POSITION PURPOSE

The goal of this position is to build tribal relations that enable increased access to resources and opportunities for Tribal nations within the State of Arizona. The Tribal Community Connections Coordinator will assist the Director of Tribal Community Connections to build partnerships with Tribal nations, government agencies, Indigenous-led non-profits, and other key stakeholders to support investments in entrepreneurial ecosystems, food systems, and workforce development by delivering all associated technical assistance, facilitation, and project development resources offered by Local First throughout Tribal nations in Arizona.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position supports Local First Arizona’s Tribal Initiatives by working with Tribal Nations and people to build resilience through developing sustainable local economies and securing funds to increase our collective impact, which includes:

Assist in developing engagements, programs and opportunities that ensure strong and local economic opportunities for all Tribes in Arizona across these four key areas (85%)

Developing start-up entrepreneurs, providing small business technical assistance and fund access

• Strengthening existing Indigenous-owned small businesses
• Acting as liaison with Tribal governments
• Acting as facilitator between Tribal governments and small businesses
• Identifying resources and opportunities for Tribal entrepreneurs

Strengthening Tribal food systems while increasing food access

• Providing resources and technical assistance to Tribal food producers
• Increasing opportunities for Tribal food producers to access funds, land and equipment to produce more food
• Increasing market opportunities for the sale of Indigenous foods

Connecting Tribes to no-cost services that increase their federal and foundation grant revenue

• Connecting Tribes to professional services, such as grant writing, through the Arizona Economic Recovery Center
• Connecting Tribal professional with the Arizona Economic Recovery Center to serve as paid contractors to be deployed to win and execute on successful grants

Facilitating between private sector employers, Tribal governments and jobs skills training entities to increase available quality jobs for Tribal members

• Convening employers to identify skills gaps
• Convening jobs skills training entities to ideate new training programs
• Securing and deploying funds to develop new training programs

Local First Arizona internal team work, including partnerships with Business Support Services, Rural Development Team, and Food Systems Team on-going support, which includes: (15%)

• Work with the Business Support Services Team, Rural Development Team and Food Systems Teams on all related strategic planning, goals, and execution.
• Attend weekly Tribal Community Connections Team meetings (1 hour) for fulfillment of duties across Local First Arizona.
• Stay apprised of local and national news and events (read newsletters, updates from partners).
• Be a brand ambassador for the organization at all times, which could include serving on committees or boards relevant to Local First’s mission, as available and appropriate; representing Local First at partner organization meetings; and managing relationships with all members and partners of Local First Arizona.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience of working directly with Tribal Nations to overcome systemic barriers and implement systemic change to the benefit of underserved communities.
• Familiarity with state and federal policies and USDA programs affecting tribal food systems, agriculture, and natural resources.
• Familiarity with systems change work.
• Experience with coordination of small round table discussions.
• Ability to conduct outreach and manage relationships ongoing.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• 4 years experience in communications, planning/coordination of convenings, administrative operations, program management or other related fields.
• Grant writing and/or reporting; gathering data
• Ability to effectively manage multiple programs at a time while meeting a variety of deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and with team members.
• Reliable transportation / willingness to travel statewide 2-3 times/week/occasionally overnight (costs covered by LFA).
• A creative thinker who is able to work in different communities, assessing and adapting to different community cultures and local business needs and desires.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and driven to remove systemic barriers and support Tribal communities in increasing economic and food security.
• Highly organized.
• Proficient in Google Suite, Zoom, project management tools such as Wrike
• Demonstrated ability to conduct one’s self in a calm and professional demeanor when dealing with the public and/or with difficult situations.
• Willingness to adjust hours to accommodate the needs of the job.
• Ability to work productively in an unstructured environment with frequent interruptions.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Phoenix, AZ 85004: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85004