar and the Sicangu Oyate Bar Association (SOBA) or willing to become so within one year.

o Admitted to practice before the courts of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and to the courts of the United States and courts of other states or courts of other tribal and foreign nations or willing to become a member within one year from hire.

o Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible legal experience as in-house counsel or lead external counsel, with a strong preference for tribal organizations, governmental entities, or non-profits managing diverse business operations.

Deep expertise in Federal Indian Law, Rosebud Sioux Tribal Law, and Tribal Sovereignty, particularly concerning the Rosebud Sioux Tribe's legal system, Constitution, Tribal Charters, and jurisdiction.
Litigation experience in Tribal Court AND state and/or Federal courts.
Comprehensive understanding of corporate and civil law, including complex contracts, corporate governance, and entity structuring for varied ventures.
Proficiency in non-profit law and 501(c)(3) compliance, including federal grant management and charitable regulations.
Strong command of government contracts law, including Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and tribal contracting preferences (e.g., Buy Indian Act, HUBZone).
Demonstrated knowledge of employment law (e.g., OSHA, FLSA, anti-discrimination laws) and tribal employment regulations.
Familiarity with real estate, land use, environmental law, and regulatory frameworks applicable to diverse industries (e.g., energy, construction, agriculture, education, etc.).
Ability to exercise sound legal judgment, identify and proactively mitigate risks, and provide practical, innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges.
Operates with high moral character and integrity as a professional, attorney, manager, and representative of Sicangu Co.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills with a proven ability to convey complex legal information clearly and effectively.
Demonstrated profound cultural sensitivity and tact when engaging with tribal leadership, community members, and diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience interpreting, applying, and ensuring robust compliance with a broad range of federal, state, tribal, and regulatory agency and commission rules and regulations.
Advanced skills in negotiation, mediation, and efficiently resolving disputes.
Ability to manage multiple complex assignments, prioritize competing demands, ensure meticulous documentation, collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, and drive projects to successful completion.
Ability to thrive working independently, lead and mentor staff, foster a collaborative and harmonious work environment, and build strong professional relationships.
Professional knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following sectors is highly desirable: Agriculture, Construction, Lending, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Nonprofit Organizations, M&A, Energy, Cannabis, Federal Grants, K-12 Education, Health, and Business Formation, particularly within Tribal economic development contexts.
Consideration of qualified candidates will include the following:

o Sicangu Co prioritizes candidates with demonstrated experience working with Tribe governments and a strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty and cultural considerations.

o Residence in the community or willingness to move within commuting distance within the first three months of employment.

o With all qualifications being equal, preference will be given to individuals who are (in order

of preference) members of the Sicangu Lakota, Lakota, or other federally recognized Native American Tribes.

Benefits:

Vacation/Sick Leave accrual beginning first day of employment. Eligible to

use after completion of 60-day introductory period.

Educational Leave: 4 hours per week beginning with first day of employment.

Wellness Leave: 8 hours. Eligible to use once per month.

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Supplemental Insurances with

eligibility the first full month following the end of 60 days.

Ameriprise Simple IRA – 3% Company Match/Eligible after (6)

months of employment.