FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:  Vicky Stott
Phone:  303-774-7836  E-Mail: vstott@firstnations.org

First Nations Development Institute Board of Directors Seeks a New Executive Director to Oversee First Nations Oweesta Corporation

Longmont, CO – The Board of Directors of First Nations Development Institute is currently seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director to oversee its subsidiary First Nations Oweesta Corporation in Rapid City, South Dakota.  In 1999, the Board of Directors incorporated First Nations Oweesta Corporation with First Nations Development Institute as the sole member owner.  

Job Purpose:
First Nations Oweesta Corporation is a national Native community development financial institution and wholly owned subsidiary of First Nations Development Institute.  First Nations Oweesta’s mission is to assist Tribes and Native communities to develop or expand community development financial institutions (CDFI’s) and related organizations by providing training, technical assistance, investments and advocacy.

Position Summary:
The Executive Director of First Nations Oweesta Corporation will oversee all day-to-day administration and management of operations, as well as the long-range strategy and program development for the growth of First Nations Oweesta’s programs and services dedicated to community development and asset building in Native communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1.    Implements and ensures the mission and shall carry on the general affairs of the Corporation to reach and maintain the primary goals of the organization on behalf of and in cooperation with the President of First Nations Development Institute.
2.    Serves as the Executive Director of the Corporation, overseeing all day-to-day administration and regular delegation of the Corporation’s activities and duties.
3.    Recommends larger policies and projects to the President of First Nations Development Institute and leads the development of recommendations for long-term strategic plans through and with the assistance of the President of First Nations Development Institute and senior staff of the Corporation.
4.    Represents the Corporation in local, state, regional and national venues on issues in accordance with the policies and goals of the organization, in matters that address Native community development efforts.
5.    Engages in policy and advocacy efforts in all areas affecting the Corporation and its principal products and services.
6.    Arranges for and attends all Board of Directors meetings.
7.    Reviews and approves the development of all policies and procedures adopted by the Corporation and implements said policies after approval by the Board of Directors.
8.    Makes annual and periodic reports to the Board of Directors concerning programs and financial matters of the Corporation.  Approves the expenditure of monies appropriated by the Board in accordance with approved budgets.
9.    Prepares regular executive, financial and activity reports as requested by the President of First Nations Development Institute and/or Board of Directors, as well as holds oversight on fiscal activity of the Corporation in coordination with the finance and administrative department staff.
10.    Collaborates with development staff at First Nations Development Institute and actively engages in fundraising and development activity, serving as lead contact when necessary.
11.    Serves as the chief spokesperson for the Corporation for media and other forums, in coordination with the development, communications, programs and the policy & advocacy staff.
12.    Responsible for hiring, supervision, appropriate disciplinary action and termination of employees.
13.    Works with other staff on interdisciplinary efforts.

Education and Experience:
1.    Graduate degree required or an equal amount of time of demonstrated leadership and administrative capability in the profit and/or non-profit arena, preferably dealing with economic/community development in Native communities.  Bachelor’s required.
2.    Minimum five years staff and/or consultant supervision experience in non-profit sector.
3.    Minimum four years of experience with Native non-profit organization(s) and/or other community/economic development NGO – particularly in the financial institution/CDFI development field.
4.    Experience in Native community/economic development.
5.    Experience in policy and advocacy issues that affect Native communities, and must be well versed in these issues in order to actively participate in panel discussions or other venues of discussion on these issues.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Physical Requirements:
1.    Strong written and verbal communications skills required.
2.    Ability to think independently while working in close-knit office environment.
3.    Strong awareness of the complexities and challenges of community development finance and small business development in Native communities.
4.    Strong business and financial analysis skills required.
5.    Ability to work constructively with diverse constituents and as a participant on multi-disciplinary teams required; establish and maintain effective working relationships with tribal, federal, state, regional and local agencies/organizations, community leaders and the general public throughout the First Nations Oweesta footprint nationally.
6.    Frequent Travel required.
7.    No extraordinary physical requirements beyond ability to travel.  Job involves normal physical requirements for an office position.  First Nations Oweesta supports and complies with ADA.

First Nations Oweesta offers competitive salaries and benefits including health, dental, life and disability insurance and Simple IRA pension plan.

About First Nations Development Institute
For thirty years, using a three-pronged strategy of Educating Grassroots Practitioners, Advocating for Systemic Change, and Capitalizing Indian Communities, First Nations has been working to restore Native American control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own – be they land, human potential, cultural heritage, or natural resources – and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native communities.  First Nations serves rural and reservation-based Native American communities throughout the United States, and is the parent company of First Nations Oweesta Corporation.

About First Nations Oweesta Corporation  
First Nations Oweesta Corporation assists Native organizations in assessing the demand for starting a Native CDFI, and takes them through the process of establishing one of these proven and innovative financial institutions.  In addition to these dynamic trainings, First Nations Oweesta’s Institution Development Department offers customized follow-up assistance to help Indian Country CDFI’s every step of the way in establishing and growing a Native CDFI.  Whether it is developing loan policies or creating fundraising strategies, First Nations Oweesta has the embedded knowledge and experience that will provide the information and resources a Native CDFI will need to bring it to the next level.   

Please mail, fax or e-mail a letter of interest, résumé and three writing samples to:

Michael E. Roberts
President
First Nations Development Institute
703 Third Avenue, Suite B
Longmont, CO 80501
Fax: (303) 774-7841
mroberts@firstnations.org

Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 31, 2010. Late applications will not be accepted.

No Phone Calls Please.

###