JOB TITLE: Chief Executive Officer Supervisor: Tribal Council Status: Exempt Salary: Grade 13 Location: Fulton, MI Posting Ends: July 12, 2026 9:00am POSITION SUMMARY This position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Tribal government programs and services. Reporting directly to the Tribal Council, the CEO ensures effective administration of government operations in alignment with the Tribe’s strategic goals, cultural values, and community priorities. The position also serves as the primary liaison with external agencies and oversees government growth, operational initiatives, programs, projects, financial objectives, cultural initiatives, and organizational goals established by the Tribal Council. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Government Operations - Oversee operations of all departments within the Tribal Government; serve as a liaison between Tribal Council and department heads, keeping the Tribal Council appraised on departmental activities; assist departments with resolution of problems requiring the attention of the Tribal Council; monitors and evaluates departments’ progress towards the government’s goals and objectives.
- In coordination with Tribal Council approval, develop staffing plans and workforce scheduling strategies, direct and approve all open requisitions, and manage the allocation and utilization of personnel to ensure appropriate staffing levels that meet organizational and business needs.
- Engage long and short-term planning of programs, services and activities of governmental departments and coordinate and implement them.
- Approve and submit feasible proposals to Tribal Council for consideration and allocation of funds as directed.
- Implement governmental policies and procedures that affect governmental operations under the incumbent; sit on policy making committees as necessary or directed by Tribal Council.
- Act as governmental liaison with community organizations, outside agencies and other governments as required, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs to ensure successful development and administration of BIA stipends.
- Review reports and records of Tribal activities to ensure appropriate progress of specific program objectives; modify and change methodology as required to redirect and attain government objectives.
- Lead compliance efforts with all applicable Tribal, federal, or state laws, regulations or policies within direct areas of oversight and at Tribal Council’s direction.
- In partnership with Chief Financial Officer (CFO), advise Tribal leadership on economic strategies and investments.
Leadership - Direct, coordinate, supervise, coach and evaluate the overall performance of Executive or Director-level staff; develop and discipline staff as needed.
- Ensure all departments and staff members remain in compliance with applicable Tribal and federal program regulations.
- Work closely with key staff to develop and implement the multi-year Tribal Strategic Plan and annual updates.
- Work with the NHBP Human Resources Representatives to plan and run staff meetings.
Financial Management - Oversee budget development, financial planning, and reporting in partnership with the CFO and Tribal department heads. Prepare and submit a balanced government budget proposal to the Tribal Council each year.
- Monitor financial performance, expenditures, and long-term fiscal sustainability in accordance with the annual budget approved by Tribal Council.
- Comprehensively develop and continuously evaluate short and long-term strategic financial objectives and reports to Tribal Council regarding the same.
- Assists the CFO in the creation of control structures to protect the financial assets of the Tribe.
- Oversee the application of and adherence to financial policies and overall financial integrity and accountability of the organization and the responsible use of Tribal resources.
- Approve major expenditures as authorized.
Additional Responsibilities - Administer grants not managed by Planning Department or other staff.
- Present written monthly reports to Tribal Council as directed.
- Participate in Tribal Member activities and other events that support Tribal sovereignty, culture and customs.
- Collaborate and participate in Tribal Council committees, as required.
- Significant travel between government and commercial offices, events, and intergovernmental activities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Planning, Management or related field.
- A minimum of seven years’ experience in Tribal Government operations or other Tribal employment.
- A minimum of seven years’ experience in a senior executive level leadership position which includes responsibilities for operations, budgeting, financial oversight, and managing personnel of multiple departments.
- Experience working with the BIA and knowledge of IHS rules and regulations.
- Experience with community development, grant management, and contract management.
- Experience with presenting and gaining approval for short, mid and long-term program goals and budgets.
- Experience interfacing and maintaining effective relationships with Tribal Council or other government or corporate heads, outside agencies, governmental and program partners, departments and employees in a team-oriented environment.
- Extensive knowledge, understanding and ability to work with and promote Native American culture, language, traditions and communities.
- Valid Michigan driver’s license with good driving records; GSA certifiable.
- Complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with NHBP standards.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Graduate degree in the field of Business Administration or Public Administration.
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a senior executive level leadership position which includes responsibilities for operations, budgeting, financial oversight, and managing personnel of multiple departments.
- Five plus years’ experience working with the BIA and knowledge of IHS rules and regulations.
SECURITY SENSITIVE This position will involve access to information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional confidentiality provisions. All information obtained will be protected under NHBP/IHS/HIPAA policies, rules, and regulations. INDIAN PREFERENCE Indian preference will be applied in the selection of qualified applicants in accordance with the NHBP Indian Preference in Employment Code, which affords employment preferences to NHBP Tribal citizens, spouses of NHBP citizens and members of other federally recognized Indian Tribes.
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