Chief Administrative Officer

Job Title: Chief Administrative Officer

Salary/Scale: $62,236 - $115,313 (GS 11/12/13 (2019 RUS))

Department: NFR Administration Salary: 

Reports To: Tribal Council

Status: Exempt, Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY
This position will function as the Chief Administrative Officer of Tribal Government under the direction of the Tribal Council. Provides policy guidance, advice and assistance to the Tribal Council regarding strategic planning and problem solving; assumes responsibility for implementing policy decisions made by the Tribal Council; responsible for planning, administering, directing, overseeing and evaluating the activities and operations of most Tribal departments, programs and committees; provides policy guidance and coordinates the activities of management staff, facilitates the development and implementation of long and short-range plans, manages program and organizational growth, planning and implementation of new initiatives, programs, financial objectives, cultural changes and business goals for government operations. Provides technical and administrative direction in meeting and maintaining service standards to Tribal Citizens; ensures program services are delivered in an efficient and effective manner; and provides administrative support to Tribal Council.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Provides leadership and direction to promote collaborative and coordinated planning amongst Tribal Government department programs, services and activities to achieve the tribe’s goals and objectives.
• Under supervision of the Tribal Council, the CAO will manage the day-to-day administrative and management operations of the Tribal Office and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal Council, Tribal Gaming Commission, Office Personnel, and Tribal Citizens to assist with the cooperative, efficient operation of the Tribal Office.
• In concert with Human Resources Department and department heads, is responsible for the development of staffing plans and established work planning and scheduling; directs and approves all open requisitions; controls allocation and use of personnel to ensure appropriate staffing for business needs.
• Attends regular scheduled tribal Council Meetings for direct interface and effectively presents written reports to the Tribal Council concerning the status of all assignments, duties, projects and functions of the various programs and activities, assists in establishing programs objectives and meeting deadlines, and prepares or causes to be prepared resolutions, contracts, budgets, reports and other support documents as needed or requested by Tribal Council.
• Administration and responsibility for seeking out and recommending new grant opportunities. Monitor staff completion of quarterly and annual status reports as required by the grant funding agencies.
• Reviews reports and records of Tribal activities to ensure that progress is being made to specific program objectives; modifies and changes methodology as required to redirect and attain government business objectives.
• Responsible for oversight and administration of Tribal Government operations relative to risk management and safety.
• Oversees, along with the Chief Financial Officer, the development and administration of the Tribal budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary; along with the CFO, keeps Council advised of financial conditions, program progress, and present and future needs of the Tribe.
• Assist with annual audit process in coordination with the CFO and other Tribal executive management and boards.
• As directed, may represent the Tribe to outside agencies; coordinates Tribal activities with those of other tribes, local governments, cities, and outside agencies and organizations.
• Explains, justifies, and defends Tribal programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Works with HR Management to ensure all departments and staff members remain in compliance with applicable federal and program regulations; motivate and evaluate personnel; resolve personnel concerns and issues.
• Review and signatory approval of purchase requisitions, reimbursements, travel requests, and other administrative requests.
• Create and monitor systems to assure all Tribal programs are in compliance with approved Tribal Law, Statutes, and Policies and Procedures.
• Review contract for exemptions and waiver provisions to ensure compliance with Tribal Law and protection of the Tribe’s sovereign immunity from unconsented suit.
• Facilitate monthly meetings with executive management to review policy, directives, and planning and progress reports. Confers with management staff concerning administrative and operational problems, work plans, and strategic plans; makes appropriate decisions or recommendations.
• Possesses the ability to interact and communicate effectively and conscientiously with tribal citizens and staff members from a variety of backgrounds (elders to youth, professional to clerical).
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive tribal citizen and general public inquiries and complaints.
• Other duties as assigned by the Tribal Council.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge Skills & Abilities
• Demonstrated capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with Tribal Council, outside agencies, governmental and program partners, departments and employees in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership position, including management of multiple departments.
• Must possess strong administrative, organizational and communication skills, both orally and in writing, as demonstrated through past work experience.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret various reports and documents, including financial records and legal information. Working knowledge of fund accounting preferred.
• Possess awareness and sensitivity of Native Indian traditions, customs and socioeconomic needs and ability to work effectively with diverse cultures.

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Planning, Management or related field from an accredited college or university or related field with six (6) years of progressively responsible public management experience in a variety of tribal and/or municipal government administrative areas.
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties.

Special Requirements
• Tribal employment application with resume and cover letter required. Application must detail the education and experience requirements related to the position as advertised including a narrative delineating how your abilities, education and experience qualify you for this position.
• Must be willing to adhere to professional and tribal conduct and ethics rules.
• Must successfully clear a criminal history background check, drug screening and credit check.
• Maintain a valid, unrestricted California Driver’s license and ability to be insurable under NFR’s automobile insurance. If employee has a valid license from another state, he/she must obtain a CA license within 2 months of hiring date.

Tribal Member and Indian Preference Will Apply
Preference in hiring is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). Verification Form BIA-4432 or copy of tribal enrollment card must be submitted if claiming Indian Preference.

Environmental Conditions and Physical Requirements:
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and hear. Must be able to focus on computer screens for extensive periods of time. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand; reach with hands and arms and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Must be able to work flexible hours when necessary or as directed. Must be able to travel between tribal facilities and outside the service area for meetings, training's and conferences. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.