Administration - Sovereign Lands and Traditional Resources Executive Director

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

The Sovereign Lands and Traditional Resources Executive Director provides leadership and management control of the Sovereign Lands and Traditional Resources Division. The role defines and implements the direction, goals, and objectives of departments assigned to the division and is responsible for the effectiveness and efficiency of their services. This includes the development and protection of trust natural resources, protection of Indian Treaty rights, fish and wildlife resource management, environmental quality guidance and regulatory direction, youth education, and climate resilience. The Executive Director works closely with the Tribal Council and Administration to interpret and implement approved decisions related to the Division and reports to the Administrative Manager. The position provides administrative technical assistance, leadership, supervision, and general oversight to division departments. It guides strategic planning, operational goals, budgets, compliance, interdepartmental coordination, and relationships with Tribal, state, federal, and local entities. The Executive Director manages directors and managers as assigned and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the division. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, with work primarily in an office setting and some field work. Occasional travel using the employee’s own transportation is required, and the employee may need to respond after normal business hours. Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Natural Resources, Fisheries, Environmental Science, or a related field, plus six years of experience and/or training in senior management overseeing subordinate program supervisors, or an equivalent combination of education and management experience. Experience managing a departmental budget, grant management knowledge, intermediate computer application skills, and a valid unrestricted Washington State driver’s license are required. A criminal background check is required before and periodically during employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree 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 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 and work effectively with elected officials, attorneys, department directors, employees, Tribal Members, and community members.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret complex documents, address sensitive inquiries or complaints, write 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 apply mathematical concepts, including probability, statistical inference, geometry, trigonometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems and work with abstract and concrete variables.
Valid and unrestricted Washington State driver’s license without restrictions that would prevent driving a GSA vehicle; must be maintained.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check before employment and periodically throughout employment.
Requires ability to operate a personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile machine, and photocopier.
Requires ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English and to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
Willingness to attend training for professional development.

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 in establishing goals and objectives for the annual operations plan, and regularly review progress.
Perform strategic planning for the Division and Tribe in accordance with Tribal Council priorities.
Review and evaluate changes in federal and state laws and tribal code that may affect service delivery.
Build effective relationships at the state and federal levels and advocate for department and program services.
Prepare, plan, and monitor department budgets monthly with Department Directors.
Create and ensure compliance with memoranda of agreement or understanding among Tribal departments and entities, the Tribe, and local governments.
Maintain effective internal and external communications and help departments make decisions, organize, design programs, prioritize, and delegate tasks.
Monitor and review division departments to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
Oversee coordination, management, planning, development, protection, and monitoring of trust natural resources, Treaty rights, fish and wildlife resources, environmental quality, youth education, and climate resilience.
Facilitate regular division Department Director meetings and organize meetings with other Tribal departments as needed.
Notify the Administrative Manager and Tribal Council of policy concerns and recommend revisions and direction arising from housing or community development issues.
Approve Department Director expenditure requests for compliance with Tribal, state, and federal regulations and grant restrictions.
Participate in and monitor internal and external department audits and implement necessary corrective actions.
Complete projects assigned by the Administrative Manager or Tribal Council.
Attend executive-level meetings, trainings, and workshops to stay current in areas of responsibility.
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, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
Participate in development of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians’ vision, mission, and strategic direction.
Develop and maintain ethical and professional relationships and support a favorable public image of the Tribe through community, civic, industry, and professional participation.
Perform other duties as assigned.