Indian Country Strategist

Background

Craft3 is a nonprofit lender – a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) – with a mission to strengthen economic, ecological, and family resilience across Oregon and Washington. We focus on lending to entrepreneurs, nonprofits and individuals who have been denied access to traditional financing. By delivering capital where it’s needed most, we’re helping build a more equitable and resilient future. Learn more at www.craft3.org

Summary

The Indian Country Strategist (ICS) leads in the development and execution of Craft3’s strategy in Indian Country throughout Oregon and Washington. The ICS is responsible for building regional networks, raising the visibility of Craft3 products and services in Indian Country, generating leads for new mission-based business and Tribal entity loans, and finding and supporting the development of large projects in which Craft3 can invest. The ICS will work closely with Craft3’s Commercial and Consumer lending teams, New Markets Tax Credit lead, Marketing, and other business units to develop and oversee Craft3’s investments into Indian Country. Additional focus includes continuing our work with Native CDFIs in the region and small/medium Native businesses (not micro), and leading Craft3’s overall relationship with various Tribes, Tribal governments, and other related entities in the region.

Craft3’s current Strategic Plan envisions the use of three core strategies—Capital, Relationships, and Voice—in tackling intersecting Regional Challenges involving systemic racism, the climate crisis, and rural and Tribal economies.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include some or all of the following and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Craft3 reserves the right to change, add or delete responsibilities and duties as seen fit. An employee’s specific job duties, priorities, and performance expectations are detailed in their individual performance plans.

Strategic Development and Implementation

• Collaborate with executive and senior Craft3 management to conceptualize, revise, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive strategy for identifying and investing in opportunities within Indian Country of Oregon and Washington.
• Implement a targeted and sustained effort at building strong, long-term, and trust-based relationships between Tribal government entities, Native organizations, and Craft3.
• Identify, collaborate with, and endorse established and emerging leaders who are involved in pioneering economic and community projects that align with Craft3’s objectives. Prioritize the cultivation of initiatives that intersect with Craft3’s priorities in 3 key areas: Systemic Racism, Rural and Tribal Economies, and Climate Crisis.
• Collaborate with Craft3’s Marketing team and Senior Management to coordinate strategies and elevate Craft3’s visibility in Indian Country and the surrounding region.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with leadership of funders that support Native American entrepreneurs and small businesses in Native communities. Work with funders and provide assistance that expands their capacity for growth.
• Contribute to resource development and grant writing activities that reinforce the strategic objectives within Indian Country in the region.

Lending/Investment Support

• Present at and engage in community events and specific regional Indian Country events to facilitate outreach opportunities and deepen comprehension of factors influencing these communities.
• Source potential business and community loan opportunities from diverse channels within Indian Country, encompassing large and small business loans, consumer loans, and new market tax credit investments.
• Aid in assessing the level of complexity, mission and strategy fit, and the readiness of prospective borrowers. Collaborate with Craft3 lending staff to compile comprehensive applications and facilitate the assessment of loan requests and the negotiation of loan terms and conditions.
• Provide consultation to prospective loan clients on project plans, management, overall business strategies, and the community impacts the project is poised to deliver. Act as the key liaison and principal support for customers as they engage with internal Craft3 or other technical assistance providers for assistance with pre-application procedures.
• Act as the liaison and primary support for Risk Management on government guaranty or credit enhancement programs in Indian Country.

Reporting

• Support Finance and Compliance efforts to ensure data is tracked appropriately and reporting completed to stakeholders as requested or contractually required.
• Monitor designated borrowers for conformance with loan conditions, progress in meeting business goals, and overall business performance. Promptly report any emerging issues in loans to management upon detecting weaknesses.

 Cross Team Development

• Act as primary liaison with all Craft3 business units to ensure Indian Country lending and investment goals are met.
• Contribute to the body of knowledge, sharing best practices and suggest process improvement ideas.

Culture and Brand Management

• Support the organization’s All Team performance standards, Companywide Competencies.
• Demonstrate stewardship for the Craft3 Brand.

Authorities

• Represent Craft3 in Indian Country, community, and regional events.
• Manage any contractual relationships of Craft3 specific to consultants working in Indian Country.
• Keep Personal Identifiable Information (PII) protected.  All Employees must ensure the privacy of all PII obtained from clients, and other sources, and to protect such information from unauthorized disclosure.

 Direct / Indirect Reports – This initially is a non-supervisory role but anticipates the prompt hiring and supervisor of a program manager (or comparable role). It also would be expected to supervise any addition Indian Country support staff hired later.

 Peer Positions – Other members of Executive Management

Requirements

Knowledge and Experiences

Minimum eight years’ experience in community development, commercial lending, financial management or financial oversight; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Previous experience working in Indian Country with Tribal government or corporations is highly desired. Experience in community facilities pre-development and development desired.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Passion for strengthening resilience of Pacific Northwest disadvantaged and underserved communities, including communities of color and rural and Tribal communities.
• Effective listening and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate issues over the phone, in person, and via email to a variety of audiences.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and demonstrate flexibility in the face of multiple and potential conflicting demands.
• Excellent solution-oriented, organizational skills, keen attention to detail and effective time management to succeed in a semi-autonomous, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform duties and responsibilities demonstrating consideration for safeguarding Craft3, its customers/clients and assets, through effective risk management; adhering to applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; exercising sound ethical judgment regarding behavior, conduct and business practices; and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency.
• Self-starter with an ability to work well within a matrixed environment, manage competing priorities, and consistently exercise sound judgment, especially under circumstances where information is unknown, ambiguous, and/or incomplete.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, external partners, and diverse communities.
• Demonstrated cultural competencies when working with equity seeking communities, especially those in Indian County.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Professional, file share systems, Contact Relationship Management application.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations – None specified.

Physical Demands

Frequently requires use of manual dexterity and repetitive motions, primarily with the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Travel

Occasional travel may be required. Periodic travel to company events and Craft3 branch offices will be required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance • 403b Retirement Plan (with employer match) • Remote Flexible Schedule within Oregon and Washington • Paid Time Off • Paid Holidays • Volunteer Time Off • Transportation • Work From Home (Temporary) • Career growth opportunities!

How to Apply

 Apply online at Recruitment (adp.com)

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

For more information about Craft3 and our Benefits visit our website at: www.craft3.org/about/careers.

Craft3 is an equal opportunity employer; women and minorities are encouraged to apply.