DIRECTOR
Nisqually Red Wind Casino, Olympia, WA, United States
Director, Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance/Office (TERO)
GENERAL SUMMARY
The TERO Director is responsible for managing the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), maintaining department infrastructure, long‑term planning, and carrying out daily operations under the authority of the Tribal Administrator and in coordination with Nisqually Tribal Employment Rights Commission. The Director oversees implementation and enforcement of the Nisqually Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (Title 42), ensures compliance by covered employers and contractors, supervises TERO staff, and manages program budget and reporting. The Director implements and administers Title 42 subject to the regulatory and enforcement oversight authority of the Nisqually Tribal Employment Rights Commission, which retains independent rulemaking and compliance authority under the ordinance. The Director serves as the Tribe's primary administrative authority on employment rights enforcement and represents TERO in administrative, legislative, and judicial settings as needed.
This role requires maintaining confidentiality, ensuring the accuracy and security of records, and fostering positive relationships with employees, customers, and community members. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with exceptional customer service, are essential. Regular attendance is required, and occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines. A professional, well‑groomed appearance is expected at all times.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties are representative of the responsibilities assigned to this position. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.
Program Leadership & Oversight
Implement and enforce Title 42 and associated policies under the authority of the Tribal Administrator and in accordance with Commission regulations and directives.
Support the Commission in its non‑delegable duties, including rulemaking, regulatory adoption, and enforcement hearings, as defined in Title 42.
Develop the TERO strategic plan and annual work plan; oversee operational processes and staff performance.
Supervise and evaluate TERO and administrative staff assigned.
Prepare, administer, and monitor the department budget; ensure proper use of TERO fees and taxes.
Provide recommendations on ordinance amendments, regulations, program design and enforcement procedures to the Tribal Administration and Commission.
Maintain compliance data and reporting systems to support accountability and decision‑making.
Support the growth of the Tribal employment pool by coordinating workforce readiness activities, career exploration opportunities, and pathways for Tribal members into TERO‑covered employment.
Compliance & Enforcement
Provide leadership and direction for the enforcement of Native preference in employment, contracting, and subcontracting consistent with Title 42.
Oversee and review approval processes for contractor compliance plans; ensure appropriate certification and documentation for covered employers and Native‑owned businesses.
In coordination with the TERO Officer and Commission, issue or recommend enforcement actions, including notices of non‑compliance, penalties, and corrective measures.
Oversee field inspections, audits, and investigations conducted by TERO staff to verify compliance with Title 42 and commission regulations. Fill in for TERO Officer when circumstances require.
Represent TERO in grievance processes, administrative hearings, Tribal Court proceedings, and other forums.
Policy & Intergovernmental Relations
Serve as the Tribe's primary liaison with contractors, employers, unions, and other entities regarding Title 42 requirements, compliance expectations, and partnership activities.
Collaborate with Tribal programs, enterprises, and finance to manage TERO tax implementation, collection oversight, and enforcement in accordance with Title 42.
Prepare routine and special reports for the Tribal Administrator and present updates to Tribal Council and General Council as directed.
Develop and implement outreach programs to educate businesses, and the community about TERO requirements and processes.
Coordinate with Training and Development, Human Resources, and relevant departments to ensure training, referral, and skills bank systems meet Title 42 requirements, including providing direct oversight of related activities when necessary to enforce or implement TERO compliance.
Community Accountability
Engage with Nisqually Tribal members regarding employment and contracting rights, TERO services, and complaint process.
Ensure fairness, transparency, and confidentiality in enforcement activities and interactions with all parties.
Promote tribal sovereignty and uphold Nisqually values in all program decisions, communications, and enforcement actions.
Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Tribal Governance, Human Resources, or related field OR 6 years’ progressive experience in tribal governance, HR, or compliance.
3 years supervisory experience.
Experience working in a Tribal government setting with an understanding of Tribal sovereignty, governance, and community priorities.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
Successfully pass a pre‑employment drug screen and criminal background check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Tribal Governance or related field.
Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.
SUPERVISION This position will supervise, train, and evaluate all TERO staff and administrative support personnel assigned to the program.
COMPETENCIES Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of:
Nisqually Title 42 and Tribal preference laws, regulations, and implementing procedures.
Tribal, federal, and state employment/contracting compliance requirements.
Nisqually history, culture, traditions, and values, and their impact on program design and enforcement.
Budget principles, preparation, and control.
Common barriers to Native preference in employment and contracting strategies to address them.
Skill in:
Strategic planning, policy development, and program management.
Budget development, monitoring, and financial reporting.
Investigative, fact finding, and analytical techniques.
Effective oral and written communication, facilitation, and public speaking.
Operation of office technology, databases and compliance systems.
Ability to:
Apply and enforce legal/policy frameworks impartially while maintaining cultural sensitivity.
