Tribal Wood Markets Development Contractor

Issuing Organization

Sustainable Northwest (SNW)

Engagement Type

Independent Contractor

Location

Remote; travel to Portland, OR required

Reports To

Steve Rigdon, SNW Tribal Partnership & Resource Stewardship Specialist

Anticipated Start Date

September 2026

Budget

$873,000.00

Submission Deadline

Open until filled

1. Background

Sustainable Northwest forges natural resource solutions that are good for nature, people, and local economies. We partner with rural communities and Tribal Nations throughout the Northwest on projects that promote smart water use, clean energy, and healthy forests, farms, and ranches. Our solutions are as unique as the problems we solve and include entrepreneurship, policy, market innovations, public or private investment, collaboration, and technical assistance – but the ultimate success of our work is based on relationships, trust, and inclusion. Sustainable Northwest was founded in 1994 to forge collaborative solutions for conserving forest and community health. Today, our challenges have multiplied with climate change, catastrophic wildfires, and persistent drought plaguing our region. Yet we remain optimistic that nature, people, and local economies can thrive together.

Sustainable Northwest's Wood Markets team connects everyone along the wood product supply chain to advance forest, environmental, and community health. Over several years, the team has grown relationships with tribal forest managers and wood supply chains through engagement with the Intertribal Timber Council, multiple individual tribal governments, and a wide range of building sector partners. We have unique experience supporting transparency and wood procurement practices. We see the opportunity to create lasting value and recognition of tribal forest management for contributing a rich mix of forest and climate health, cultural values, and community prosperity into wood supply chains. Though tribal partnerships weave throughout our work, we have a need and opportunity to establish a permanent program focused on tribal wood markets.

1. Purpose of this RFP

SNW is seeking a qualified and experienced Tribal Wood Market Development Contractor to lead and expand our Tribal Wood Markets program. This position will build on successful pilots and market studies to implement strategies that support visibility and value for Tribal communities and Tribal wood producers across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

This role is supported by secured funding with clear program milestones and the freedom to identify opportunities for innovation. This contractor will work closely with the Wood Markets Director, the Tribal Partnership & Resource Stewardship Manager, and a five-person program team.

1. Scope of Work and Expected Outcomes

The selected Contractor will be expected to, at minimum:

Market Development, Branding, and Innovation

• Lead Tribal Wood market development, building on successful pilots and market studies; implement market opportunities and strategies to support visibility and value for Tribal communities and Tribal wood producers.
• Support 15 successful Tribal wood sourcing pilot credits, including 2 pilots with existing certifications (SFI and FSC).
• Participate in building conferences to advance understanding and interest in Tribal Wood sourcing.
• Create market value and opportunities for Tribal partners to engage the building community at conferences and events; recruit and organize participation among Tribal communities.
• Support marketing content development and storytelling with Tribes oriented toward education, inspiration, and use of LEED, Living Future, and AIA continued education credits.
• Lead and support development of communications, grant proposals, and grant reports.
• Support development of a tribal wood markets directory.
• Support external building project teams and internal Wood Advisor projects to pursue wood products sourced from Tribes.

Partnerships Management and Development

• Set a high standard for relationship building with Tribal partners through transparent communication, openness to feedback, and disciplined coordination.
• Maintain and grow the network of Tribal partnerships centered around Tribal forestry, wood products, and supply chains — across North America with a priority on US-wide ITC members and SNW's PNW mission area.
• Participate in conferences, conventions, and meetings hosted by Tribes or intertribal organizations.
• Host recurring meetings with the Tribal Wood Advisory Board and develop structures for open feedback and learning.
• Plan events, learning sessions, field tours, and conferences for partners centered around Tribal forestry, wood products, and supply chains.

Grants Management

• Develop systems to effectively administer federal funding awards in collaboration with SNW colleagues and external partners.
• Develop necessary reporting mechanisms and facilitate internal and external meetings to ensure effective grant implementation.

Tribal Forestry Incentive Fund Management

• Support the AMP Grant and Contracts Senior Manager in deploying payments to 5 Tribal communities.
• Develop, communicate, and maintain invoicing and reporting systems.
• Support Tribal forest managers with NRCS CPA-52 approval.

Transparency and Market Development

• Work with Tribal communities, wood products companies, and certification bodies to develop transparency protocols that establish pathways to differentiate Tribal wood in U.S. markets.
• Lead activities including workforce development, supply chain optimization, logistics planning, pilot testing, data collection, and consumer/buyer education.

Program Development

• Support shared efforts to grow and develop the Tribal Wood Markets program for the future, given secure multi-year funding.
• As time allows, identify potential foundation funding, support grant research, writing, submission, and reporting.
• Maintain and organize general documents and language needed for communications needs.

1. Eligibility Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in Natural Resource Management, Wood Products, Tribal enterprise leadership, or social business entrepreneurship.
• College degree — Master's, Bachelor's, or similar — in natural resources, Tribal studies, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience working with or for Tribal governments or enterprises.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.

1. Preferred Additional Experience

• Independently motivated and collaboratively skilled, with an inherent sense of mission.
• Social and/or quantitative research experience — including interviewing, focus group facilitation, survey design, and data analysis.
• Attention to detail, particularly for federal grant reporting and communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Creativity in identifying ways to grow value with and for Tribal partners once established in the role.

1. Evaluation Considerations

Proposals will be reviewed by SNW's Wood Markets Team. Finalists may be invited to interview. SNW recognizes that few candidates will meet all listed qualifications. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not align with every qualification, and to highlight the skills and experience unique to them. Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant experience in natural resources, wood products, or Tribal enterprise.
• Demonstrated Tribal partnership work.
• Communication ability and storytelling skill.
• Fit with the mission and goals of the Tribal Wood Markets program.

1. Proposal Submission Instructions

Interested applicants should submit a single PDF containing a cover letter and resume. Proposals should address:

• Qualifications and relevant experience.
• Approach to Tribal partnership and market development work.
• Any additional context about your background and fit with this role.

Submission Details

Submit via email to:

Dassi Owens — dowens@sustainablenorthwest.org

Subject line: Tribal Wood Markets Development Contractor

Please note:

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Advertised until filled.
• No phone calls or email inquiries regarding this posting.
• Interview questions will be provided to candidates in advance.
• References will be requested from finalist candidates.