Position Purpose

The Indian Country Strategist (ICS) leads in the development and execution of Craft3's strategy in Indian Country throughout Oregon and Washington. The ICS is responsible for building regional networks, raising the visibility of Craft3 products and services in Indian Country, generating leads for new mission-based business and Tribal entity loans, and finding and supporting the development of large projects in which Craft3 can invest. The ICS will work closely with Craft3's Commercial and Consumer lending teams, New Markets Tax Credit lead, Marketing, and other business units to develop and oversee Craft3's investments into Indian Country. Additional focus includes continuing our work with Native CDFIs in the region and small/medium Native businesses (not micro), and leading Craft3's overall relationship with various Tribes, Tribal governments, and other related entities in the region.

Craft3's current Strategic Plan envisions the use of three core strategies---Capital, Relationships, and Voice---in tackling intersecting Regional Challenges involving systemic racism, the climate crisis, and rural and Tribal economies.

The Organization

Craft3 is a nonprofit lender -- a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) -- with a mission to strengthen economic, ecological, and family resilience across Oregon and Washington. We focus on lending to entrepreneurs, nonprofits and individuals who have been denied access to traditional financing. By delivering capital where it's needed most, we're helping build a more equitable and resilient future. Learn more at www.craft3.org{rel="nofollow"} 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include some or all of the following and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Craft3 reserves the right to change, add or delete responsibilities and duties as seen fit. An employee's specific job duties, priorities, and performance expectations are detailed in their individual performance plans.

Strategic Development and Implementation

• Collaborate with executive and senior Craft3 management to conceptualize, revise, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive strategy for identifying and investing in opportunities within Indian Country of Oregon and Washington.
• Implement a targeted and sustained effort at building strong, long-term, and trust-based relationships between Tribal government entities, Native organizations, and Craft3.
• Identify, collaborate with, and endorse established and emerging leaders who are involved in pioneering economic and community projects that align with Craft3's objectives. Prioritize the cultivation of initiatives that intersect with Craft3's priorities in 3 key areas: Systemic Racism, Rural and Tribal Economies, and Climate Crisis.
• Collaborate with Craft3's Marketing team and Senior Management to coordinate strategies and elevate Craft3's visibility in Indian Country and the surrounding region.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with leadership of funders that support Native American entrepreneurs and small businesses in Native communities. Work with funders and provide assistance that expands their capacity for growth.
• Contribute to resource development and grant writing activities that reinforce the strategic objectives within Indian Country in the region.

Lending/Investment Support

Present at and engage in community events and specific regional Indian Country events to facilitate outreach opportunities and deepen comprehension of factors influencing these communities.

Source potential business and community loan opportunities from diverse channels within Indian Country, encompassing large and small business loans, consumer loans, and new market tax credit investments.

Aid in assessing the level of complexity,