Tribal Project Director 

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 

Supervisory Role: No  

Status: Full-time; Exempt   

Travel: Yes (estimated 25-35%) 

Location: Remote  

Application Deadline: January 30, 2025 

Compensation: $100,000 - 130,000 annually 

Application Link: https://screening.insperity.com/application/application.asp?client=5129500a&job_req=0126TCVPProjDir&hiring_manager_email=alopez%40nativephilanthropy%2Eorg 

*Please combine your resume and cover letter into a single PDF and upload it as an attachment with your Insperity application* 

About Native Americans in Philanthropy  

Native Americans in Philanthropy’s (NAP) mission is to promote equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities. We do this by increasing engagement and funding to Native-led organizations; increasing and supporting Native professionals in philanthropy; and transforming and influencing the philanthropic sector to be in alignment with an Indigenous worldview. We also aim to improve the availability of regular, reliable data and Indigenous-led research on Native communities and their relation to philanthropy. NAP’s strategic plan seeks to increase awareness among key constituents and engage Native and non-Native philanthropic professionals, Tribal Nations, and Native-led nonprofits with NAP’s resources, activities, and programs.  

About the Position 

The Tribal Project Director will support Native Americans in Philanthropy’s (NAP) Tribal Vision Community Partnership (TCVP) efforts to advance Tribal sovereignty through infrastructure development and economic self-determination. This position focuses on helping Tribes plan, design, and finance projects under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA, Public Law 93-638) and specifically its Section 105(l) leasing provisions.  
  
The Tribal Project Director will work directly with Tribal governments, philanthropic partners, and federal agencies to develop projects, align financial and legal structures, and help attract blended capital from philanthropy, CDFIs, and private investors to strengthen Tribal economic sovereignty.  

Primary Responsibilities  

• Coordinate outreach and engagement with Tribal Nations to solidify opportunities for community development using 638 contracting and 105(l) leasing.  

• Lead and oversee project coordination between all vested parties including philanthropy, federal agencies, private capital, and the tribal communities engaged.   

• Provide or serve as a liaison in providing technical assistance and project planning support for Tribes developing facilities.  

• Coordinate with legal, financial, and construction partners to ensure compliance with ISDEAA and federal reimbursement requirements.  

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive tracker of active and emerging 638/105(l) projects.  

• Facilitate working sessions and advisory group meetings that bring together Tribal, philanthropic, and technical partners.  

• Prepare clear, accessible project materials - including concept briefs, case studies, and financial models for diverse audiences.  

• Support philanthropic engagement by helping funders understand the development process and by providing clear communications on project progress and challenges.   

• Develop recommendations for policy and procedural improvements that strengthen Tribal access and capacity.  

• Provide written updates, reports, and presentations to Tribal Community Vision Partnership leadership and partners.  

Non-Essential Job Functions  

Other related duties as assigned to support NAP’s TCVP and infrastructure development portfolio.  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities  

• Deep understanding of Tribal governance, sovereignty, and the ISDEAA (Public Law 93-638) framework.  

• Experience in Tribal project development, infrastructure finance, or government contracting.  

• Familiarity with community development finance, philanthropic partnerships, and CDFI capital structures.  

• Strong relationship-building and facilitation skills across Tribal, federal, and philanthropic partners.  

• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear technical summaries.  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, Asana, and virtual collaboration platforms (Teams, Zoom, etc.).  

Physical Requirements  

This position requires travel up to 35% of the time for meetings, site visits, and conferences. Must be able to lead video conference calls and use standard computer equipment.  

Qualifications  

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in business, public administration, finance, or related field required.  

• Minimum of five years of experience in Tribal project development, infrastructure finance, or federal contracting.  

• Experience supporting Tribes in 638 contracting, compacting, or 105(l) leasing preferred.  

• Proven ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder projects and manage tight deadlines.  

Commitment to equity   

Native Americans in Philanthropy is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or marital status, and to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.   

Americans with Disability Act   

Native Americans in Philanthropy complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact jziegler@nativephilanthropy.org. 

Application Link: https://screening.insperity.com/application/application.asp?client=5129500a&job_req=0126TCVPProjDir&hiring_manager_email=alopez%40nativephilanthropy%2Eorg