Tribal Manager

SUMMARY

Under the guidance and direction of the 7-member Tribal Council, the Tribal Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational management and oversight of all functions and operations of the programs/departments listed above. This position serves as the executive advisor to the 7 member Tribal Council and reports to the Tribal Council.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or Public Administration, with 2-3 years of tribal government experience; or a non-degree, with a high school diploma or GED, with at least six (6) years of tribal government experience at the administrative/management level.
• Experience in the following areas is required: fund accounting knowledge, indirect cost principles, grant writing knowledge, public speaking and financial and report writing.
• Advance knowledge of applicable laws, regulations rules, procedures and administration is also required.
• Must have a valid Michigan driver's license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work under the general direction of the 7 member Tribal Council serving as the principal assistant to the Tribal Chairman and acting as the direct representative of the Tribal Council.
• Handle critical management demands within the tribal government and directly contribute to the overall managerial effectiveness of the operations of the Tribal Government's programs.
• Assist the OMB with the development of the annual budgets for approval by the Tribal Council.
  • Oversee the budget preparation for the various programs of responsibility.
  • Ensure that program/department budgetary goals are achieved by assisting with programs that are cost effective and, insofar as possible, financially self-sufficient.
  • Monitor the use of Federal and State grants in various programs and complete audits of these grants for Tribal Council.

• Oversee all operational areas of the government programs through supervision of department managers/supervisors.
• Serve as principal spokesperson for programs/departments at regularly scheduled Tribal Council meetings.
• Evaluate for merit all recommendations and/or criticisms received and assist programs with decisions on adjustments or changes, within compliance of all applicable federal and program regulations, and only elevate to the Tribal Council level if necessary.
• Develop strong working relationships with programs/departments to assist each in their day-to-day operations.
• Resolve differences arising from budget limitations, personnel ceilings, mandatory policies and procedures and regulations.
• Serve as mediator/liaison in resolving various problem areas or misunderstandings that may arise.
• Conduct staff meetings for increased communication between tribal government departments and for improvement of services to tribal members.
• Recommend new programs to Tribal Council; modify or recommend termination of existing programs based on effectiveness and community needs.
  • Evaluate results achieved in terms or objectives, goals and costs.
  • Analyze workload, the achievement of goals and objectives, total cost of each program, quality of performance, community/public response and satisfaction, and determine/suggest corrective action as needed.
  • Complete factual assessments and determine program shortcomings (if any), their underlying causes, and determine measures required to preclude their recurrence.
  • Maximize the programs/departments contribution in terms of operational effectiveness, service, and support to the community and public served.
• Allocate and reprogram resources within the Tribal Administration Department as required to accommodate changing conditions.
  • Establish accountability and responsibility within department and achieve equal distribution of resources through changes in structure and alignment of functions.
  • Redefine and prioritize departmental requirements and resources.
  • Approve internal policies and operational changes within authority granted.
• Adhere to sound business principles in managing activities that generate income; monitor internal controls in all activities to maintain financially stable condition.
• Carry out current and long-range goals, objectives, plans and policies, as directed by the Tribal Council.
• Other duties as directed or assigned.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must possess the ability to evaluate the changing needs of the tribe, membership and/or programs/departments and respond accordingly. Must have excellent customer service skills and communication skills both verbally and written. Must be highly organized and able to handle multiple tasks at one time. Must be able to complete tasks and projects in a timely manner by prioritizing obligations and time. Must possess the ability to work with various personalities while maintaining impartiality. Must respond to the guidance

and assignments from the Tribal Council and accept constructive criticism in order to learn new, updated information. Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets financial reports and legal documents. Must be able to respond to common inquiries or complaints from tribal members, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community along with the ability to effectively present information to Tribal Council, public groups, and the GTB membership.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or Public Administration, with 2-3 years of tribal government experience; or a non-degree, with a high school diploma or GED, with at least six (6) years of tribal government experience at the administrative/management level. Experience in the following areas is required: fund accounting knowledge, indirect cost principles, grant writing knowledge, public speaking and financial and report writing. Advance knowledge of applicable laws, regulations rules, procedures and administration is also required.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid Michigan Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Task delegation to achieve maximum results
• Reinforcement of policies and procedures
• Recommend tribal capital expenditures
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of all program/departmental operations
• Direct all interviews for upper level administrative new hires as well as promotions and transfers
• Perform employee disciplinary actions and corrections
• Maintain employee records, i.e. absent reports, vacation and time-off requests
• Maintain open lines of communication with all tribal departments, tribal membership, and local community
• Manages all GTB Programs & Departments and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these departments
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Grand Traverse Band's policies and applicable laws

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to work flexible hours and to take on additional responsibilities when asked. This job description does not list all of the duties of the job. Performance evaluation, in part, will be determined by the ability to perform the tasks and requirements detailed in this job description.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

Basic office equipment, copier, fax machine, multi-line phone system, and personal computer.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

May be required to lift up to 25 pounds.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

Must be able to handle stressful and compromising situations while remaining focused and professional. Must be able to deal with various types of personalities and people without losing perspective. Must be able to work productively under strict time restraints with variable deadlines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is generally performed in a multi-person non-smoking office environment.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through motion with Tribal Council approval. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Tribal Manager Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians