Tribal Operations Project Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Tribal Operations Project Manager serves under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and provides high-level coordination and oversight for tribe-wide operational projects and assignments. This position works independently while representing the CEO’s office in meetings, planning discussions, and operational coordination activities across multiple departments and programs.

The role is responsible for tracking project progress, resolving operational barriers, organizing communications, and ensuring assigned work is completed within expected timelines. The position requires strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to handle sensitive and rapidly changing assignments with limited supervision. This role may require travel between locations, attendance at evening or weekend meetings, and availability outside of normal business hours when operational needs arise. The Tribal Operations Project Manager supports organizational continuity by helping coordinate complex work efforts that impact tribal services, facilities, staff operations, and community member support activities.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.

     1. Coordinate and monitor tribe-wide operational projects assigned through the CEO’s office.

     2. Represent executive leadership during meetings, planning discussions, and operational coordination activities.

     3. Prepare written updates, reports, schedules, and project tracking materials for leadership review.

     4. Communicate regularly with department leadership regarding project timelines, outstanding items, and operational needs.

     5. Conduct follow-up activities to ensure assigned projects continue progressing toward completion.

     6. Assist with organizing meetings, operational planning sessions, and cross-department coordination efforts.

     7. Review operational processes and recommend improvements that support more efficient daily functions.

     8. Travel between facilities and work locations to monitor project activity and operational progress.

     9. Respond to urgent operational matters requiring coordination outside standard business hours when necessary.

     10. Maintain organized records, project documentation, meeting notes, and status tracking information.

     11. Support the CEO’s office by handling sensitive assignments requiring professionalism and discretion.

     12. Coordinate communication between departments to help reduce delays and improve operational continuity.

     13. Participate in evening and weekend meetings, events, or operational activities when required.

     14. Provide independent project coordination while working with limited day-to-day supervision.

     15. Assist with operational problem solving related to facilities, staffing coordination, and service delivery needs.

     16. Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular                     responsibilities.

EDUCATION - EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Tribal Administration, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible project coordination or operational management experience is required.
• Three (3) years of experience supporting executive leadership or coordinating high-level operational assignments.
• Experience independently managing multiple active projects with limited supervision.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Tribal Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience working in tribal government, public sector operations, or large organizational environments.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication techniques
• Professional meeting coordination and presentation practices
• Advanced organizational and project tracking methods
• Independent operational problem solving approaches
• Efficient multi-project coordination and follow-through
• Confidential document handling and communication practices

Ability:

• Maintain professionalism during high pressure situations
• Work independently with limited direct supervision
• Manage multiple assignments with changing priorities
• Travel regularly between organizational work locations
• Communicate clearly with staff and community members
• Adapt quickly to changing operational conditions

Knowledge:

• Tribal government operational structures
• Project coordination and documentation methods
• Administrative reporting and recordkeeping procedures
• Organizational communication and meeting practices
• Professional office software applications
• Operational workflow coordination practices

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the ability to remain seated for extended periods while completing computer-based work, attending meetings, and reviewing documentation. Regular standing, walking, bending, and movement between office locations may be required throughout the workday. The position frequently requires verbal communication during meetings, presentations, and operational discussions with staff and community members. Occasional lifting and carrying of office materials, files, laptops, or meeting supplies up to 25 pounds may be required. The role requires the ability to travel between facilities, meeting locations, and operational sites as needed.

Extended workdays may occur during high-priority operational activities, evening meetings, or weekend assignments. Frequent use of computers, phones, printers, and other office equipment is required throughout the day. The position may require sustained concentration while handling multiple assignments, interruptions, and rapidly changing priorities. Visual acuity sufficient to read reports, schedules, and electronic communications is required. The work environment is primarily office-based but may occasionally include visits to operational or field locations.