Chief Executive Officer

Coyote Valley Casino; Redwood Valley (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Coyote Valley Casino, part of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, seeks a CEO to lead strategic direction, oversee casino, hotel, and related enterprises, and drive growth while upholding tribal sovereignty and values.

The role requires extensive executive leadership across gaming, hospitality, retail, and development projects, with governance liaison responsibilities to the board and council. Travel and high accountability are inherent to this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Hospitality Management, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of senior executive leadership experience overseeing multi-entity business operations.
• Demonstrated experience in gaming, hospitality, retail, fuel operations, and real estate development (tribal enterprise management preferred).
• Extensive experience in project and contract management.
• Ability to read and understand complex financial documents (budgets, cash flow, income statements, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and growth strategies for tribal enterprises.
• Oversee casino, hotel, travel market, and fuel operations for performance and compliance.
• Recruit and develop senior management; establish organizational structures and governance.
• Represent tribal business interests with regulators, lenders, vendors, and partners.
• Ensure risk management, internal controls, and financial reporting to the board.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Travel availability

Tech-savvy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Hospitality Management, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Teams

Outlook

Job description

About the Tribe

The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians (the “Tribe”) is a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California. The Coyote Valley Reservation is approximately 120 miles north of San Francisco and seven miles north of Ukiah, situated in the heart of California’s wine country among rolling oak-covered hills and vineyards. The Tribe is centrally located near significant natural and cultural landmarks, including the Mendocino Coast, the Avenue of the Giants in Redwood National Forest, Lake Mendocino, and Clear Lake.

The Tribe’s long-term goal is to achieve total economic self‑sufficiency, thereby enhancing the quality of life for Tribal members and making positive, lasting contributions to the surrounding community.

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the senior executive responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial performance of all Tribal business enterprises and development initiatives, with a heavy focus on casino operations. Reporting directly to the CEDCO Board, the CEO is charged with leading the Tribe’s business entities into their next phase of growth and success.

This position presents a unique opportunity for an innovative, strategic, and forward-thinking executive to help bring the Tribal Council’s vision and goals to fruition. The Tribe is in an active growth stage and seeks a proven leader who can guide expansion, strengthen operational excellence, and identify new opportunities while honoring Tribal values, sovereignty, and long-term sustainability.

The CEO provides executive oversight of all commercial operations, including, but not limited to, the Casino, Wyndham Garden Hotel, and Travel Market & Fuel Station, as well as any existing or future Tribal business ventures. The CEO also leads and oversees economic development projects from concept through completion, while maintaining a clear and deliberate separation from Tribal governmental operations, which remain under the authority of the Tribal Council and Tribal Government leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Planning

1. 1. Develop, recommend, and implement comprehensive business strategies that support Tribal economic growth, diversification, and sustainability.
2. 2. Translate CEDCO Board and Tribal Council goals, resolutions, and strategic priorities into actionable business plans and performance objectives.
3. 3. Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and expansion initiatives that align with Tribal values and risk tolerance.
4. 4. Lead long‑term planning for enterprise growth, capital investment, and asset optimization.

Enterprise Operations

1. 5. Provide executive oversight of all Tribal business entities, including the Casino, Wyndham Garden Hotel, Travel Market & Fuel Station, and related commercial operations.
2. 6. Ensure all enterprises operate efficiently and competitively.
3. 7. Establish performance standards, key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting structures for all business units.
4. 8. Review and evaluate operational performance regularly and implement corrective actions as needed.

Casino Operations (primary)

1. 9. Direct and oversee all operational activities of Coyote Valley Casino.
2. 10. Provide strategic and day‑to‑day executive leadership to ensure optimal casino performance, guest satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and profitability.
3. 11. Supervise and mentor casino shift managers, department managers, and directors responsible for gaming, hospitality, food and beverage, facilities, finance, marketing, security, and other casino operations.
4. 12. Ensure facilities are maintained in a safe, clean, secure, and guest‑focused condition.
5. 13. Develop and maintain operational policies, procedures, and internal controls that protect Tribal assets and support compliance.
6. 14. Monitor staffing levels, scheduling practices, labor costs, and operational efficiencies.
7. 15. Provide executive support during emergency situations or special events.

Hotel and Travel Market & Fuel Station Operations

1. 16. Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for the Wyndham Garden Hotel and Travel Market/Fuel Station operations.
2. 17. Evaluate financial and operational performance and support leadership teams in achieving revenue and profitability goals.
3. 18. Promote collaboration, efficiency, and brand consistency across all Tribal enterprises.
4. 19. Identify opportunities for operational improvement, market expansion, and enhanced guest experiences.
5. 20. Review and evaluate general manager performance regularly and implement corrective actions as needed.

Financial Management and Accountability

1. 21. Work closely with the CFO to oversee enterprise budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and cash flow management.
2. 22. Ensure accurate, transparent, and timely financial reporting to the CEDCO Board.
3. 23. Analyze revenue, expenditures, labor costs, and operational metrics to improve profitability.
4. 24. Safeguard Tribal assets and ensure sound internal controls and risk management practices are in place.
5. 25. Recommend capital expenditures, financing strategies, and reinvestment plans to the CEDCO Board for approval.

