Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Salary: Compensation for this position is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications, taking into account any and all applicable rules and/or limitations of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the U.S. Small Business Association’s (SBA) small business contracting program, 8(a) Business Development Program, and Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program.

Mohawk Networks, LLC is an Internet Service Provider owned by the Section 17 Holding Company of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, known as the Tewathahonni Corporation. Certified by SBA as an 8(a) tribal entity-owned and HUBZone Certified enterprise, our strategic focus is on leveraging government contracts to drive workforce development and long-term sustainability. While our foundation lies in providing high-speed broadband through our fiber-optic network to homes, small businesses, and anchor institutions in Akwesasne and the surrounding areas, our forward-looking mission is centered on capitalizing on government contracting opportunities. We are dedicated to enhancing infrastructure and supporting essential services such as education, healthcare, law enforcement, and first responders, aiming to strengthen our economy through strategic growth and impactful investments.

Job Summary: We are seeking a strategic and results-oriented Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our operational functions and oversee the successful execution of government contracts, while ensuring compliance with all applicable government contracting laws. The COO will be pivotal in capturing new business opportunities, managing daily operations, and aligning our business strategies with our mission. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive our company's growth and impact within the government contracting sector. Given the complex world of federal government contracting and the additional rules and restrictions it places on small businesses, our ideal COO candidate will have: (1) extensive experience in government contracting, particularly within the SBA’s small business, 8(a), and HUBZone contracting programs; (2) exceptional leadership skills; (3) an understanding of and the ability to meet the heightened-standards for rule and contract compliance when doing federal government work; and (4) a proven track record of working with entity-owned enterprises. As Mohawk Networks, LLC, works closely with federal government contracting counsel and Tribal legal counsel (Counsel), the ideal COO candidate would also demonstrate the abilities to identify and ask necessary legal questions and to work with Counsel to implement legal advice.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties:

1. Operational Leadership:

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans that align with Mohawk Networks' mission and vision.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure effective management of government contracts and compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvements in operational processes to enhance efficiency and performance.

2. Capture Management:

• Lead the capture management process to identify, pursue, and secure new government contracting opportunities.
• Develop and execute strategies for capturing and expanding business within the Information Technology and telecommunications sectors.
• Collaborate with business development teams to create compelling proposals and presentations that meet client needs and expectations, while ensuring to demonstrate understanding and full compliance with all applicable laws for federal government contracting and teaming under federal government contracts.

3. Strategic Planning:

• Partner with the executive team to create and implement strategic plans that support growth and sustainability in government contracting.
• Identify and capitalize on new business development opportunities, leveraging industry insights and market analysis.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements to maintain a competitive advantage.

4. Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop senior operational staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across departments to support operational success and business growth.
• Oversee recruitment, talent development, and succession planning.

5. Financial Oversight:

• Manage the operational budget to ensure efficient resource allocation and financial stability.
• Monitor financial performance, address variances, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with the CFO to align operational and financial objectives.
• Understand (and if needed, work with Counsel to understand) and implement any applicable financial rules and limitations of the SBA for small businesses, as well as 8(a) Program and HUBZone Program participants, especially those applicable to and specific to tribal owned 8(a) entities.

6. Client and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government clients, partners, and stakeholders to support business development and contract execution.
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction through exceptional service delivery and proactive issue resolution.
• Represent Mohawk Networks, LLC, at industry meetings, conferences, and community events.

7. Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and tribal regulations, including those specific to the SBA’s small business, 8(a), and HUBZone contracting programs, as well as those applicable to and specific to tribal owned 8(a) entities.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to protect the company’s interests and ensure compliance with internal and applicable external rules and standards, and also, be able to demonstrate such risk management to government clients via proposals and contract administration.

Qualifications:

• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage cross-functional teams effectively.
• Experience: At least 10 years of experience in operational management, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role within government contracting, specifically with entities participating in the SBA’s 8(a) Program.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the small business, 8(a), and HUBZone contracting programs, opportunities, and applicable rules and standards, as well as general government contracting regulations set forth in the FAR, etc.
• Capture Management: Demonstrated success in leading capture efforts and securing new government contracts, while ensuring compliance with all applicable rules and proper federal contracting business practices set forth in statutes and regulations, such as the FAR.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in operational and financial management; experience with CRM software is advantageous.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field; an MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
• Compliance: Knowledge of federal and tribal regulations; experience working within an entityowned 8(a) enterprise is required; ability to work closely with Counsel to identify, address, and implement federal and tribal legal questions and solutions.

About Our Community: The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is a federally recognized tribal government located in the traditional territory of Akwesasne in Northern New York. The Tribe has over 16,100 enrolled members, with approximately 8,000 residing on the territory.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant

experience and qualifications to hr@mohawk-networks.com (open until filled). Please include “Chief Operating Officer Application” in the subject line.