Commerce Director

COMMERCE DIRECTOR Department:
Department of Commerce

Reports To:

Executive Director Classification:
Exempt / Executive Management Employment Status:
Full-Time POSITION OVERVIEW Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Commerce Director provides executive-level leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for the Tribe’s economic development, commercial initiatives, business enterprises, and revenue-generating activities.

The Commerce Director is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that strengthen the Tribe’s economy, diversify governmental revenues, create employment and business opportunities, and promote long-term economic sustainability and self-sufficiency.

The position works closely with the Executive Director, Tribal Council, department directors, enterprise leadership, tribal corporations and boards, financial institutions, federal and state agencies, private-sector partners, consultants, and community stakeholders to identify, evaluate, develop, and implement economic and commercial opportunities.

The Commerce Director serves as a key advisor to executive leadership on economic development, business investment, enterprise development, commercial partnerships, and economic policy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Leadership and Administration Provide executive leadership and oversight of the Department of Commerce and programs assigned to the department.

Develop and implement departmental goals, strategic plans, performance measures, policies, and operating procedures.

Develop annual departmental work plans and establish measurable objectives and performance indicators.

Economic Development Develop and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy consistent with the Tribe’s strategic priorities.

Identify opportunities for development and productive use of tribal lands and other tribal assets in coordination with appropriate departments and governing authorities.monitor the financial and operational performance of assigned enterprises or commercial initiatives and provide recommendations to executive leadership.

Identify opportunities to improve profitability, operational efficiency, customer service, and long-term enterprise sustainability.

Conduct or coordinate financial analysis of proposed projects, including projected revenues, expenses, cash flow, return on investment, financing requirements, and financial risk.

Identify federal, state, tribal, philanthropic, and private-sector programs supporting economic development and business expansion.

Business Recruitment and Partnerships Represent the Tribe at economic development conferences, business meetings, intergovernmental meetings, and industry events.

Develop strategic partnerships that create employment, contracting, investment, and revenue opportunities for the Tribe and its citizens.

Financial and Budget Management Coordinate with the Finance Department regarding economic development budgets, financing arrangements, revenue projections, and financial reporting.

Identify grants, loans, tax-credit programs, guarantees, federal incentives, and other financing opportunities supporting economic and community development.

Coordinate with tribal grant personnel and departments in developing competitive funding applications.

Compliance and Risk Management Ensure Commerce Department activities comply with applicable tribal laws, policies, regulations, contracts, and funding requirements.

Coordinate with legal counsel regarding contracts, leases, business structures, regulatory matters, sovereign immunity considerations, taxation, financing arrangements, and commercial agreements.

STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES The Commerce Director is expected to maintain a long-term perspective regarding the Tribe’s economic future…