Tribal Administrator

Havasu Landing Resort & Casino; California, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Chemehuevi Indian Tribe seeks a Tribal Administrator to lead daily operations, policy implementation, and staff supervision under the Tribal Executive Committee. Reports to the Tribal Council and serves as principal administrative officer for all tribal affairs.

The role requires a public administration degree and several years of managerial experience, with travel, weekend meetings, and relocation as needed. Excellent leadership and policy skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a B.A. degree in Public Administration, Management, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Three years of general and three years of specialized administrative/managerial experience.
• Knowledge of Federal Programs for Indians and Tribal governments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relations with all levels and with the community.
• Pre-employment drug testing and Drug-Free Workplace compliance.
• Willingness to attend weekend Council meetings and travel overnight.
• Must relocate within the surrounding area and possess a valid Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Serve as executive advisor to the Tribal Executive Committee and Tribal Council as chief administrative officer.
• Oversee daily operation of tribal programs and staff performance to meet objectives.
• Monitor program finances and ensure compliance with audit recommendations within set timelines.
• Provide policy guidance to identify needs, formulate goals, and implement tribal policy.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies and assist in policy negotiations.
• Direct reports include program directors and administrative staff; ensure adherence to tribal law.

Skills

Leadership

Policy understanding

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration/Management

Job description

INDIAN PREFERENCE POLICY

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (25 U.S.C. § 472). Non‑Indian applicants will be considered in the absence of qualified Indian preference‑eligible candidates.

POSITION

Title: Tribal Administrator

Department: Administration

Reports to: Tribal Council

Status: Full‑Time, Exempt (40 hrs)

Salary Range: $76, 462.56 DOE/DOQ

Location: Havasu Lake, CA (on‑site).

Date Posted: 9/17/2026

Posting Expires: When filled

POSITION SUMMARY

Adheres to the Tribal Administrative Code and is the Head Administrative Officer of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe. The Tribal Administrator is responsible for the daily operation of all Tribal affairs, including the performance of all staff and the achievement of goals within programs administered by the Tribe. The major responsibility of the Tribal Administrator is the implementation of Tribal Policy once it is formulated by the Tribal Executive Committee and enacted by the Tribal Council. The Tribal Administrator supervises all Program Directors listed below. The Tribal Administrator also assists the Tribal Executive Committee in identifying and formulating policy, goals, objectives, and unmet needs, etc. The Tribal Administrator is the in‑house contract/grant monitor for all Tribal contracts/grants. The Tribal Administrator facilitates interaction between other employees and the Executive Committee and Subcommittees. The Tribal Administrator reports, on a day‑to‑day basis, to the Executive Committee but overall directly reports to Tribal Council.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Incumbent serves as the executive advisor to the Tribal Executive Committee, or designated official, and the Tribal Council. As the chief administrative officer, the administrator shares with the Executive Committee full responsibility for carrying out all phases of management of the Tribe.
• Handles critical management demands within the Tribe and directly contributes to the overall managerial effectiveness of the operations of the tribal programs. Shares in administering the various programs responsibility with Federal, State, county and municipal officials, and the Tribal Council to ensure the Tribe’s objectives are met.
• Responsible for review and appraisal of the operations of the various tribal programs and activities that make up the total comprehensive program of the Tribe.
• Analyzes probable legislative actions on Federal and state programs and tribal activities, which may have an impact on the social or economic conditions of the Reservation, and advises the Tribal Executive Committee.
• Reports to council every month or as needed.
• Resolves differences arising from budget limitations and their impact on personnel, diverse priorities, mandatory procedures and regulations, and conflicts. Qualifications: in procedures and program considerations.
• Provides general supervision and guidance to program directors for administration of the Tribe’s mission and various functions.
• Provides direction, guidance and leadership to subordinate staff. Plans and evaluates work performance, approves leave, identifies training requirements, reviews proposed plans, reports, and other work for adherence to policies and attainment of objectives. Explains and defines responsibilities, objectives and goals to subordinate supervisors and evaluates results achieved for program compliance and effectiveness.
• Works with program directors and encourages the fullest participation in program planning activities. Visits the program offices for the purpose of evaluating the functional programs and renders technical advice and assistance in connection with particular problems.
• Provides guidance and assistance, when necessary, in discussions of policy and negotiations with Federal, state, and other tribal agencies, as they relate to the Tribe’s programs.
• Assist the Executive Committee in developing new policies, programs, and practices for tribal‑wide application.
• Oversee all Tribal end‑of‑year financial audit exceptions. Meet with all enterprises and implement corrective action on all audit exceptions within 90 days and no more than 120 days after receiving the year‑end financials.
• Serve as Ex Officio Member of Boards and commissions. The Tribal Administrator shall be an ex officio member of all boards and commissions appointed by the Chairman and the Tribal Council pursuant to Tribal law, with a right to participate in all deliberations and actions of said boards or commissions, but without vote.
• Other duties as assigned.

DIRECT REPORTS BY TITLE:

Water Department Manager, Conservation Officer, Environmental Director, Farm Manager, Education Director, Head Start Director, Housing Director, TERO Officer, Cultural Director, Health & Wellness Supervisor, ICWA Director, Special Diabetes Department, Gaming Administrator, CHR Director, Conservation Officer, THPO Director, Gaming Commission Director, Human Resources Generalist, Tribal Court Clerk, & Administrative Executive Secretary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a B.A. degree in Public Administration, Management, or related field; or a combination of education and work experience which provides clear evidence of managerial leadership ability and program management. Master of Business Administration (MBA) preferred.
• Three years of general and three years of specialized experience in administration, managerial, or professional work, which provided applicants an opportunity to acquire an in‑depth knowledge of management principles, practices, and methods.
• Knowledge of multiple Federal Programs for Indians, and of Tribal governments.
• Evidence of ability to establish and maintain effective personal relations with all levels of organizational responsibility and with an Indian community or municipal community.
• Submit to pre‑employment drug testing.
• Comply with Drug‑Free Workplace Policy.
• Able to attend weekend Council meetings.
• Able to travel overnight.
• Must be insurable by CIT insurance carrier.
• Must be able to relocate within the surrounding area(s).
• Valid Driver’s License.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with frequent computer use; may require lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.