Community Development Department Manager

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission is seeking a dedicated and passionate manager for the newly formed Community Development Department.

The Community Development Department was created January 2024 to oversee CRITFC’s programs, support services, coordination, and outreach for the tribal fishers and their families who live seasonally and year-round on the river. The Department provides support in three main areas: 1) Community Outreach and Social Services, 2) Nutrition Services/Tribal Food Programs, and 3) Food Sovereignty/Salmon Marketing. The Manager is responsible for providing strategic vision in the management of the Department’s current programs and in increasing efforts to empower and enhance the social, health, and economic well-being of the tribal communities.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing community initiatives, building strong partnerships, a deep understanding of tribal community development principles, and experience working and interacting with frontline communities. The Manager will work closely with the Executive Director to build key relationships with community partners and collaborate with their Deputy Manager in the oversight of the Department’s daily activities to ensure alignment with organization-wide goals, priorities, and initiatives.

CRITFC offers competitive compensation and an exceptional benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(k), 12 days of vacation (to start), 12 paid holidays, and paid sick time. Relocation assistance is available. We provide professional development opportunities, promote from within, and have a Native hiring preference as part of our commitment to our people. As a result, you will find a work environment that supports and inspires our shared goals of protecting the natural world and the tribal cultural connection to it.

This position is hybrid eligible based out of the Portland Office.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management:
  1. Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plan and budget for the Department that aligns with broader organizational goals, objectives, and priorities.
  2. Provide leadership and vision to the Department and ensure all efforts support tribal sovereignty and incorporate Indigenous values and perspectives into program development.
  3. Evaluate effectiveness of current programs and offer innovative recommendations for expanding work.
  4. Attend bi-monthly management meetings, lead weekly department meetings, attend commission meetings, and travel for meetings, presentations, and conferences as needed.
  5. Build relationships with community partners and represent CRITFC in ongoing collaborative partnership groups.
• Community Outreach and Social Services
  1. Regularly collaborate with CRITFC leadership, commissioners, and other department staff in outreach efforts.
  2. Provide outreach, education, and referral of direct services for tribal members.
  3. Oversee organization of community events and fundraising.
  4. Work with management team to expand social and health services.
• Nutrition Services
  1. Provide guidance and leadership in the development and implementation of the Tribal Food Programs to ensure programs both address nutritional needs and are culturally appropriate for the CRITFC member tribes.
  2. Cultivate and develop key partnerships and relationships.
• Food Sovereignty and Salmon Marketing
  1. Provide strategic direction on salmon marketing initiatives to increase economic development opportunities for tribal fishers.
  2. Oversee tribal fisher engagement and coordination of marketing efforts to promote tribally caught Columbia River fish products, provide trainings and certifications for tribal fishers, and build key relationships within the region.
  3. Work closely with the intertribal fish processing plant, Tribal Fish Co., LLC in implementing department goals and objectives.
• Compliance and Reporting
  1. Provide fiscal oversight and management on grants, contracts, and other funding sources to ensure requirements are met for reporting deadlines and progress reviews.
  2. Work with Development Director to target funding priorities and opportunities and collaborate to submit funding proposals.
• Commission Engagement
  1. Provide regular reports and updates to the Commission on program strategies and progress.
  2. Annually, lead presentation of the Department’s annual workplan, budget and strategic visioning.
     
     

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration, Public Health, or a related discipline.
• Leadership experience, including five years minimum supervisory experience in program management, preferably within a tribal or community-based organization.
• Strong understanding of tribal communities, their values, and cultural sensitivities.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization and tribes.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify challenges, propose solutions, and adapt strategies to meet changing needs, circumstances, or priorities.
• Understanding of relevant regulations, laws, compliance standards, and principles affecting tribal programs, food safety, marketing, and community outreach.
• Knowledge and experience with tribal fishing treaty rights, tribal history, customs, and regulations of the four CRITFC tribes.
• Excellent organizational and written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills to assess program effectiveness and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in budget management, developing and giving presentations, facilitating meetings, and use of Microsoft Office Suite.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

This job occasionally requires driving a CRITFC vehicle or your own vehicle for business (mileage compensated), and therefore you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Suspension or revoked license
• No more than two at-fault accidents
• No more than one major violation or two minor violations.

Native Hiring Preference

CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.