Senior Licensing Certification Specialist

Nisqually Indian Tribe•Olympia, WA

7d•$33 - $40

About The Position

The Senior Licensing Certification Specialist oversees and coordinates the processing of Class II and Class III gaming license applications, renewals, and investigative reports, ensuring compliance with the Tribal-State Compact, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), other applicable laws, internal policies, and procedures. The role facilitates licensing and renewals for applicants, employees, vendor technicians, and vendor entities, and serves as the lead subject matter expert for licensing operations. The position provides oversight of licensing activities, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, staff development, and complex licensing determinations. It supports communication with regulatory authorities, contributes to policy and procedure development, and makes recommendations to Agency leadership. The Specialist supervises and trains Licensing Certification Specialist staff, promotes consistent processes, and supports the integrity of gaming operations through sound judgment, attention to detail, and effective communication. The position is responsible for confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records and for maintaining positive employee, client, vendor, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication and client service are expected. Regular attendance is required; later hours or weekend work may occasionally be needed to meet project deadlines. A neat, well-groomed, professional appearance is essential.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Five years of relevant experience in a gaming regulatory environment, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Supervisory or lead experience in a regulatory, licensing, or compliance environment.
Extensive experience and advanced working knowledge of regulatory compliance, including background investigations, vendor compliance, licensing determinations, audits, compliance reviews, renewal-cycle oversight, and applicable policies and procedures.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database systems used for licensing, regulatory tracking, and reporting.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Nisqually Tribal Gaming Agency License within the timeframe established by Nisqually TGA or otherwise required as a condition of employment.
Valid Washington State driver's license and a driving record meeting the minimum requirements of the Nisqually Indian Tribes' vehicle insurance provider.
Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including standing, walking, handling and gripping objects, reaching, stooping, crouching, repetitive motions, lifting or moving up to 30+ pounds, and sitting for a full shift while completing computer and paperwork tasks.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes, State and Federal Agencies.
Prior experience in Casino Operations, Law Enforcement, Gaming Enforcement, or Gaming Regulatory Enforcement.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with the Tribal-State Gaming Compact, Internal Control Standards, NIGC regulations, and Nisqually Tribal Gaming Agency policies and procedures.
Conduct and manage complex background investigations for applicants, employees, vendor technicians, and vendor entities.
Review and analyze licensing cases and make licensing determinations in accordance with applicable compact and regulatory requirements.
Provide technical guidance, training, and ongoing support to Licensing Certification Specialists.
Assign, prioritize, and review staff work to ensure timely and accurate completion of licensing functions.
Conduct quality assurance reviews of investigations, licensing files, determinations, and regulatory reports.
Coordinate timely processing of renewal applications with the Washington State Gaming Commission.
Monitor Conditional License holders for monthly compliance and follow-up.
Oversee the accuracy of licensing and regulatory data in NTGS and Kodee databases.
Oversee fingerprint capture for submission to the Washington State Gambling Commission.
Conduct follow-up investigations as directed by the Executive Director, Deputy Director, or Investigations Manager.
Prepare and submit required regulatory reports, including NIGC Key Employee and PMO investigative findings.
Maintain and monitor licensing records, documentation, filing accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
Audit licensing records, files, and processes; identify compliance risks; recommend corrective actions; and implement process improvements.
Generate monthly check requests for casino payments to the Nisqually Indian Tribe for Class II and Class III applications, badges, and processing fees.
Oversee issuance of identification badges for employees, vendor technicians, commissioners, and Agency staff.
Coordinate and communicate with Casino Human Resources, Payroll, and Agency leadership regarding applicant status and licensing processes.
Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and coordinate responses to investigations, audits, inspections, compliance reviews, and regulatory inquiries.
Assist with developing, implementing, interpreting, and periodically reviewing licensing policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Develop reports, compliance summaries, and trend analyses for Agency leadership and management.
Maintain inventory of fingerprint cards, badge materials, and office supplies.
Review Class II and Class III gaming activities and incidents, including Sportsbook operations, for regulatory compliance.
Draft, review, and deliver professional correspondence, reports, summaries, and regulatory documentation.
Coordinate and monitor training for assigned staff.
Review and interpret complex legal, regulatory, and technical documents to support compliance and licensing determinations.
Analyze complex licensing cases and make or recommend determinations using sound judgment.
Collaborate with internal departments, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and external stakeholders.
Handle complex or escalated licensing cases and guide staff in resolving them.
Handle confidential licensing, investigative, and regulatory information with discretion, integrity, sound judgment, and ethical conduct.
Perform other duties as assigned.