Director of Enterprise Development

Description

The Director of Enterprise Development supports the growth and diversification of Umpqua Indian Development Corporation’s (UIDC) business portfolio by leading strategic development initiatives, supporting new enterprise creation, advancing Tribal economic opportunities, and assisting with expansion of existing operations. This position plays a key role in identifying, evaluating, planning, and implementing new business ventures, strategic partnerships, grant and funding opportunities, government programs, and enterprise development initiatives aligned with UIDC’s long-term strategic objectives.

The Director works collaboratively across UIDC business units and Tribal leadership to advance projects from concept through implementation while supporting sustainable economic growth, operational readiness, and organizational excellence. This role also supports UIDC’s commitment to developing opportunities for Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal members through workforce development, leadership advancement, and long-term enterprise growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning, Opportunity Assessment & Enterprise Growth

• Conduct market research, feasibility studies, competitive analyses, and strategic assessments to identify new or expanded enterprise opportunities.
• Develop business cases, financial projections, pro formas, and strategic recommendations for executive leadership review.
• Evaluate risks, operational requirements, capital needs, and anticipated returns for proposed initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for expansion, partnerships, acquisitions, and diversification across the UIDC portfolio.
• Support strategic planning efforts aligned with UIDC’s long-term enterprise and economic development goals.

New Enterprise Development & Implementation

• Lead planning, development, and implementation of new enterprise initiatives once approved by executive leadership.
• Assist in development of operational plans, organizational structures, staffing models, launch strategies, and implementation timelines for new business ventures.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure operational readiness and successful project execution.
• Support early-stage stabilization, transition planning, and performance tracking for newly launched operations.
• Assist with development of strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and collaborative business opportunities.

Grants, Funding & Government Programs

• Identify and pursue grant, funding, financing, and government program opportunities aligned with UIDC strategic initiatives.
• Support development and submission of grants, proposals, RFP responses, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with Finance and operational leaders to support grant compliance, reporting, budgeting, and performance tracking.
• Assist with management and implementation of federally funded and strategically funded projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with funding agencies, Tribal organizations, government entities, and strategic partners.

SBA 8(a), Government Contracting & Strategic Programs

• Support development and implementation of UIDC’s SBA 8(a) and government contracting initiatives.
• Assist with 8(a) certification readiness, annual compliance requirements, capability development, and strategic opportunity identification.
• Support mentor-protégé relationships, teaming agreements, and strategic partnership opportunities.
• Research and identify government contracting opportunities aligned with UIDC capabilities and strategic objectives.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Support and promote UIDC’s commitment to Tribal employment, professional development, and leadership advancement opportunities.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to project teams and emerging leaders involved in enterprise initiatives.
• Encourage collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across initiatives and teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, Finance, Public Administration, Operations Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in enterprise development, business development, Tribal economic development, strategic planning, project management, government programs, or related fields, including at least 4 years in a leadership or senior advisory role.
• Experience supporting development or expansion of business ventures, economic initiatives, infrastructure projects, government-funded programs, or strategic partnerships.
• Working knowledge of Tribal government operations, Tribal enterprises, grants, government programs, and economic development principles preferred.
• Strong project management, analytical, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Current and valid Driver’s License with the ability to qualify for UIDC’s Driver Program.