Administration - Justice and Sovereign Protection Executive Director

Puyallup Tribe; Cushman (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer paid medical, dental, vision,

Life insurance

Retirement/401(k) with profit sharing

Paid holidays

Paid time off including birthday leave

Job summary

Puyallup Tribe of Indians in Cushman, WA seeks a Justice and Sovereign Protection Executive Director to lead the division, setting strategic direction and ensuring lawful, efficient operations while upholding tribal sovereignty.

You will manage budgets, develop programs, build relationships with state and federal partners, and supervise department directors. This is a full-time, 40-hour position with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or equivalent in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Tribal Governance, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred; six years of management experience including multi-program oversight.
• Experience with tribal government, justice, or public safety environments is required.

Responsibilities

• Manages and directs the Justice and Sovereign Protection Division and provides final division authority.
• Oversees budgeting, planning, and annual operations; ensures compliance with laws and tribal codes.
• Builds relationships with state and federal partners; represents division in meetings.
• Leads department meetings, reviews goals, and coordinates program design and delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Public policy

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Open: October 19, 2026

Close: When Filled

Job Title: Justice and Sovereign Protection Executive Director

Department: Administration

Reports To: Administrative Manager

Hours: 40 Hrs./Wk. – Full Time

Salary: Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits

Requisition: 966

* Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call [phone] or email [e-mail]. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.

Position Summary

Manages, plans, organizes, directs and has final division authority in all matters included in the Justice and Sovereign Protection Division. This position exercises all lawful powers of the office and issues such lawful orders as necessary to assure the effective performance of the division.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensures that the Tribe’s laws and ordinances, including applicable State and Federal laws, are enforced. Notifies Tribal Council of sensitive information regarding significant incidents and problems related to the Justice and Sovereign Protection Division.
2. Completes and forwards a variety of reports as may be required by the Tribal Council for the promotion of public relations with the citizens of the Puyallup Tribe’s Reservation and other agencies.
3. Provides administrative technical assistance, leadership, and supervision of Justice and Sovereign Protection Division Departments to assure compliance with codes, policies and procedures. Ensures oversight does not impact judicial or prosecutorial independence or the authority of the Court.
4. Assists Directors or Programs in establishing departmental goals and objectives for the Annual Operations plan. Reviews goals and objectives regularly.
5. Reviews and evaluates changes in federal, state laws and tribal code that will impact the delivery of services.
6. Builds positive and effective relationships at the state and federal level and serves as an advocate for department and program services
7. Responsible for preparation, planning, and monitoring Departments budgets on a monthly basis with Department Directors.
8. Responsible for creating and ensuring compliance of Memorandum of Agreements or Understanding between Tribal Departments, the Tribe and Tribal entities, and the Tribe and local governments.
9. Maintains effective internal and external communications.
10. Provide leadership to departments to enable them to make decisions, organize, program design, prioritize and delegate tasks.
11. Facilitates Justice and Sovereign Protection Division Department Director meetings regularly. Organizes meetings between Justice and Sovereign Protection Division departments and other Tribal departments as needed.
12. Notifies the Administrative Manager and Tribal Council regarding policy concerns and recommends revision and direction which may develop from public safety issues.
13. Approves expenditure requests from department directors to assure compliance with all tribal, state and federal government regulations and grant restrictions.
14. Participates and monitors internal and external audits of departments and implements necessary corrective actions with departments.
15. Responsible for projects as assigned by Administrative Manager or Tribal Council.
16. Keeps current on all areas of responsibility by attending executive level meetings, and attending trainings and workshops as needed.
17. Monitors and reviews Justice and Sovereign Protection Division programs to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
18. Ensures departments are implementing teamwork strategies to meet organizational and departmental goals.
19. Represents the Justice and Sovereign Protection Division Departments and the Tribe in meetings with a variety of community, state and national organizations to promote department activities and develop positive relationships.
20. Provides input in the legislative process on matters related to Justice and Sovereign Protection Division. Travels and meet with legislators on law enforcement issues and funding.
21. Assists in the development and revision of Tribal law and order code.
22. Develops and coordinates programs to meet organizational goals.
23. Maintains current knowledge in the field of judicial, public safety, law enforcement and criminal justice; participates in professional organizations and activities.
24. Participates in the development of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Vision, Mission, Strategic Direction, and a responsibility to convey, model, and carry‑out such.
25. Contributes to a favorable public image of the Tribe by establishing and maintaining relationships and participation in the community (civic, industry, and professional).
26. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages directors and managers within the Justice and Sovereign Protection Division as assigned by the Administrative Manager. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this division. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications and Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or equivalent in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Tribal Governance, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership or other related field required. Master’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Tribal Governance, Business Administration or a related field preferred; and six years of experience in management, including experience overseeing multiple programs, departments or organizational functions. Experience working in Tribal government, Tribal justice, law enforcement, public safety, courts, or a related governmental environment is required. Demonstrated experience managing budgets, personnel, strategic planning, and organizational operations. Experience working with elected officials, executive leadership, courts, attorneys, law enforcement, or other governmental entities. Must have computer skills and knowledge commensurate with the needs of the position.

Note: Part-time work is prorated in crediting experience (e.g., if you work 20 hours per week for a 12-month period, you will be credited with six months of experience).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of Tribal government operations, sovereignty, governance, and the unique role of Tribal justice systems.
• Knowledge of Tribal, federal, and applicable state laws and regulations affecting justice and public safety programs.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple departments and competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, judges, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, department directors, employees, Tribal Members, and community members.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex operational issues and develop practical recommendations.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to build effective relationships across departments and Tribal entities.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial management, staffing, and organizational planning.
• Ability to lead through complex or sensitive situations while maintaining professionalism and appropriate confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound administrative judgment.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Licenses or Certificates

Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance. Driver’s License restrictions must not otherwise prohibit the employee from operating a GSA vehicle or complying with the Tribe’s Vehicle Policy.

Required to pass a criminal background check before hire and periodically throughout employment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Requires the ability to operate a personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
• Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
• Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee occasionally is required to stand and walk.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics 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.

• The noise level is low to moderate.
• The physical exertion is low to moderate.
• Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with some field work.
• There are frequent employee contacts and interruptions during the day.
• Position may be stressful at times due to multi-tasking and critical deadlines and due to the sensitive or confidential issues being addressed. May need to respond after normal business hours.
• Requires occasional travel using employee’s own transportation.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.