Director of Tribal Enterprise

Director of Tribal Enterprise

The Director of Tribal Enterprise for the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) located within the School of Law is a member of the IFAI Team. The position is responsible for directing the strategic and operational goals of the IFAI Tribal Enterprise Team, including but not limited to participating in developing, executing, and maintaining a comprehensive portfolio of programmatic development opportunities, policy analysis, and training in areas such as agricultural risk management, economic development, regulatory and legal code development related to tribal agricultural endeavors, governance, operational consultation and advice, and federal, public and private resources. The Director of Tribal Enterprise will be working directly with Tribal governments and Tribal organizations providing consultation, support, compliance, and capacity development on matters of Tribal law and policy relevant Tribal agribusiness enterprises and Tribal food and agricultural governance frameworks. The Director will supervise the Tribal Enterprise Team including Tribal Enterprise Managers, Specialists, Food Safety Specialists and other staff on the team. The Director of Tribal Enterprise may also periodically represent the Initiative at national, regional, and inter-Tribal conferences, gatherings, and events to increase the visibility and profile of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative’s major national projects. This position reports to and is evaluated by the Senior Managing Attorney of IFAI and works in collaboration with colleagues throughout the campus. This position will be required to regularly travel long distances by air or vehicle on behalf of the Initiative for various events.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others. This position is eligible for remote work.

 

Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education or international equivalent
At least five years of Agriculture or Business experience
At least five years of experience working with Tribal Governments and/or Organizations
Experience with advising and consulting with Native American populations

Experience with legal and regulatory policy

 

Preferred Qualifications

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school or international law degree

At least seven years of government and/or agriculture enterprise experience
At least seven years of experience working with Tribes 
Previous experience serving American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian governments and communities on complex issues related to agriculture and food, rural economic development, business development and related areas central to the sustainable economic development
Willingness to work as part of a complex team of professionals on issues related to supporting of Native farmers and ranchers
Experience in assisting with Native American organizations, tribal governments, and inter-­tribal organizations and providing tribal governments with advice on complex issues

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding and demonstrated experience working with agriculture and economic development issues affecting Native populations
Working knowledge of MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
Strong problem­ solving skills with the ability to identify and evaluate problems, as well as devise effective solutions with minimal supervision
Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to set priorities meet deadlines and manage workload
Demonstrated ability to handle complex matters related to tribal governance structures and enterprise development issues, interface with the public on complex matters, and seek answers and solutions to complex matters.
Demonstrated ability to utilize critical thinking skills to find solutions to complex issues facing Native communities
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
Ability to speak effectively one­-on-­one, in small groups or in large groups

 

Responsibilities

35% - Responsible for the development, supervision and/or implementation of Tribal Enterprise team activities, training and technical assistance strategies to serve American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian producers, Tribal governments, intertribal organizations, and general leadership for the successful implementation and coordination of Initiative events and project activities on and off campus. 

15% - Help maintain and further develop collaborative relationships 

10% - Provide information regarding IFAI activities for state, regional, national and tribal audiences and stakeholders and consult with the personnel producing the reports 

10% - Work one on one and with both large and small groups of Native American producers, operators, educators, policy makers and their tribal departments, as well as with tribal governments and their staff to provide information, advice and support for development and expansion of agricultural enterprises and programmatic offerings through Tribal law and policy. 

10% - Provide general leadership of the Tribal Enterprise Team and assist in the delivery of strategic and operational initiatives.  

10% - Develop a rapport with a variety of constituents including, tribal producers, tribal operators, tribal representatives and specialists, other tribal stakeholders and program supporters, and presenters at Initiative events. 

10% - Successfully convey the mission and goals of the Initiative to prospective project participants, tribal governments and the general public and maintain and initiate all sustained contact with project participants and in addition to coordinating all Initiative leadership activities. 

 

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