Sami Walking Bear
Billings
Summary
Detail-oriented administrative professional with 16 years in tribal government, education, and public service. Skilled in operations management, budget tracking, and fostering relationships across diverse communities. Capable of managing confidential information and coordinating projects within tribal and federal systems, contributing to enhanced civic engagement and support for indigenous communities.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Outreach and Field Director
Western Native Voice, Inc
Billings
05.2023 - 05.2025
- Developed and implemented statewide outreach plan for 2024 elections, increasing native voter registration and civic participation.
- Led a team of 27 organizers across Montana’s seven tribal nations and urban communities.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised outreach staff and volunteers for successful voter engagement initiatives.
- Coordinated voter outreach through canvassing, phone banking, and community engagement strategies.
- Forged partnerships with tribal leaders, community organizations, and advocacy groups to strengthen coalitions.
- Enhanced public awareness of legislative processes and key issues affecting tribal communities.
- Utilized VAN and voter file tools to enhance outreach planning and field operations.
- Managed multiple priorities and timelines in dynamic political environments.
Finance/Administrative Support
Crow Tribal Legislative Branch
Crow Agency
09.2019 - 05.2023
- Supported financial and administrative operations for Crow Tribal Legislative Branch while ensuring compliance with tribal procedures.
- Tracked expenditures and maintained records to ensure precise budget analysis.
- Processed accounts payable documentation to uphold financial integrity.
- Maintained confidential personnel and payroll records to safeguard sensitive information.
- Drafted correspondence, memorandums, resolutions, and public notices for tribal leadership to support informed decision-making.
- Assisted with daily office operations and communication to improve overall workflow.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT05-2007
Skills
- Voter outreach strategies
- Voter registration and GOTV efforts
- Community engagement
- Community engagement initiatives
- Coalition building and partnerships
- Policy advocacy efforts
- Volunteer recruitment and management
- Team leadership and development
- Voter registration efforts
- Program coordination and operations
- Data analysis techniques
- Voter file systems management
- Phone banking and canvassing techniques
- Event planning and facilitation
- Budget tracking and administration
- Tribal government relations
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Public speaking skills
- Native civic engagement practices
Languages
- Understandthe Apsaalooke/Crow Language.
Timeline
Outreach and Field Director
Western Native Voice, Inc
05.2023 - 05.2025
Finance/Administrative Support
Crow Tribal Legislative Branch
09.2019 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
Montana State University Billings