Commerce Director (Open Until Filled)

Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma; Pawnee (OK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma seeks a Commerce Director to lead the Department of Commerce, drive economic development, and oversee tribal enterprise initiatives. You will partner with the Executive Director, Tribal Council, and external stakeholders to shape strategic programs and manage performance metrics.

The role requires a strong background in economic development, financial analysis, and governance. Travel and cross-department collaboration are expected as part of sovereign enterprise growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, public administration, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred with executive-level experience considered.
• Minimum five years in economic development or related leadership roles.
• Experience with tribal governments or Native-owned enterprises preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for the Department of Commerce and related programs.
• Develop and implement an economic development strategy and measurable metrics.
• Identify opportunities, partnerships, and financing to diversify revenue.
• Oversee budgets, grants, and regulatory compliance for enterprise activities.

Skills

Economic development

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Leadership

Negotiation

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics or related

Master’s degree in Business Administration or Public Administration preferred

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

COMMERCE DIRECTORDepartment: Department of CommerceReports To: Executive DirectorClassification: Exempt / Executive ManagementEmployment Status: Full-TimePOSITION OVERVIEWUnder 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 FUNCTIONSLeadership and AdministrationProvide 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 DevelopmentDevelop 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 PartnershipsRepresent 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 ManagementCoordinate 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 ManagementEnsure 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 RESPONSIBILITIESThe Commerce Director is expected to maintain a long-term perspective regarding the Tribe’s economic future and shall:Establish measurable goals for revenue diversification, job creation, investment, and business development.Identify emerging industries and technologies that may create economic opportunities for the Tribe.Promote economic development strategies that complement tribal sovereignty, culture, community priorities, and responsible stewardship of tribal resources.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESThe Commerce Director supervises employees and programs assigned to the Department of Commerce and may provide administrative oversight or coordination for certain economic development initiatives and enterprises as authorized by the Executive Director.Supervisory responsibilities include hiring recommendations, employee development, performance evaluations, work assignments, corrective action, and ensuring compliance with tribal personnel policies.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducationBachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Public Administration, Economic Development, Management, or a closely related field.A master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economic Development, or a related discipline is preferred.Relevant executive-level experience may be considered in combination with education as permitted by tribal policy.ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development, business administration, commercial development, finance, tribal enterprises, government administration, or a related field.At least three years of supervisory or senior management experience is preferred.Experience working with tribal governments, tribal enterprises, Native-owned businesses, or Native American economic development programs is strongly preferred.Experience developing business plans, financial projections, feasibility studies, economic development projects, or commercial transactions is preferred.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESThe successful candidate must demonstrate:Knowledge of tribal government operations and tribal sovereignty.Understanding of tribal economic development and tribal enterprise structures.Strong knowledge of business planning, financial analysis, budgeting, and project development.Ability to evaluate complex business opportunities and communicate associated benefits and risks.Knowledge of commercial financing, lending, investment, and economic development programs.Ability to interpret financial statements, forecasts, feasibility studies, and market analyses.Strong negotiation and relationship-management skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to prepare and deliver executive-level presentations.Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills.Ability to work effectively with elected officials, executives, employees, business leaders, consultants, financial institutions, and governmental agencies.Ability to maintain confidentiality involving sensitive business and governmental matters.Ability to operate with professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and accountability.OTHER REQUIREMENTSMust possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.Must be able to successfully complete applicable background screening requirements.Must be willing to travel as necessary for meetings, conferences, negotiations, project development, and other official business.WORKING CONDITIONSWork is primarily performed in a professional office environment with periodic travel to project sites, businesses, meetings, conferences, and other locations. The position may require work outside normal business hours to attend Tribal Council meetings, business negotiations, community meetings, conferences, and other official functions.