About Tallgrass Institute

Tallgrass Institute is a Center for Indigenous Economic Stewardship. We bridge Indigenous leadership and knowledge with investor strategies to advance Indigenous Peoples' self-determination and wellbeing. By activating investor and economic ecosystems, we work to redefine the private sector’s role as one that respects Indigenous Peoples’ human rights, lands, and economic priorities.

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Tallgrass Institute has four areas of programming:

Corporate Engagement & International Advocacy - We work directly with Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous organizations to design corporate engagement strategies. In addition, we work within the global Indigenous Peoples rights movement to advocate to investors, international mechanisms, and standard-setting bodies to mainstream respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Training - We provide dynamic training on market-based strategies to Indigenous Peoples in line with their self-determined priorities.

Research - Our research leads with Indigenous Peoples' enterprise visions, advances respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights in business operations, and amplifies Indigenous-led solutions to systemic economic exclusion.

Networks - We cultivate collaborative networks to activate investor and economic ecosystems aligned with Indigenous Peoples’ rights and wellbeing.

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Our Values: Tallgrass Institute is a thought leader in the field and operates to amplify Indigenous self-determination with excellence in work and creativity in design. We employ a holistic, generational view which Indigenous Peoples have cultivated for centuries in which all things – people, animals, the landscape, and built environments – are intrinsically connected. Centering these relationships, Tallgrass is committed to sustainability, equity, respect, and collaboration.

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Position Summary

The Market Strategies Engagement Manager serves as a subject matter expert on market-based strategies such as shareholder advocacy, corporate engagement, and standard setting, and supports the work by building relationships with Indigenous Peoples, leaders, and communities to identify and implement market-based strategies to further their self-determined priorities. This role primarily works with partners to set and initiate related strategy; in more limited instances they may work with a partner or coalition to set and implement related strategy across the lifespan of a larger campaign. This role also collaborates with other Tallgrass Institute staff to manage market-based engagements not tied to specific partner projects.

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Position Responsibilities

- Cultivating and maintaining positive and trust-based relationships with Indigenous partners

- Centering Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination and the values of respect and reciprocity to foster an environment of mutual trust and collaboration

- Attending meetings and maintaining close communication with Indigenous leaders and communities, coalitions, and other partners to identify priorities and advance work

- In line with strategy and resources, travel to relevant meetings, conferences, and forums to meet with partners and advance the work- Maintaining expertise on market-based strategies to support partner priorities including shareholder advocacy, corporate engagement, and standard setting

- Staying up to date on related trends to inform strategy (for example - rule changes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), updates to the International Finance Corporation’s Sustainability Framework, and trends in shareholder proposals at annual general meetings)

- Collaborating across the Tallgrass Institute team to integrate additional expertise and support into projects

- Evaluating the landscape in line with partner priorities to identify strategic market-based advocacy opportunities, and working with partners to develop implementation plans

- Providing technical assistance to partners as they implement identified strategy

- Completing research/tracking information on identified companies and other related entities

- Providing preparatory and strategic support for partners prior to specific engagements, including writing briefs and talking points

- Leveraging Tallgrass’ network of investors to open pathways for Indigenous-led initiatives, including facilitating Indigenous participation in shareholder advocacy and other corporate accountability mechanisms

- Managing broader market-based engagements not tied to specific partner projects

- Identifying opportunities opportunities for engagement in line with strategy and capacity

- Providing thorough research and analysis to inform strategy and producing written materials

- Attending and participating in engagement meetings

All staff contribute content for articles and publications and provide narratives and requested information for grant reports.

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Minimum Qualifications

- Undergraduate degree

- 5 years of related experience

- Familiarity and experience working with Indigenous Peoples, their governance institutions, and/or organizations with demonstrable positive outcomes

- Experience and excellence in written and oral communication for different audiences

- Client-centered focus and approach to work

- Willingness to travel

- Based on funding, needs, and strategy, the Market Strategies Engagement Manager can expect to travel 5-10 times per year. Tallgrass Institute is committed to promoting a balanced travel schedule for staff; staff should discuss needs, preferences, and opportunities with their supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications

- Degree in law, human rights, public policy, or similar field

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

- Understanding and familiarity with Indigenous Peoples’ rights frameworks, tribal governance, and Indigenous Peoples advocacy ecosystem

- Deep understanding of market-based advocacy tools and mechanisms such as shareholder engagement, proxy voting, corporate dialogues, and responsible investor frameworks

- Knowledge of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics, reporting frameworks (such as GRI, SASB, and ISSB) and standard-setting processes that influence corporate behavior.

- Awareness of U.S. SEC rules and trends in shareholder proposal policies that shape advocacy opportunities.

- Understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and rights frameworks such as the UNDRIP, ILO 169 and relevant international norms

Skills:

- Ability to build and maintain trusting and authentic relationships with partners

- Skilled at interpreting corporate disclosures and updates to inform actionable advocacy strategies

- Strong written and verbal communication skills

- Ability to gather, assess, and synthesize information to inform partners and set strategy

- Skilled collaborator with the ability to maneuver work across multiple partners

- Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and partner relationships

- General computer literacy skills including proficiency with Google Workspace

Abilities:

- Ability to work effectively both collaboratively as part of multiple teams and autonomously, and to seek support and direction as appropriate

- Ability to work effectively in an all-remote team environment, including working independently, managing time, adhering to deadlines, and communicating effectively

- Ability to display initiative and introduce innovations to accelerate progress toward strategic vision and mission

- Willingness to learn new things

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Position Details

- Full-time salaried exempt

- 40 hours weekly (core hours Monday-Friday 9am-2pm PST/noon-5pm EST with remaining hours based on geographic location; some evening/weekend hours may be required due to events and meetings with geographically dispersed partners)

- Fully remote within the United States with some travel

- Funded via grants

- Salary $85,000 + benefits (Including medical, dental, and vision insurance with a benchmark premium paid 100% by the employer; 13 paid holidays + the week between Christmas and New Years off; 2 floating holidays annually; and 20 vacation days/year)

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To Apply

- Please send resume to info@tallgrassinstitute.org with the subject “Market Strategies Engagement Manager.” In the email body, please include a maximum of two paragraphs outlining your interest in the position. Applications received before January 19, 2026 will receive priority consideration, with interviews to be scheduled in early February. Interviewees may be asked to provide a writing sample.

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Don't meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role and think you would be a good fit, we welcome your application!