Executive Director (Regulatory Affairs)

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians•Traverse City, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director (Regulatory Affairs) serves as the senior executive authority responsible for overseeing all regulatory operations for both Gaming and Tribal Government functions. This position provides strategic leadership, operational direction, and regulatory enforcement across background investigations, vendor licensing, compliance monitoring, internal auditing, surveillance, and governmental regulatory activities. Reporting to the Government Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director ensures that all Gaming and Government regulatory programs operate in full compliance with Tribal, state, federal, and National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) requirements. This role serves as the primary liaison between the Tribal Gaming Commission, gaming operations, Tribal Government, and external regulatory bodies while maintaining organizational independence and integrity of regulatory functions. The Executive Director leads the development and implementation of regulatory policy, internal controls, compliance standards, and investigative practices to safeguard Tribal assets, promote transparency, and ensure the lawful operation of gaming enterprises and governmental programs. This position requires advanced expertise in regulatory administration, investigative procedures, auditing standards, and executive leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Finance, Accounting, or related field required; Master's degree preferred
Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory compliance, investigations, auditing, or gaming operations
Minimum two (2) years of management experience
Demonstrated knowledge of Tribal Gaming Codes and regulatory frameworks
Experience with background investigations, vendor licensing, internal audits, and compliance monitoring
Must be able to obtain and maintain and valid Tribal Adjudication Certification within 1 year of starting the Executive Director position.
Valid unrestricted Driver's License and ability to be insured under GTB insurance carrier
Advanced knowledge of regulatory frameworks, auditing standards, and investigative practices
Strong financial literacy, including ability to interpret financial statements
Exceptional leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity
Ability to manage complex regulatory environments and competing priorities
Strong computer proficiency and database management skills
Must successfully complete a background investigation, drug, and alcohol screenings.
Must adhere to strict confidentiality and GTB fiscal and personnel policies.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

Provide executive oversight of all Regulatory Department functions, including Gaming and Government regulatory operations.
Establish and execute short, intermediate, and long-term regulatory strategies aligned with evolving laws, regulations, and Tribal priorities.
Develop, implement, and maintain regulatory policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
Serve as senior regulatory advisor to Tribal leadership, Gaming Commission, and executive management.
Ensure full compliance with Tribal, state, federal, and NIGC regulations governing gaming operations and governmental regulatory activities.
Carry out licensing and regulatory authority as defined in the Grand Traverse Band Code.
Oversee background investigations, vendor licensing, surveillance, compliance monitoring, and internal auditing functions.
Review and approve compliance reports, audit findings, and investigative outcomes.
Serve as primary liaison with the Tribal Gaming Commission, NIGC, state regulatory agencies, gaming operations, and Tribal Government leadership.
Maintain open communication with Tribal Council, EDC Board, CEO, General Manager, executive leadership, and department managers.
Monitor and communicate regulatory changes impacting gaming and government operations.
Direct investigations related to customer disputes, compliance violations, and regulatory concerns.
Ensure enforcement of Tribal gaming laws, internal controls, and regulatory policies.
Review background investigation findings and assist the Gaming Commission in suitability determinations.
Oversee internal audit functions and ensure adherence to NIGC MICS, GAAS, and Institute of Internal Auditors standards.
Monitor audit plans, adjust scope as needed, and ensure findings are communicated to executive leadership and governing bodies.
Establish safeguards to protect Tribal assets against fraud, waste, and abuse.
Provide monthly written reports to the Gaming Commission detailing findings, trends, and recommendations.
Ensure timely reporting to Tribal leadership and regulatory bodies.
Manage departmental budgets and control labor and operational expenses.
Directly supervise surveillance, compliance, internal auditing, background investigations, and administrative staff.
Establish performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and administer discipline in accordance with policy and law.
Promote professional development and regulatory training for staff.
Perform other executive regulatory duties as assigned.