Assistant General Manager- Strategic Development

Summary: 

The Assistant General Manager (AGM) of Strategic Development leads Gila River Development’s commercial growth and capital development strategy, identifying, evaluating, structuring, and advancing high-impact initiatives that enhance long-term revenue generation, asset value, and economic sustainability for the Community. This executive role provides strategic oversight of planning, financial feasibility, design, procurement, and construction execution for assigned projects while ensuring alignment with Community priorities, regulatory requirements, and approved financial frameworks. Serving as a key advisor to the General Manager, the AGM collaborates with executive leadership, Community stakeholders, and external development partners to deliver transformative projects that strengthen and expand GRD’s commercial portfolio.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Development & Executive Leadership:

• Serve as a primary advisor to the General Manager on commercial development strategy, capital planning, and economic opportunity initiatives.


• Develop, update, and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures to support timely completion of development and construction projects.


• Establish development goals, performance metrics, and operational plans to achieve long-term asset growth and financial sustainability.


• Monitor and evaluate progress against strategic objectives and implement mid-course corrections when necessary.


• Provide innovative leadership to enhance development performance, asset value, and revenue generation.

Development Project Oversight & Execution:

• Oversee and manage all aspects of assigned development and capital improvement projects through completion and transition to operations or designated entities.


• Provide executive oversight of project planning, design, budgeting, construction, and delivery.


• Ensure compliance with applicable Community laws, ordinances, regulatory approvals, and required exemptions throughout all project phases.


• Coordinate and direct the activities of consultants, architects, engineers, construction managers, contractors, and other retained professionals.


• Establish project scopes, budgets, schedules, benchmarks, and reporting protocols.


• Monitor project risks, timelines, and financial performance to ensure cost-effective and timely delivery.


• Represent GRD at meetings related to design, construction, infrastructure, and development initiatives.

Procurement, Contracts & Financial Stewardship:

• Administer and oversee procurement processes for development-related projects, including prequalification of consultants and contractors.


• Oversee RFP/RFQ development, bid processes, proposal evaluations, and written analyses for executive or Board-level review.


• Support contract negotiations in partnership with Legal and Finance.


• Establish and administer development budgets in accordance with GRD policies and approved financial targets.


• Review pro formas, capital investment strategies, and development budgets to ensure financial viability and long-term sustainability.

Organizational & Operational Management:

• Oversee and protect GRD development-related assets, property, project documentation, and resources.


• Maintain complete and accurate project files, documentation archives (digital and paper), land records, surveys, and as-built records.


• Establish policies and procedures for the effective administration and operation of development functions.


• Allocate resources appropriately and ensure accountability across assigned teams.


• Recruit, hire, develop, and oversee qualified management and staff necessary to support development operations.


• Effectively manage personnel in accordance with GRD policies and performance standards.


• Enforce ethical business practices and organizational standards across all development initiatives.

Executive & Board Engagement:

• Foster strong working relationships between GRD, Community leadership, departments, utility providers, developers, business partners, and other stakeholders.


• Serve as a key contact for Community departments and external entities involved in development and infrastructure projects.


• Maintain clear, consistent communication with executive leadership regarding development progress and performance.


• Prepare and present development reports, updates, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and the Board as directed.

Supervisor Responsibility:

Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes hiring, work allocation, training, problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance; provides guidance and feedback for assigned staff. 

Other Duties: 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work will primarily be performed in an office environment. 

• Work will be performed both inside and outside on a regular basis, in most weather conditions. 


• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


• Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are required as a normal part of this position.

• Occasional local day travel, Local travel to managed businesses. 

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk extended period. The employee occasionally is required to bend, climb, stoop, lift, carry, push, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move 15 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Urban Planning, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.


• Ten (10) years of progressive experience in development, project management, or real estate operations.


• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for client meetings and events.


• Valid AZ driver’s license, provide a 39-month satisfactory MVR report.


• Obtain a Tribal operator driving permit at the time of hire.


• A satisfactory result obtained through a test for illegal drugs.


• Acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Urban Planning, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.


• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing complex development projects from inception to completion.


• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and guide teams towards project success.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.


• Analytical mindset with problem-solving abilities to address challenges and make informed decisions.


• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks efficiently.


• Knowledge of relevant industry-specific regulations and laws is highly advantageous.


• Knowledge and experience working with Gila River Indian Community or other Native American Communities. 


• Proficient in MS office and other relevant workplace tools.