Development Projects Oversight

1. 26. Direct and oversee economic development projects as assigned, including feasibility analysis, planning, design, financing, construction, and project closeout.
2. 27. Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, lenders, regulators, and external partners to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
3. 28. Evaluate economic, environmental, and community impacts of proposed development projects.
4. 29. Provide regular progress reports, risk assessments, and recommendations.

Executive Management and Leadership

1. 30. Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate senior management and general managers of Tribal business entities.
2. 31. Foster a performance‑driven culture emphasizing accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
3. 32. Establish clear organizational structures, roles, and lines of authority within Tribal enterprises.
4. 33. Promote leadership development and succession planning within Tribal businesses.

Governance Support and Council Relations

1. 34. Serve as the primary liaison between the CEDCO Board and subsidiaries, Tribal Council, and Tribal business operations.
2. 35. Present operational updates, financial reports, strategic recommendations, and performance analyses to the CEDCO Board.
3. 36. Attend CEDCO Board, Tribal Council, and General Council meetings, work sessions, and committees as requested.
4. 37. Implement CEDCO Board and Tribal Council policies and resolutions as they relate to business enterprises and development.
5. 38. Provide objective data and recommendations that support informed decision‑making.

Compliance, Risk, and Ethics

1. 39. Ensure all business operations comply with federal, state, Tribal, and regulatory requirements, including gaming regulations where applicable.
2. 40. Oversee enterprise risk management, insurance coverage, business continuity plans, and security programs.
3. 41. Maintain confidentiality and uphold the highest ethical and fiduciary standards.
4. 42. Ensure operational integrity and safeguard Tribal reputation and sovereignty.
5. 43. Promote a safe work environment for employees and guests.

External Relations and Representation

1. 44. Represent Tribal business interests with regulators, financial institutions, vendors, investors, industry organizations, and strategic partners.
2. 45. Negotiate contracts and agreements within the authority delegated by the CEDCO Board and Tribal Council.
3. 46. Promote positive relationships throughout the community and industry.
4. 47. Serve as an ambassador for Tribal business enterprises.

Other Duties

1. 48. Participates in Tribal events when requested.
2. 49. Travels as necessary to accomplish organizational objectives.
3. 50. Work weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events when required.
4. 51. Maintains professional behavior with positive representation of Coyote Valley while on and off the clock.
5. 52. Must maintain strict confidentiality during and after employment.
6. 53. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. 1. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Hospitality Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred);
2. 2. Minimum of eight (8) years of senior executive leadership experience overseeing multi‑entity business operations;
3. 3. Demonstrated experience in gaming, hospitality, retail, fuel operations, and real estate development (Tribal enterprise management preferred);
4. 4. Extensive experience in project and contract management;
5. 5. Ability to read and understand complex financial documents (budgets, cash flow, income statements, etc.);
6. 6. Strong interpersonal communication skills;
7. 7. Comfortable with technology that allows the CEDCO Board and Tribal Council to conduct collaborative meetings and quickly make executive decisions;
8. 8. Must have the ability to travel as necessary;
9. 9. Must have the ability to communicate effectively and to work with Native Americans, as well as non-Indians, professional and government representatives; and
10. 10. Must have a valid Driver’s License, be insurable, and have reliable transportation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. 1. Strong understanding of Tribal business governance and the distinction between business operations and Tribal government;
2. 2. Extensive knowledge of casino operations, gaming regulations, and hospitality management;
3. 3. Strong understanding of hotel, retail, and fuel station operations;
4. 4. Proven ability to manage complex organizations with diverse revenue streams;
5. 5. Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills;
6. 6. Ability to work effectively with Tribal leadership while respecting Tribal culture, sovereignty, and protocols;
7. 7. Knowledge of administrative principles and methods, including goal setting, program and budget development and implementation, and employee supervision;
8. 8. Knowledge of applicable legal guidelines and standards affecting Tribal administration;
9. 9. Knowledge of principles and practices of budget development and administration;
10. 10. Knowledge of social, political, and environmental issues influencing program administration;
11. 11. Extensive knowledge and experience in conflict resolution;
12. 12. Ability to write effective reports and make public presentations;
13. 13. Extensive knowledge in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook;
14. 14. Advanced information technology, AI understanding, and experience;
15. 15. Experience in facilitating virtual meeting platforms.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of the job successfully. The employee is also regularly required to stand, walk, sit, lift up to 25 lbs., and use their hands and fingers, so as to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Must be able to work in a fast‑paced environment where a high degree of concentration is necessary to perform the required job duties.

Other Information

1. 1. Must pass pre‑employment drug testing. Must pass a background investigation.
2. 2. Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified members of the Coyote Valley of Pomo Indian Tribe or qualified Native American candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 2, U. S Code Section 472 and 473) and the Indian Self‑Determination Act (Public Law 93-638). Coyote Valley Tribal Operations are an equal opportunity employer. The Coyote Valley Tribal Office is also committed to achieving full equal opportunity without discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical disability, age or sexual orientation. All information shown as representations of current conditions is subject to change. No guarantees are expressed or implied. The Coyote Valley Tribal Operations are an “at‑will” employer.
3. 3. Must be sensitive to the needs of the Indian community, our culture, and traditions.