Senior Licensing Certification Specialist

Nisqually Indian Tribe•Olympia, WA

About The Position

The Senior Licensing Certification Specialist oversees and coordinates Class II and Class III Gaming License applications, renewals, investigations, and regulatory reporting. The role ensures compliance with the Tribal-State Gaming Compact, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), applicable laws, internal controls, and Nisqually Tribal Gaming Agency policies and procedures. It serves as the lead subject matter expert for licensing operations, including complex licensing determinations, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and staff development. The position supervises and trains Licensing Certification Specialist staff, assigns and reviews work, supports consistent licensing processes, and serves as a primary liaison with regulatory agencies. It contributes to the development and review of policies and procedures and provides recommendations and reports to Agency leadership. The role handles confidential licensing and investigative records and promotes accuracy, sound judgment, effective communication, and positive employee, client, vendor, and community relations. 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, and licensing renewal cycles.
Working knowledge of applicable regulatory 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 the Agency 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.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check before employment.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including frequently standing, walking, handling and gripping objects, reaching, stooping, crouching, performing repetitive motions, sitting for a full shift, and regularly lifting or moving up to 30+ pounds.
Ability to work occasional later hours or weekends as required by project deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and outstanding client service.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes and 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 materials and make licensing determinations in accordance with 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, including monthly compliance monitoring 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 reports to regulatory agencies, including NIGC Key Employee and PMO investigative findings.
Maintain and monitor licensing records, documentation, and filing accuracy.
Audit licensing records, files, and processes; identify compliance risks; recommend corrective actions; and implement process improvements.
Generate monthly check requests for payments from the casino to the Nisqually Indian Tribe for 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 inquiries.
Assist in 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 adequate 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 to support licensing and compliance.
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.