Lead, coach, and supervise staff with fairness, consistency, and accountability.
Build and maintain relationships with Tribal members, employers, unions, consultants and government partners.
Interpret complex legal, contractual, and operational issues and recommend feasible solutions.
Maintain confidentiality and cultural sensitivity.
Balance diplomacy with firm enforcement of Title 42 and Commission directives.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.
Background Check and Drug Screening
I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third‑party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.
I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.
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This role requires maintaining confidentiality, ensuring the accuracy and security of records, and fostering positive relationships with employees, customers, and community members. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with exceptional customer service, are essential. Regular attendance is required, and occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines. A professional, well‑groomed appearance is expected at all times.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties are representative of the responsibilities assigned to this position. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.
Program Leadership & Oversight
Implement and enforce Title 42 and associated policies under the authority of the Tribal Administrator and in accordance with Commission regulations and directives.
Support the Commission in its non‑delegable duties, including rulemaking, regulatory adoption, and enforcement hearings, as defined in Title 42.
Develop the TERO strategic plan and annual work plan; oversee operational processes and staff performance.
Supervise and evaluate TERO and administrative staff assigned.
Prepare, administer, and monitor the department budget; ensure proper use of TERO fees and taxes.
Provide recommendations on ordinance amendments, regulations, program design and enforcement procedures to the Tribal Administration and Commission.
Maintain compliance data and reporting systems to support accountability and decision‑making.
Support the growth of the Tribal employment pool by coordinating workforce readiness activities, career exploration opportunities, and pathways for Tribal members into TERO‑covered employment.
Compliance & Enforcement
Provide leadership and direction for the enforcement of Native preference in employment, contracting, and subcontracting consistent with Title 42.
Oversee and review approval processes for contractor compliance plans; ensure appropriate certification and documentation for covered employers and Native‑owned businesses.
In coordination with the TERO Officer and Commission, issue or recommend enforcement actions, including notices of non‑compliance, penalties, and corrective measures.
Oversee field inspections, audits, and investigations conducted by TERO staff to verify compliance with Title 42 and commission regulations. Fill in for TERO Officer when circumstances require.
Represent TERO in grievance processes, administrative hearings, Tribal Court proceedings, and other forums.
Policy & Intergovernmental Relations
Serve as the Tribe's primary liaison with contractors, employers, unions, and other entities regarding Title 42 requirements, compliance expectations, and partnership activities.
Collaborate with Tribal programs, enterprises, and finance to manage TERO tax implementation, collection oversight, and enforcement in accordance with Title 42.
Prepare routine and special reports for the Tribal Administrator and present updates to Tribal Council and General Council as directed.
Develop and implement outreach programs to educate businesses, and the community about TERO requirements and processes.
Coordinate with Training and Development, Human Resources, and relevant departments to ensure training, referral, and skills bank systems meet Title 42 requirements, including providing direct oversight of related activities when necessary to enforce or implement TERO compliance.
Community Accountability
Engage with Nisqually Tribal members regarding employment and contracting rights, TERO services, and complaint process.
Ensure fairness, transparency, and confidentiality in enforcement activities and interactions with all parties.
Promote tribal sovereignty and uphold Nisqually values in all program decisions, communications, and enforcement actions.
Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Tribal Governance, Human Resources, or related field OR 6 years’ progressive experience in tribal governance, HR, or compliance.
3 years supervisory experience.
Experience working in a Tribal government setting with an understanding of Tribal sovereignty, governance, and community priorities.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
Successfully pass a pre‑employment drug screen and criminal background check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Tribal Governance or related field.
Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.
SUPERVISION This position will supervise, train, and evaluate all TERO staff and administrative support personnel assigned to the program.
COMPETENCIES Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of:
Nisqually Title 42 and Tribal preference laws, regulations, and implementing procedures.
Tribal, federal, and state employment/contracting compliance requirements.
Nisqually history, culture, traditions, and values, and their impact on program design and enforcement.
Budget principles, preparation, and control.
Common barriers to Native preference in employment and contracting strategies to address them.
Skill in:
Strategic planning, policy development, and program management.
Budget development, monitoring, and financial reporting.
Investigative, fact finding, and analytical techniques.
Effective oral and written communication, facilitation, and public speaking.
Operation of office technology, databases and compliance systems.
Ability to:
Apply and enforce legal/policy frameworks impartially while maintaining cultural sensitivity.
Lead, coach, and supervise staff with fairness, consistency, and accountability.
Build and maintain relationships with Tribal members, employers, unions, consultants and government partners.
Interpret complex legal, contractual, and operational issues and recommend feasible solutions.
Maintain confidentiality and cultural sensitivity.
Balance diplomacy with firm enforcement of Title 42 and Commission directives.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.
Background Check and Drug Screening
I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third‑party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.
I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.
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