Director of Economic Development

Overview

The role of the Director of Economic Development is to manage and oversee the staff and day-to-day activities of the department using best practices. The Director will establish income generating entities and develop partnerships that ensure the mission and goals of the Rappahannock Tribe are effectively achieved. The Director is responsible for overseeing the implementation of business objectives, developing business plans, procurement, and obtaining federal contracts, in accordance with the Tribe’s Strategic Plan. They will also administer current grant-funded programs according to agreements and develop strategies for workforce training which prepares tribal citizens for jobs. The Director is responsible for working closely with the Economic Development Committee, Tribal Council, and other staff in promoting Tribal business enterprises and economic development interests of the tribe, including marketing products and services provided by those enterprises.

Responsibilities Include: 

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Direct, plan, and organize the Economic Development Department in accordance with the Tribe’s Master Plan.
• Identify and recommend business opportunities and secure and manage Federal, State, and Commercial contracts.
• Coordinate and execute economic development projects, preparing RFPs/RFQs, proposal writing, procurement, negotiating scopes of work, and managing consultants and contractors.
• Determine and track quarterly business growth goals and risk assessments in collaboration with the Economic Development Committee, Chief, and Tribal Council.
• Leads and strategizes company-wide sourcing, supplier management, and cost-saving initiatives to ensure efficient and compliant procurement operations.

Economic & Business Development

• Conduct market analysis and research current business trends to develop business plans for new and existing Tribal enterprises.
• Identify viable business ventures and develop plans to enhance the Tribe’s economic portfolio.
• Create and implement marketing strategies and tools to attract business partnerships, customers, and contracts.
• Coordinate branding, licensing, and trademarking of all Tribal enterprises and products.
• Provide entrepreneurial training and education for Tribal members to encourage local business development.

Community & External Relations

• Establish and maintain productive relationships with Federal and local agencies, developers, consultants, citizen groups, and community service organizations to support Tribal economic initiatives.
• Represent the Economic Development Department by providing briefings and presentations to the Tribal Council, Tribal members, local communities, and business groups.
• Collaborate with the Tribe’s grant writer to prepare grant applications, funding proposals, and other relevant documentation needed for economic and community development projects.
• Develop and provide training and education for Tribal Citizens.

Administrative Oversight & Cultural Stewardship

• Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate economic development staff.
• Prioritize and assign work to assure efficient economic development activities and programs operate successfully.
• Monitor workload, assign tasks, and promote professional growth.
• Continuously assess department efficiency and recommend improvements to support program goals.
• Ensure all initiatives and operations are conducted with respect for and sensitivity to Rappahannock cultural practices and goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in economic development and government contracting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Thorough working knowledge of Government Contracting rules, mechanics, and acumen.
• Proven track record of developing and executing economic development plans, procurement, securing funding, and leading cross-sector partnerships.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to present to various audiences including Tribal leadership and government partners.
• Proficient in project management, business plan preparation, revenue projections, data analysis, and marketing strategies.
• Ability to teach contracting and marketing skills to support staff.
• Excellent organizational skills to meet goals and set priorities.
• Is proactive, organized, and can work under stressful and uncertain environments.
• Ability to learn and understand the culture of the Rappahannock Tribe and to adapt knowledge and experience to work in a manner that aligns with traditional Tribal practice and goals.

Employment Details

Location: St. Stephens Church, VA. Position is hybrid and may require after hours work or travel based on conferences, work with partners, or enterprises.

Compensation: $90,000 or is commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid-time off, and retirement.

Supervisor: Tribal Chief

Subordinates: Project Manager and Cultivation Lead

Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to jnguyen@rappahannocktribe.org. This posting will remain active until the opportunity is filled.

EOE M/F/D/V The Rappahannock Tribe is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of gender, disability status, or veteran status. We reserve the right to alter, change, modify, and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice, or obligation, to any party. The Rappahannock Tribe adheres to the Indian Preference Policy in our hiring practices.