Position Title: Education & Business Development Director
Start Date: ASAP
Days / Hours: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: $85,000 – $105,000, dependent on experience. AIANTA offers a robust benefit package.
Location: Remote
Deadline to Apply: June 16, 2025

Position Summary: AIANTA is excited to announce an outstanding career opportunity for the position of Education & Business Development Director. If you are passionate about advancing Indigenous tourism and empowering Native communities through education and business development consider joining the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) as our Education and Business Development Director—a dynamic leadership role where innovation, impact, and cultural stewardship intersect. In this pivotal position, you will shape the future of Indigenous tourism by guiding businesses toward market and export readiness, leading national conferences and outreach programs, and fostering partnerships that uplift Native voices and experiences across the tourism industry. If you’re a strategic thinker with a heart for community, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference on a national scale.

About AIANTA: AIANTA is a dynamic organization dedicated to advancing cultural tourism in Native Nations and communities. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Education & Business Development Director to join our team and contribute to the success of our mission. AIANTA works with Native Nations and communities, including Tribal Nations, Rancherias, Pueblos, Native Alaskan villages and Native Hawaiian partnership organizations to ensure that cultural and recreational tourism perpetuates culture, builds economic opportunities, creates sustainable land use practices creating more resilient landscapes to improve lives and provide broader access to cultural practices, food practices and recreation opportunities. By focusing on cultural tourism and recreational opportunities, Native Nations and communities can thrive alongside the lands and landscapes they steward and protect.

Job Description: The Education and Business Development Director plays a key leadership role at the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), responsible for driving business development initiatives and directing educational and visitor outreach programs that support Indigenous tourism businesses across the United States. This individual will lead efforts to increase the number of market and export-ready Indigenous tourism experiences, manage key events, implement training programs, lead internal teams, and build meaningful partnerships with Tribal organizations and stakeholders. The role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of Indigenous tourism, education program development, and organizational leadership.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in Business, Tourism, Education, Public Administration, or a related field (master’s degree preferred), along with a minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in business development, program management, Indigenous tourism, or a related sector. They will have a proven track record in strategic planning, program development, stakeholder engagement, and staff supervision, with demonstrated success managing complex projects, events, and cross-functional teams. Experience working with Indigenous communities and Tribal organizations is strongly preferred. Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is a solid understanding of tourism markets, accreditation programs, and training development. The ability to travel for events, regional support, and outreach is required. Regular travel required. Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary.

Resumes will be accepted until June 16, 2025

To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their cover letter, resume/vitae, and 3 professional references to Ariel Richardson, Office Manager, AIANTA at arichardson@aianta.org by June 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m. MT. Please specify “Education & Business Development Director Application” in the subject line.

NOTE:
AIANTA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. AIANTA gives preference in hiring to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC § 472).