Deputy Director - Finance/Administration… at Pawnee Nation… · Pawnee

DEPUTY DIRECTOR – FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION

Department: Executive Office

Reports To: Executive Director

Classification: Exempt

Employment Status: Full-Time

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, the Deputy Director – Finance/Administration provides executive-level leadership, oversight, and coordination of the Pawnee Nation's financial and administrative functions.

The position is responsible for ensuring the effective management of financial resources, administrative systems, personnel management processes, organizational policies, and internal controls across assigned departments and programs.

The Deputy Director works closely with the Executive Director, Department Directors, and other executive leadership personnel to strengthen organizational accountability, fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and administrative effectiveness.

The Deputy Director serves as a key advisor to the Executive Director on financial and administrative matters and assists in implementing the priorities and directives established by the Pawnee Business Council.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Executive Leadership and Administration

• Assist the Executive Director in administering and managing Pawnee Nation governmental operations.
• Provide direct supervision, leadership, and oversight to assigned administrative Department Directors and management personnel.
• Implement administrative priorities, policies, and directives established by the Executive Director and Pawnee Business Council.
• Evaluate administrative processes and recommend organizational improvements.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures for assigned departments.
• Promote collaboration and communication among departments and programs.
• Represent the Executive Director in administrative matters when authorized.

2. Financial Management and Budget Oversight

• Provide executive-level administrative oversight of governmental financial management and budgeting activities.
• Work closely with the Finance Director to monitor organizational budgets, expenditures, financial reporting, and fiscal performance.
• Coordinate the annual budget development process with Department Directors and the Finance Department.
• Review departmental budget requests and provide recommendations to the Executive Director.
• Monitor financial performance and identify potential budget shortfalls, financial risks, and opportunities for cost savings.
• Support development and implementation of financial policies, internal controls, and fiscal accountability measures.
• Coordinate with Finance personnel regarding audit preparation, corrective action plans, and financial compliance.
• Ensure significant financial concerns are promptly communicated to the Executive Director.
• Support responsible management of tribal, federal, state, and other funding sources.

3. Procurement, Contracts, and Administrative Systems

• Provide executive oversight of procurement procedures, purchasing controls, and administrative workflows.
• Ensure assigned departments follow established procurement and contracting policies.
• Work with Finance and other appropriate personnel to monitor administrative contracts and vendor relationships.
• Recommend improvements to internal approval processes, documentation, recordkeeping, and accountability.
• Support the effective implementation and utilization of administrative technology and information systems.
• Coordinate with Information Technology personnel regarding administrative systems, cybersecurity governance, and organizational technology needs.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

4. Grants, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Coordinate with Finance, Planning, and Department Directors to support compliance with applicable financial and administrative grant requirements.
• Monitor significant financial reporting obligations and grant-related administrative concerns.
• Assist in reviewing audit findings, compliance deficiencies, and corrective action plans.
• Promote sound internal controls, financial accountability, and appropriate segregation of duties.
• Work with Legal Counsel and other appropriate personnel regarding administrative compliance and organizational risk.
• Elevate significant compliance concerns to the Executive Director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides direct supervision to designated Department Directors and administrative management personnel in accordance with the approved organizational chart.

The Deputy Director provides executive oversight and coordination while Department Directors retain responsibility for daily program management, personnel supervision, budget administration, and compliance within their respective departments.

DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

The Deputy Director exercises administrative and supervisory authority delegated by the Executive Director.

The Deputy Director does not independently possess authority to approve unbudgeted expenditures, execute contracts, establish governmental policy, or take personnel actions reserved to other officials without appropriate authorization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Management, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and substantial relevant executive management experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience, including financial, administrative, or governmental operations.
• Demonstrated experience supervising managers, directors, or professional staff.
• Experience with organizational budgeting, financial administration, personnel management, and administrative compliance.
• Knowledge of financial controls, procurement practices, and organizational policies.
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information and exercise sound executive judgment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related discipline.
• Seven (7) or more years of senior management or executive leadership experience.
• Experience in tribal government administration or governmental financial management.
• Knowledge of federal Indian programs, federal grants, governmental auditing, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing multiple administrative departments or large organizational budgets.
• Experience developing administrative policies, strategic plans, and organizational performance systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Executive leadership and organizational management.
• Governmental budgeting and financial oversight.
• Internal controls, procurement, and regulatory compliance.
• Strategic planning and policy implementation.
• Departmental supervision and performance evaluation.
• Organizational risk assessment and problem-solving.
• Professional communication and interdepartmental coordination.
• Understanding of tribal sovereignty, governmental accountability, and Pawnee Nation priorities.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Maintain a valid driver's license and meet applicable employment requirements.
• Maintain flexibility to attend evening and weekend meetings and travel as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director.