Deputy Director - Operations (Open Until Filled)

Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma•Pawnee, OK

4d•$93,600 - $0•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Director – Operations provides executive-level leadership, direction, and oversight of assigned Pawnee Nation governmental departments, programs, operational services, infrastructure initiatives, and organizational projects. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director ensures operations align with priorities established by the Pawnee Business Council and Executive Director, supervises and supports assigned Department Directors, coordinates interdepartmental work, monitors operational performance, and helps implement major governmental initiatives. The role supports effective service delivery, departmental accountability, infrastructure development, project implementation, and coordination of resources for Pawnee Nation citizens and communities. The Deputy Director exercises operational and supervisory authority delegated by the Executive Director. The role does not independently authorize unbudgeted expenditures, execute contracts, establish governmental policy, or take personnel actions reserved to other officials without appropriate authorization. Department Directors retain responsibility for daily program management, personnel supervision, budget administration, and compliance in their departments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Tribal Administration, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and substantial relevant executive management experience.
At least five years of progressively responsible management experience involving governmental operations, program administration, infrastructure, or organizational leadership.
Demonstrated experience supervising managers, directors, or professional staff.
Experience managing multiple programs, departments, projects, or complex organizational initiatives.
Knowledge of governmental budgeting, project management, program administration, and regulatory compliance.
Strong organizational, analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities and resolve complex operational challenges.
Valid driver's license and ability to meet applicable employment requirements.
Flexibility to attend evening and weekend meetings and travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or a related discipline.
Seven or more years of senior management or executive leadership experience.
Experience in tribal government administration or managing governmental programs.
Experience coordinating infrastructure, capital improvement, or federally funded projects.
Knowledge of federal Indian programs, tribal governmental operations, and grant compliance.
Experience implementing organizational strategic plans and performance improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Assist the Executive Director with administration and management of Pawnee Nation governmental operations.
Provide executive leadership and direct supervision to assigned Department Directors and operational management personnel.
Implement organizational priorities, directives, and strategic initiatives established by the Executive Director and Pawnee Business Council.
Monitor the effectiveness, efficiency, performance, and service quality of assigned departments and programs.
Promote accountability, communication, coordination, and collaboration among governmental departments.
Conduct regular meetings with Department Directors to review operations, staffing, budgets, projects, and performance.
Ensure departments establish measurable goals, work plans, and service delivery standards.
Monitor program performance and compliance with applicable tribal and federal requirements.
Help Department Directors resolve operational and organizational challenges; evaluate departmental effectiveness and recommend service, procedural, or resource improvements.
Coordinate activities involving multiple departments and communicate significant operational concerns to the Executive Director.
Coordinate and oversee assigned infrastructure and capital improvement initiatives, monitoring schedules, deliverables, budgets, milestones, and implementation progress.
Work with Department Directors, Planning personnel, engineers, contractors, consultants, and funding agencies to support project implementation.
Identify project risks, delays, funding concerns, and coordination needs; ensure progress reporting and recommend corrective measures when challenges arise.
Support infrastructure priorities involving broadband, transportation, utilities, wastewater, facilities, and other designated projects.
Support effective delivery of governmental programs and services to Pawnee Nation citizens, including initiatives related to health and wellness, social services, education, public safety, and community development.
Work with Department Directors to expand access, improve efficiency, strengthen service coordination, and address service delivery, staffing, facilities, and program administration concerns.
Promote culturally responsive services consistent with Pawnee Nation values and community priorities, while encouraging collaboration that reduces duplication and improves outcomes.
Assist the Executive Director in implementing strategic priorities and operational goals; work with Department Directors on strategic plans and annual work objectives.
Monitor organizational milestones and performance measures, identify efficiencies and service improvements, and recommend organizational changes that strengthen performance and accountability.
Coordinate cross-departmental projects, special initiatives, and long-term planning for infrastructure, governmental services, and organizational growth.
Represent the Executive Director in operational matters when authorized.
Maintain a valid driver's license, attend evening and weekend meetings, travel as needed, and perform other duties assigned by the Executive Director.