Application Guide
How to Apply for Director, Native Community Finance
at Rise Economy
🏢 About Rise Economy
Rise Economy is the largest statewide community reinvestment coalition in the country, celebrating its 40th anniversary and reimagining systems of capital to reverse the legacy of redlining and structural racism. What makes it unique is its dual approach: working within the current economy to ensure low-income communities, Tribes, and Communities of Color benefit, while also building alternative systems where capital is redistributed and communities hold power. This is a rare opportunity to join a mission-driven organization at the forefront of equitable community finance in California.
About This Role
As the Director of Native Community Finance, you will lead Rise Economy's efforts to facilitate access to capital for Tribes and Native organizations in California, with a focus on community investment. You will work directly with Tribal Nations and Native-led organizations to overcome structural barriers created by financial institutions, ensuring they can deploy capital equitably. This role is impactful because it directly addresses the growing demand for capital in Native communities and helps build sustainable financial ecosystems that reverse historical disinvestment.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve meeting with Tribal leaders and Native organization representatives to assess their capital needs, then working with financial institutions and CDFIs to structure solutions. You could also spend time advocating for policy changes that support Native community finance, coordinating with Rise Economy coalition members, and developing strategies to build alternative financial systems that empower Native communities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Rise Economy Is Looking For
- Deep experience working with Tribes and Native organizations in California, with a strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty, cultural protocols, and community finance needs.
- Proven track record in community development finance, lending, or capital access, including familiarity with CDFIs, loan funds, or other financial tools for community investment.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust and partnerships across diverse stakeholders, including financial institutions, community-based organizations, and government agencies.
- Strategic thinker with experience leading initiatives, managing programs, and advocating for policy changes that advance economic justice for Native communities.
📝 Tips for Applying to Rise Economy
Highlight any direct experience working with California Tribes or Native organizations, and be specific about the communities and projects you've supported.
Show your understanding of the structural barriers Native communities face in accessing capital, and describe how you've helped overcome them in past roles.
Connect your work to Rise Economy's dual mission of working within the current economy while building alternatives—demonstrate that you can navigate both.
Emphasize your ability to collaborate with CDFIs, affordable housing developers, and other coalition members, as Rise Economy is a coalition-driven organization.
Since the role is based in California with a preference for the Central Valley, mention any ties to or knowledge of the region and its Native communities.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with Tribal and Native community finance in California, including any successful capital access projects.', 'How you have navigated structural barriers in financial institutions to benefit Native communities, and what results you achieved.', "Your alignment with Rise Economy's mission to reimagine capital systems and reverse redlining, with examples of how you've contributed to similar goals.", 'Your ability to lead collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders, including Tribes, financial institutions, and community organizations.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study Rise Economy's history, mission, and recent campaigns, especially their work on community reinvestment and racial equity.
- → Research the current landscape of Native community finance in California, including key Tribes, Native organizations, and existing capital access initiatives.
- → Understand the role of CDFIs and other community development financial institutions in California, and how they interact with Native communities.
- → Look into the Central Valley's Native communities and their specific economic development and capital needs.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid using generic language about 'helping underserved communities' without specifically mentioning Tribes and Native organizations—this role requires deep cultural competence.
- Don't focus solely on mainstream financial experience without demonstrating an understanding of the unique barriers Native communities face in accessing capital.
- Avoid showing a lack of awareness of California's Tribal landscape or treating Native communities as monolithic—specificity and respect are crucial.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!