Executive Director, Planning and Economic Development

Position Summary: Under general direction, generates the Tohono O’odham Nation Master Development Plan including short and long term goals and accomplishes the economic development strategic objectives by planning, organizing and directing all functions for the development and improvement of the Nation’s economy and the social well-being of its members. Ensures compliance with all federal, state, tribal and other established requirements. The major work activities are generally undefined except in terms of achieving overall organization/department goals. Specific policies, procedures and guidelines are virtually nonexistent except for executive directives and accepted professional standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the Tohono O’odham culture, customs, and traditions. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and statutes relating to economic development, planning and land management. Knowledge of tribal, federal and state accounting, purchasing, auditing and human resources policies and procedures. Knowledge of budget preparation and grant/proposal writing and administration. Knowledge of effective principles and practices of management and supervision. Knowledge of statistical compilation and Return on Investment (ROI) analysis. Knowledge of project management and building construction codes and requirements. Knowledge of the economic, educational, health and social problems of Native Americans. Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs. Skill in effectively managing and supervising, training and evaluating assigned staff. Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports. Skill in budget preparation and administration; grant/proposal writing and administration. Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions and implementing recommendations. Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers. Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to community issues and concerns. Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements. Ability to maintain privileged confidential information, exercise initiative and independent judgment and meet strict timelines. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to facilitate meetings, conferences and training. Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public. Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules. Ability to travel within the interior/exterior boundaries of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements: Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record. May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver’s license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years). If required, must meet the Tohono O’odham Nation tribal employer’s insurance requirements to receive a driver’s permit to operate program vehicles. Based on the department’s needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O’odham Language and English as a condition of employment. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Develops annual operating plan including staffing, budget and support needs. Directs the establishment, implementation and communication of goals, objectives, policies and procedures in accordance with strategic plan and applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and regulatory agencies. Increases planning staff's and senior management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining staff; communicates values, strategies, and objectives; assigns accountabilities; plans, monitors, and appraises job results; develops a climate for offering information and opinions; integrates functional objectives; provides and participates in educational opportunities. Generates overall master plan for development of reservation economy and social well-being of members of the Tohono O’odham Nation based on an inventory of the human and natural resources of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Contributes to departmental effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-term issues and goals that must be addressed; providing information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommends options and courses of actions; implements directives. Serves as liaison with districts, local agencies, other agencies and departments working with the Nation. Meets with district representatives to review and update information and resulting plans for the development of the reservation. Consults with and secures approval of Tohono O’odham Nation’s Executive Branch and Legislative Council by resolution, of the official adoption of Tohono O’odham Nation Master Development Plan and any/all subsequent changes to the plan. Searches for funding sources for individual projects from federal, state, local, various foundations and the private sector. Secures approval of Tohono O’odham Legislative Council by resolution to enter into contracts, grants, endowments, loans or other commitments required by funding sources. Coordinates departmental activities with the Credit and Finance Board and other oversight bodies; develops agenda items and prepares materials for their use.Attends Tohono O’odham Legislative Council meetings, when required, to report on progress of short and long term development activities and accomplishments. Drafts and submits progress reports including narrative project and financial reports to the Tohono O’odham Legislative Council, Office of the Tohono O’odham Nation’s Chairman on progress of development plans. Implements proposals by assisting an existing tribal department or creating a new department, whichever may be appropriate, to accomplish the goals and objectives of the funded project and to fulfill any and all obligations of the Tohono O’odham Nation relating to the project and/or program. Recommends policies required for orderly and successful development. Negotiates funding coordination with Contract Specialist(s) for individual projects to assure that the Tohono O’odham Nation receives the best terms possible. Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required and to the organization’s effectiveness by offering information and opinion as a member of the Executive Management team, integrating objectives with other functions. Performs other job related duties as assigned.