Job Details

Chief Executive Officer - Kahtnuht'ana Development Corporation

Revision Date: 6/24/2025

Department: Kahtnuht'ana Development Corporation

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Kahtnuht'ana Development Corporation Board of Directors

Supervises: Office Manager

Job Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kahtnuht'ana Development Corporation plays a pivotal role in the economic development strategy of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. Operating under the guidelines of the Tribe's Tribal Council, the CEO is entrusted with a broad mandate that encompasses overseeing economic development initiatives, creating new business opportunities, and effectively managing the Tribe's natural resources. This multi-faceted role is essential to ensure that the Corporation operates efficiently and independently from the tribal government, allowing for agility in decision-making and implementation while aligning with the Tribe's broader strategic objectives.

The CEO's primary responsibility is to navigate the Corporation toward sustainable growth and profitability. This involves identifying and leveraging strategic partnerships, advocating for innovative business practices, and ensuring that ventures undertaken are both economically viable and environmentally responsible. By doing so, the CEO aims to generate revenue and create self-sufficient business ventures that provide lasting benefits for the Kenaitze Indian Tribe.

In summary, the CEO of the Kahtnuht'ana Development Corporation is not just a business leader but also a key ambassador for the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, dedicated to driving sustainable economic development while honoring the Tribe's cultural values and fostering community well-being.

The CEO will develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan that aligns with the Tribe's vision for economic advancement. This plan should include the following components:

• Market Analysis: Conduct thorough assessments of current market trends and economic conditions to identify opportunities for growth.

• Vision and Goals: Establish clear, measurable goals that support the Tribe's long-term vision of economic self-sufficiency and sustainability.

• Resource Allocation: Identify and allocate resources efficiently to key initiatives that promise the highest returns on investment.

• Partnership Development: Forge strategic alliances with external businesses, government entities, and non-profit organizations to enhance access to markets and resources.

• Innovation Initiatives: Encourage research and development of new products and services that reflect the Tribe's values and meet market demands.

• Performance Metrics: Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards strategic goals and adjust the plan as needed based on results and changing circumstances.

• Community Engagement: Ensure ongoing engagement with the Kenaitze community to gather feedback and foster support for the Corporation's initiatives.

• Cultural Integration: Integrate the Tribe's cultural values into all aspects of the strategic plan and operational practices, ensuring that business practices are respectful of and beneficial to the Tribe's heritage.

Essential Functions

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of business initiatives to promote the growth and development of self-sustaining and profitable enterprises

• Oversee the exploration and management of natural resources to optimize their profitability, ensuring that all activities align with the tribe's economic objective

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with other governmental agencies and business entities to further the objectives of the Corporation

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies relevant to economic development and resource management

• Implement performance metrics and effectively manage financial objectives to drive growth and sustainability for the Corporation

• Foster a culture of innovation and adaptability within the organization to respond to changing market conditions and opportunities

• Provide regular updates and reports to the Tribal Council regarding the status of initiatives, financial health, and progress towards business goals

• Promote a collaborative environment within the Corporation that values the tribe's heritage and cultural values, ensuring they are integrated into business practices

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department, and/or the Kahtnuht'ana Development Corporation objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Light work

  • Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)

• Walk (Move, Traverse)

• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)

• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse)

• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)

• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)

• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)

• Pushing or Pulling

• Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Exposure to Fumes

• Exposure to Dust

• Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

• Wet

• Noise

• Vibration

• Mists or Gases

• Mechanical Hazards

• Chemical Hazards

• Radiant Energy Hazards

• Explosives Hazards

• Burn Hazards

• Other

OSHA Categories

• Category III

  – Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue and as part of their employment, incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid

Equipment and Tools

List Equipment used for job:

List Tools:

Travel

• Local

• In-State

• Out-of-State

Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred

Experience

• Five (5) years experience in an executive level leadership role within economic development, business management, or a related sector

• Experience in managing multi-million budgets

Preferred

• Experience with 8a federal contracts

• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

License/Certification

• Must have a valid Alaska State driver's license and must remain insurable under KDC's policy

Special Skills

• Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co-workers and others

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively

• Strong understanding of resource management and sustainable business practices

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans while managing diverse teams and stakeholders

• Knowledge of the unique social, cultural, and economic challenges facing indigenous communities particularly in relation to business and resource management

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.

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