Business Development Officer
Job Title: Business Development Officer
Department: Economic Development Department
Reports To: Chief Economic Development Officer
Classification: Salary, Exempt
Salary Range: $85k-100k, depending on level of experience
About Sicangu Co
As the economic engine of the Sicangu Lakota nation, Sicangu Co’s purpose is to improve the financial and social well-being of our tribal relatives. We are guided and inspired by the 7Gen Vision, which imagines the type of world we'd like to see our descendants living in 175 years from now. We ask, how do we live today to create a healthy, just, abundant world for our grandchildren’s grandchildren?
Grounded in our ancestral and cultural wisdom, with a deep understanding of the profound challenges faced by our people, Sicangu Co is working towards Wicozani or “the good way of life” for the Sicangu Oyate - holistic health, economic self-sufficiency, cultural revitalization, sustainable housing, food sovereignty, climate resilience, and shared lasting prosperity. Sicangu Co is a coalition of three organizations that form a collaborative economic development ecosystem: Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO), an independent company wholly owned by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and the nonprofit organizations Sicangu Community Development Corporation (Sicangu CDC) and Tatanka Funds, an emerging Native CDFI.
Position Summary:
The Economic Development Department seeks a proactive and analytical Business Development Officer to lead the critical pre-development and business planning phases for new ventures and major expansion initiatives within established businesses and programs across the Sicangu Co ecosystem. This position is responsible for conducting in-depth market analysis, defining operational and logistical frameworks, developing budget scenarios, and identifying potential capital financing, donor support, investors, and strategic partnerships. The role also ensures project needs are effectively integrated with Sicangu Co values, goals and operations throughout the ecosystem. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in evaluating the feasibility and shaping the strategy for these significant departmental initiatives. Primary projects will focus on agriculture and manufacturing, but may expand to other sectors as needed. This position will work closely with colleagues responsible for business analysis, workforce development programs, business operations and fund development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Market Identification and Analysis:
o Conduct thorough research to identify and assess potential wholesale and/or retail markets for products within the region, United States and globally.
o Analyze market size, trends, pricing strategies, key competitors, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements in target domestic and international markets.
o Develop market entry strategies and identify potential key customers or distribution partners.
Production Method Development:
o Research, identify, and evaluate various methods for production and/or services.
o Analyze potential production models considering factors such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance (including Tribal, state and federal standards where applicable), and alignment with cultural or organizational values.
o Develop recommendations for optimal production and/or service delivery methods for the project.
Logistics and Shipping Planning:
o Investigate and identify viable, compliant, and cost-effective methods for transporting and distributing products to identified markets.
o Evaluate potential logistics partners, transportation infrastructure needs, and associated costs.
o Develop preliminary logistical plans and identify potential challenges.
Workforce Development Coordination:
o Collaborate closely with the REDCO Workforce Development program staff.
o Clearly define the anticipated skills, training, and certifications required for personnel involved in production, management, service delivery and related operations for businesses.
o Provide direct input into the Workforce Development curriculum design to ensure training programs effectively meet the specific needs of future business employers/operations in the field.
Business Planning & Reporting:
o Synthesize research findings from market analysis, production methods, and logistics into comprehensive reports and presentations.
o Work closely with colleagues in the Economic Development department to leverage expertise in business analysis, financial modeling, economic impact assessments, and market research methodologies to inform the feasibility assessment and planning for new and expanding businesses.
o Contribute significantly to the development of a formal business plan, including operational outlines, risk assessments, and supporting data for financial modeling in partnership with the general manager responsible for implementation and operations.
o Provide regular progress updates and detailed reports to the Chief Economic Development Officer.
o Engage with potential stakeholders, industry experts, and advisors as required.
Securing Financing:
o Identify and evaluate potential sources of capital financing, including loans, grants, and equity investments.
o Identify and engage with potential donors, investors, lenders and funding organizations.
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or a closely related field. Master's degree preferred.
· Proven experience (5+ years) in business development, financial analysis, market research, strategic planning, project management, or feasibility analysis.
· Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive market research and analysis across various industries, including identifying trends, competitive landscapes, and market entry points.
· Experience in developing budget scenarios, financial projections, and identifying funding sources.
· Experience or strong familiarity with a range of operational processes, production methods, logistics, or supply chain management.
· Excellent analytical, financial modeling, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including potential funders and investors.
· Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
· Professional knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following sectors is highly desirable: Agriculture, Meat Processing, Construction, and Manufacturing, particularly within Tribal economic development contexts.
· Sicangu Co prioritizes candidates with demonstrated experience working with Tribal governments and a strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty and cultural considerations.
· With all qualifications being equal, preference will be given to individuals who are (in order of preference) members of the Sicangu Lakota, Lakota, or other federally recognized Native American Tribes.
Benefits:
· 401(k)
· 401(k) matching
· Dental insurance
· Health insurance
· Life insurance
· Paid time off
· Vision insurance
· Ability to Commute:
· Mission, SD (Required) Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
