Administration - Sovereign Lands and Traditional Resources Executive Director

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sovereign Lands and Traditional Resources Executive Director provides leadership and management control of the Division by defining and implementing the direction, goals, and objectives of its departments. The role is responsible for the effectiveness and efficiency of services related to developing and protecting trust natural resources, protecting Indian Treaty rights, fish and wildlife resource management, environmental quality guidance and regulation, youth education, and climate resilience. The Executive Director works closely with Tribal Council and Administration to interpret and implement approved decisions related to the Division. The position oversees the Division’s directors and managers, supports departmental planning and budgets, ensures compliance with applicable policies, codes, laws, and grant requirements, and represents and advocates for the Division with state and federal entities. Work is primarily in an office setting with some field work and occasional travel. The role may require responding after normal business hours and may involve sensitive or confidential matters and critical deadlines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree from a four-year college or university in Natural Resources, Fisheries, Environmental Science, or a related field, and six years of experience and/or training in a senior management capacity managing subordinate program supervisors; or an equivalent combination of education and management experience and/or training overseeing departments or programs.
Demonstrated experience managing a departmental budget.
Demonstrated knowledge of grant management.
Intermediate knowledge and experience with computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Strong understanding of Tribal government operations, sovereignty, governance, and the unique role of Tribal Natural Resources.
Knowledge of Tribal, federal, and applicable state laws and regulations affecting Tribal programs.
Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple departments and competing priorities.
Ability to work effectively with elected officials, attorneys, department directors, employees, Tribal Members, and community members.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare speeches and articles and deliver persuasive presentations on complex or controversial topics.
Ability to analyze complex operational issues and develop practical recommendations.
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information and lead through complex or sensitive situations with professionalism and appropriate confidentiality.
Ability to build effective relationships across departments and Tribal entities.
Strong understanding of budgeting, financial management, staffing, and organizational planning.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound administrative judgment.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts including probability, statistical inference, geometry, and trigonometry, and apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking to complex intellectual and practical problems and handle abstract and concrete variables.
Must have and maintain a valid, unrestricted Washington State driver’s license without restrictions that would prevent driving a GSA vehicle.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check before employment and periodically throughout employment.
Willingness to attend professional development training.

Responsibilities

Represent the Division and establish and promote the mission and direction of the Natural Resources Division.
Ensure Division departments comply with applicable procedures, codes, policies, and federal law.
Provide administrative technical assistance, leadership, and supervision to Division departments.
Assist program or department directors with goals and objectives for annual operations plans, monitor progress, and promote teamwork strategies.
Conduct strategic planning for the Division and Tribe in accordance with Tribal Council priorities.
Review changes in federal and state laws and Tribal code that may affect service delivery.
Build relationships at the state and federal level and advocate for department and program services.
Prepare, plan, and monitor department budgets with department directors.
Create and ensure compliance with memoranda of agreement or understanding involving Tribal departments, Tribal entities, the Tribe, and local governments.
Maintain effective internal and external communications.
Lead departments in decision-making, organization, program design, prioritization, and delegation; monitor and review operations to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
Provide general oversight of planning and management for trust natural resources, Indian Treaty rights, fish and wildlife resource management, environmental quality, youth education, and climate resilience.
Regularly facilitate Division department director meetings and coordinate meetings with other Tribal departments as needed.
Notify the Administrative Manager and Tribal Council about policy concerns and recommend revisions or direction arising from housing or community development issues.
Approve department directors’ expenditure requests to ensure compliance with Tribal, state, and federal regulations and grant restrictions.
Participate in and monitor internal and external department audits and implement corrective actions.
Complete projects assigned by the Administrative Manager or Tribal Council.
Stay current in areas of responsibility by attending executive-level meetings, trainings, and workshops as needed.
Manage assigned directors and managers and oversee the Division’s direction, coordination, and evaluation.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, and addressing complaints and problems.
Participate in developing the Puyallup Tribe of Indians’ vision, mission, and strategic direction.
Maintain ethical and professional relationships and a favorable public image for the Tribe through participation in civic, industry, and professional communities.
Perform other duties as assigned.