Director of External Partnerships & Membership Engagement

Company Description The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) exists to advance the cannabis industry for the benefit of Indigenous communities across regions and Nations. ICIA focuses on advocacy, empowerment, and visibility for Indigenous cannabis businesses, influencers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The organization serves as a trusted conduit for connection, information, and data to support Indigenous Nations in navigating the evolving cannabis landscape. ICIA’s vision is to help build an equitable, just, and sustainable Indigenous cannabis economy, creating long‑term opportunities and resilience. Team members contribute directly to mission-driven work that centers Indigenous perspectives and community impact. Role Description The Director of External Partnerships & Membership Engagement is a full‑time, on‑site role based in the Greater Madison Area. This role is responsible for building, nurturing, and expanding strategic partnerships with Indigenous Nations, cannabis businesses, allied organizations, and sponsors. The director will oversee membership engagement, including recruitment, onboarding, relationship management, and retention initiatives, while ensuring members receive meaningful value and support. Day‑to‑day tasks include developing and executing partnership strategies, managing key accounts, coordinating joint initiatives and events, and representing ICIA at meetings, conferences, and community gatherings. The role also involves collaborating with internal teams to align external relationships with ICIA’s mission, tracking partnership performance, preparing reports for leadership, and contributing to long‑term strategic planning for a sustainable Indigenous cannabis ecosystem. Qualifications Candidates should possess strong Communication skills, including clear written and verbal communication, facilitation, and relationship‑building with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should possess Strategic Partnerships and Account Management skills to identify opportunities, manage partner portfolios, and sustain long‑term collaborative relationships. Candidates should possess Strategic Planning skills to design and implement initiatives that advance ICIA’s mission and grow membership impact. Candidates should possess Sales and membership growth skills, including experience with outreach, negotiation, and value‑based engagement strategies. Experience working with Indigenous communities, governments, or organizations, and a strong commitment to equity and justice in the cannabis industry. Demonstrated ability to work on‑site in a collaborative environment, manage multiple projects, and maintain organized, timely follow‑through. Background in nonprofit, association management, advocacy, or cannabis industry is highly beneficial. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (such as Business, Communications, Public Policy, or Indigenous Studies) or equivalent combination of experience and training. Company Description The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) exists to advance the cannabis industry for the benefit of Indigenous communities across regions and Nations. ICIA focuses on advocacy, empowerment, and visibility for Indigenous cannabis businesses, influencers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The organization serves as a trusted conduit for connection, information, and data to support Indigenous Nations in navigating the evolving cannabis landscape. ICIA’s vision is to help build an equitable, just, and sustainable Indigenous cannabis economy, creating long‑term opportunities and resilience. Team members contribute directly to mission‑driven work that centers Indigenous perspectives and community impact. Role Description The Director of External Partnerships & Membership Engagement is a full‑time, on‑site role based in the Greater Madison Area. This role is responsible for building, nurturing, and expanding strategic partnerships with Indigenous Nations, cannabis businesses, allied organizations, and sponsors. The director will oversee membership engagement, including recruitment, onboarding, relationship management, and retention initiatives, while ensuring members receive meaningful value and support. Day‑to‑day tasks include developing and executing partnership strategies, managing key accounts, coordinating joint initiatives and events, and representing ICIA at meetings, conferences, and community gatherings. The role also involves collaborating with internal teams to align external relationships with ICIA’s mission, tracking partnership performance, preparing reports for leadership, and contributing to long‑term strategic planning for a sustainable Indigenous cannabis ecosystem. Qualifications Candidates should possess strong Communication skills, including clear written and verbal communication, facilitation, and relationship‑building with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should possess Strategic Partnerships and Account Management skills to identify opportunities, manage partner portfolios, and sustain long‑term collaborative relationships. Candidates should possess Strategic Planning skills to design and implement initiatives that advance ICIA’s mission and grow membership impact. Candidates should possess Sales and membership growth skills, including experience with outreach, negotiation, and value‑based engagement strategies. Experience working with Indigenous communities, governments, or organizations, and a strong commitment to equity and justice in the cannabis industry. Demonstrated ability to work on‑site in a collaborative environment, manage multiple projects, and maintain organized, timely follow‑through. Background in nonprofit, association management, advocacy, or cannabis industry is highly beneficial. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (such as Business, Communications, Public Policy, or Indigenous Studies) or equivalent combination of experience and training. Contract & Position Structure Position: Director of External Partnerships & Membership Engagement Organization: Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association Term: 12‑month contract Status: Contract / Independent Contractor or organizational contract structure, as determined by ICIA Reporting: President & Executive Director during initial 12‑month term Work Location: Remote, with significant travel anticipated Travel: National travel required for Tribal, policy, industry, partnership, and ICIA events Compensation: Competitive contract compensation commensurate with experience and scope of responsibility Future Opportunity: Subject to performance, organizational growth, and funding, the position is intended to transition into a senior leadership position following successful completion of the initial 12‑month term. Why Join ICIA? This is not a traditional membership position. The inaugural Director will have the opportunity to build an entirely new organizational function from the ground up and help shape how ICIA engages Tribal Nations, members, policymakers, businesses, institutions, and strategic partners across the country. The successful candidate will have a meaningful role in helping build the infrastructure, relationships, visibility, and economic opportunities necessary for the continued growth of the Indigenous cannabis and hemp industry. For the right leader, this position can become a long‑term senior leadership opportunity within a growing national Tribal organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr