Deputy Director of Tribal Affairs

Position:

Deputy Director of Tribal Affairs

Division:

Tribal Affairs

Department:

Tribal Affairs Administration

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer Tribal Affairs

Location:

Open

Hourly/Salaried:

Exempt

Salary:

Grade 15 ($82,444.80 - $120,171.34)

Classification:

Full-time

Summary:

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a 'Service Delivery Area' comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational and cultural services.

The Deputy Director will be responsible for assisting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tribal Affairs in the overall planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Tribal programmatic goals. This position will assist the CEO in the daily administrative management and supervision of all staff. This position does not provide direct services, however, will have frequent interaction with members and clients, including resolving disputes and responding to emergency needs.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Assists and supports the CEO with managing all office sites and provide general direction through the CEO to all personnel.
2. Maintains a visible presence at all office locations on a regular basis.
3. Assist the CEO in leading the development and implementation of the strategic plan for administration and Tribal Council to follow.
4. Provide analysis of monthly program expenditures, follow-up with respective directors and advise CEO of discrepancies.
5. Audit programs on a quarterly basis to ensure compliance with goals and objectives.
6. Review all grants before submitting to the CEO for approval, ensuring they align with the strategic plan, goals, and objectives of the Tribe.
7. Work closely with department heads to ensure program standards are met.
8. Assist program directors with budget development before submitting to CEO for approval.
9. Act as liaison between personnel and CEO and handle routine personnel actions such as, but not limited to verbal and written warnings, implement personnel performance plans and employee counseling.
10. Mentor, train, and provide regular coaching opportunities to develop strong leadership skills among assigned staff; lead, guide and motivate staff under supervision.
11. Responsible for ensuring the Tribal Affairs staff are implementing the Ponca Preference hiring policy on a consistent and unbiased basis.
12. Seek opportunities for federal, state, local and private grants in coordination with the Grants Department which may assist the Tribe in advancing departmental goals and objectives.
13. Review and approve check requests for A/P on behalf of the CEO as directed.
14. Provide administrative oversight of all Tribal facility management activities involving assessing, planning, funding, coordinating etc.
15. Inform the relevant staff of any kind of change in policy of the government.
16. Assist in developing the strategies of administration, discipline, policies, systems, and processes.
17. Performs any other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the CEO or the Tribal Council.

Relationships and Authority:

This position is responsible for assisting with the daily activities of employees while receiving direction and supervision from the CEO and assumes the duties of the CEO in their absence. Directly supervises positions as assigned. This position works closely with other departments and Tribal entities, as well as external organizations and agencies.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

This position is in a professional office environment. This position requires frequent verbal and written communication including face-to-face, virtual, and telephone interactions.

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, scanners, and photocopiers. This staff will sit, stand, bend, lift, and move intermittently during work hours.

May be required to work outside normal business hours to include evenings and weekends. Extensive travel throughout the Ponca Service Delivery Area will be required.

At times staff may be required to work with members who are in crisis and must demonstrate empathy, understanding, respect, and advocacy while remaining calm in stressful situations. This position will be subject to potentially emotionally disturbing material as presented to staff, clients, and outside entities.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

1. Bachelor's degree in business, education, social services, or related field
2. Two years in related administrative experience.
3. Two years of supervisory experience including multi-level staffing.
4. One year of grant and budget management.
5. One year of procurement administration.
6. Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
8. Valid driver's license and be insurable.
9. Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.
10. Able and willing to travel.

Preferred:

1. Master's degree in business, education, social services, or related field.
2. One year in Tribal administration.
3. One year in developing and maintaining inter-governmental relationships and agreements when deemed necessary.
4. One year of experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
5. Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self-Determination Act.

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.

Tribal Council Approval: 04/16/2024