Tribal Liaison

Tribal Liaison

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)

Location: Remote (Wisconsin-based)

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Reports To: Senior Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity

About WEDC

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Wisconsin’s competitive position. Driven by a mission to make Wisconsin the best place to live, work, and build a business, WEDC is a purpose-driven organization that values integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions, and invests in its people so they can help invest in Wisconsin’s future.

WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization with a remote-work-first environment. Remote work is expected to be performed in the state of Wisconsin.

Role Overview & Key Responsibilities

The Tribal Liaison serves as WEDC’s primary relationship manager for engagement with Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations, supporting government-to-government collaboration and advancing economic development opportunities in Tribal communities. This role works closely with Tribal leaders, economic development professionals, and internal stakeholders to align resources, strengthen partnerships, and support initiatives that foster long-term prosperity. In this role, you will:

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Tribal Nations, Tribal economic development organizations, and other key stakeholders across Wisconsin
• Support Tribal communities in advancing economic development priorities through technical assistance, program resources, and strategic guidance
• Lead and manage WEDC’s formal Tribal consultation process and support development of the agency’s Tribal action plan
• Collaborate across WEDC divisions to integrate Tribal priorities into programs, initiatives, events, and partnerships
• Serve as WEDC’s representative with Tribal governments, Native-led organizations, and interagency partners
• Provide education and guidance to internal teams on Tribal sovereignty, engagement practices, and relationship-building
• Support program and investment management activities involving Tribal entities and initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in economic development or a related field
• Significant experience working with Tribal Nations, Tribal governments, or Tribal-led economic development organizations
• Experience with program development, implementation, and stakeholder engagement at the state, federal, or Tribal level
• Knowledge of economic development, grant programs, small business development, Tribal enterprises, or economic development finance
• Strong communication, relationship-building, project management, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with diverse partners
• Passion for supporting Tribal Nations and fostering respectful government-to-government relationships
• Must reside within a Wisconsin Tribal Nation community or within reasonable proximity to one of Wisconsin’s federally recognized Tribal Nations
• Occasional statewide travel, including some overnight travel (approximately 20%)

Benefits

WEDC is committed to supporting the well-being and growth of our team. We offer a remote-first work environment that promotes work-life balance, supported by generous paid time off (PTO) and a culture that values flexibility. Professional development is a priority at WEDC, and we invest in our employees through dedicated training resources, internal learning opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and support for professional certifications. In addition to these development-focused offerings, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System; a hybrid work allowance; and health, dental, vision, and life insurance.