Tribal Administrator (Open Until Filled)

TANF Employees•Thermal, CA

7h•$0 - $113•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians (“Tribe”) Tribal Council (“Supervisor”), this position will primarily be responsible to serve as the chief administrative officer responsible for managing administration divisions, implementing policies, and advancing the tribe’s strategic goals.

Requirements

Principles and practices that encompass planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively
Principles and practices in administrative functions, in applicable employment law, fiscal operations, audit preparation, financial management, human resources/personnel, property and contract management
Federal grant administration and compliance requirements, including OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) indirect cost rate agreements
Tribal accounting principles relevant to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with governmental accounting standards, federal grant requirements, and unique tribal governance rules to ensure accurate, compliant, and transparent financial reporting
Public relations techniques that build brand awareness, foster trust, and maintain a positive public image through media, events, and digital engagement.
Conflict resolution, de-escalation tactics, and team building
Work with people from diverse cultures, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and must always maintain cultural sensitivity
Interact with all levels of Tribal representatives, employees, and managers
Be trusted with maintaining confidentiality and relaying highly sensitive communications
Use office software, financial management systems, and data analysis tools to create documents, analyze data, prepare presentations, and manage communication
Perform strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to manage staff, interact with the Tribal Council, and engage with the Tribal community
Exercise independent judgment and assert administrative recommendations to elected leadership, even amid disagreement or political pressure
Adapt to evolving Tribal needs
Communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or telecommunications
Address large/small groups of people
Master’s in Public Administration (MPA/MSA) degree or equivalent field, and (5) years of related experience in management or tribal administration OR Bachelor of Public Administration (BA) degree or equivalent field, and seven (7) years of related experience in management or tribal administration.
This position requires driving, therefore applicant must have prior to hiring and maintain throughout employment a valid California Class C driver’s license and insurability under the Tribe’s vehicle insurance policy

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and oversight to Tribal programs, services, and divisions
Ensure transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment of Tribal long/short missions, objectives, and goals
Engage, manage, and direct division directors, managers, and administrative staff through effective delegation of duties and job functions
Implement budgeting processes by planning, allocating, monitoring, and controlling financial resources that align with organizational goals
Oversee budget preparation and administration, monitors expenditures, and ensures fiscal responsibility
Analyze and structure effective staffing plans with proactive workforce planning, culturally grounded recruitment, and sustainable partnerships to address unique geographic, governance, and community-trust challenges
Ensure that Tribal policies, resolutions, and ordinances are implemented effectively and in accordance with the Tribe’s constitution and by laws
Plans, develops, implements, and monitors programs, projects, and services
Conduct needs assessments to establish short-and long-term goals to ensure staff understand and work toward these objectives
Develop strategies to adapt programs to policy and regulatory changes at Tribal, federal, state, and local levels
Identify funding sources, manage funded grants and contract to maintain compliance, direction, and completion of programs/projects
Oversee the administration, compliance, and delivery of health programs and benefits for Tribal employees, ensuring that services meet both federal, state, and Tribal sovereignty requirements
Enforce applicable laws, rules, and Tribal policies, and recommend or implement new regulations, procedures, operational systems to improve efficiency and compliance
Act as liaison between Tribal Council, Tribal members and internal or external organizations
Consults regularly with Tribal Council, division and department heads, and employees ensuring alignment with the overall direction and goals of the Tribe
Provide direct, candid, and evidence-based recommendations to Tribal Council, including matters that may be unpopular
Develop partnerships with other tribes, federal, state, and local entities
Prepare and submit reports on program outcomes, strategic goals, and departmental performance
Analyze data to improve services and ensure accountability to the Tribal members
Direct supervision of subordinates to include mentoring, coaching, and evaluating performance; hiring of employees; recommend transfer, reassignment, termination, and disciplinary actions.
Attend meetings, conferences, and events
Attend mandatory training
Travel as required to perform duties
Perform related duties as assigned