Job Description Chief Operations Officer

Organization: Dakota Economic Development Corporation (DEDC)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Onsite
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides executive leadership and operational oversight for Dakota Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), ensuring efficient, compliant, and strategic management of the Tribes diverse business operations, including lending enterprises. This role is responsible for day-to-day enterprise operations, performance tracking, and execution of the DEDC Strategic Roadmap. The COO will play a key role in enhancing Tribal governance and operational accountability, building a sustainable operational framework that supports the Tribes economic goals. This position ensures that DEDC operations align with Tribal priorities, reinforce compliance and risk management, and support sustainable revenue generation to advance the Tribes long-term financial and community objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Governance Alignment
   • Lead daily operations of DEDC to ensure adherence to Tribal economic development strategies.
   • Translate directives from the Board and Tribal Council into actionable operational plans, deliverables, and performance assessments.
   • Maintain and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all operational divisions, including lending functions.
   • Oversee enterprise performance reporting, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and transparency to the CEO and Board.
2. Lending Operations Management
   • Oversee the Tribes lending operations, ensuring alignment with compliance directives set forth by the Compliance Director and fiscal strategies established by the CFO.
   • Implement operational governance practices to enhance control and accountability within lending enterprises.
   • Monitor portfolio performance, develop strategies to enhance revenue generation, and reduce delinquency rates.
3. Performance Monitoring & Process Improvement
   • Establish, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) across DEDC to drive accountability and operational excellence.
   • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and profitability, particularly within lending workflows.
   • Lead cross-functional initiatives to address performance challenges and align operations with strategic goals.
   • Support the implementation of the DEDC Strategic Roadmap, ensuring operational execution supports long-term objectives.
4. Financial Oversight & Budget Management
   • Collaborate with the CFO to manage budgets, monitor financial health, and enforce fiscal responsibility across the enterprise.
   • Track enterprise-level performance metrics, including revenue generation, operational costs, and profitability indicators related to lending.
   • Advise on financial strategies to ensure fiscal health aligns with Tribal governance priorities.
   • Support the identification of new revenue opportunities to diversify income streams and enhance organizational sustainability.
5. Compliance & Risk Management
   • Ensure operational compliance with all applicable Tribal, federal, and regulatory standards related to lending operations.
   • Collaborate with the Compliance Director to conduct internal audits, risk assessments, and implement corrective actions as necessary.
   • Safeguard consumer data and ensure compliance with Tribal data sovereignty regulations.
   • Develop and support enterprise-wide compliance frameworks consistent with DEDCs governance authority.
6. Management Capacity & Workforce Development
   • Build organizational capacity by identifying staffing needs and recruiting qualified Tribal and professional talent in operational roles, particularly within lending operations.
   • Develop and implement comprehensive training programs focused on operational excellence, compliance, and strategic development.
   • Mentor staff and emerging leaders to promote knowledge transfer and ensure long-term self-governing capability within operations.
   • Cultivate a values-driven workplace culture that emphasizes accountability, learning, respect for Tribal sovereignty, and community involvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; Masters preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, preferably in consumer lending, finance, or Tribal enterprise management.
• Demonstrated experience in performance monitoring, operational governance, and compliance frameworks, particularly within lending operations.
• Strong understanding of Tribal entities, sovereignty principles, and regulatory compliance related to lending.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex budgets, and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

Core Competencies

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
• Performance Monitoring & Improvement
• Regulatory & Compliance Expertise
• Financial Acumen & Budget Management
• Workforce Development & Capacity Building
• Tribal Sovereignty & Governance Alignment
• Decision-Making & Problem Solving
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Work Environment & Travel

• Onsite.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience, and offers will be competitive based on qualifications and industry standards, with comprehensive benefits including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Retirement savings options.

Tribal Preference Policy

In accordance with DEDC policy, Tribal Preference applies to this position:

1. A member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
2. A descendant of a member or members of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
3. A member of another federally recognized tribe

Preference applies to hiring, promotion, training, and layoffs if candidates meet minimum qualifications. Among equally qualified candidates, the most suitable in the preference category will be selected.