Chief Executive Officer CEO

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the senior executive leader of the Samish Indian Nation's tribal government and is directly accountable to the Tribal Council for implementing the Council's mission, vision, policies, and Strategic Plan. The CEO provides executive leadership and direction to the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer, ensuring coordinated, high-performing operations, sound fiscal stewardship, and effective risk management across the organization. In partnership with the Tribal Council, the CEO translates strategic direction into executable priorities, measurable outcomes, and organizational accountability. The CEO is responsible for overall organizational performance, leadership culture, and the effective delivery of programs and services in alignment with Tribal law, applicable federal and state requirements, and approved policies and resolutions. The CEO works collaboratively with the Samcor Chief Executive Officer to ensure alignment between tribal government operations and Tribal Enterprise activities, while respecting governance boundaries and delegated authorities. The CEO builds and maintains strong relationships with Tribal citizens, regulators, partners, and external stakeholders, and serves as the primary executive steward of the Nation's long-term sustainability, integrity, and public trust. The applicant is expected to exhibit Samish Employee Core Values Why work for Samish? The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff! Benefits Summary Remote/Hybrid Work Arrangement potential Health insurance including medical, dental & vision Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance Annual & Sick Leave Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year) Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan 401(k) retirement plan Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds) Principle Duties Management Provides executive leadership to the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer, establishing clear expectations, performance goals, and accountability for organizational results. Builds, leads, and sustains a high-performing executive leadership team grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and service to Tribal citizens. Translates Tribal Council direction into clear priorities, workplans, and measurable outcomes across the organization. Promotes a positive organizational culture that reflects the Tribe's mission, values, and commitment to ethical governance and service excellence. CEO Oversight in Operations Provides executive oversight of tribal government operations through the Chief Operations Officer , ensuring programs and services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with Tribal Council policies, ordinances, and the Strategic Plan. Implements Tribal Council approved sovereignty initiatives through executive operational oversight , ensuring programs, service delivery models, technology systems, infrastructure, and administrative processes reflect and advance the Nation's sovereign authority, governmental responsibilities, and long-term strategic priorities. Ensures operational systems, internal controls, staffing models, and service delivery structures support continuity, compliance, and long-term organizational sustainability. Supports the implementation of Tribal laws, ordinances, and policies by directing the Chief Operations Officer to align internal systems, procedures, and workforce practices with Council approved governance decisions and sovereign priorities. Provides executive oversight of operational policy and ordinance development , ensuring updates, revisions, and new proposals related to programs, services, technology, infrastructure, and internal operations are developed through the Chief Operations Officer, aligned with Tribal Council direction, and presented for Council consideration and approval. Monitors organizational performance, operational risks, and service outcomes , directing corrective action through the Chief Operations Officer as necessary. Supports coordinated planning across departments to ensure operational capacity, sequencing, and resource alignment support Council approved strategic priorities. Executive Financial Oversight Provides executive oversight of financial management through the Chief Financial Officer , ensuring sound fiscal stewardship, effective internal controls, and compliance with Tribal, federal, and state requirements. Oversees alignment of budgets, financial policies, audits, and grant management practices with Tribal Council priorities, approved strategies, and risk tolerance. Ensures financial information provided to Tribal Council is accurate, timely, and decision ready , supporting informed governance, oversight, and accountability. Monitors financial performance, long-term sustainability, and fiscal risk exposure in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, directing corrective action or strategic adjustments as needed. Provides executive oversight of fiscal policy and ordinance development , ensuring updates, revisions, and new proposals are developed through the Chief Financial Officer, aligned with Tribal Council direction and applicable requirements, and presented for Council review and approval. Implements Tribal Council approved sovereignty and governance strategies through financial systems and controls , ensuring budgets, funding structures, grant strategies, and fiscal policies reinforce self-determination, responsible stewardship, and long-term financial sustainability. Advises Tribal Council on the fiscal implications of sovereignty related and strategic decisions , including impacts to revenue diversification, grant reliance, capital investments, and financial risk, and directs the Chief Financial Officer to execute approved strategies accordingly. Executive Leadership Team Serves as leader of the Executive Leadership Team, fostering a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to executive decision-making and organizational leadership. Ensures alignment and coordination across executive functions, resolving cross departmental issues and removing barriers to effective performance. Provides guidance, support, and executive coverage to ELT members as needed to ensure continuity of leadership and operations. Promotes shared accountability among executive leaders for achieving Tribal Council approved goals and outcomes. Samcor Partnership Works collaboratively with the Samcor Chief Executive Officer to ensure alignment between tribal government priorities and Tribal Enterprise activities. Maintains clear governance boundaries between tribal government operations and enterprise management while supporting coordination, transparency, and shared strategic understanding. Coordinates with the CFO and COO, as appropriate, to support enterprise related planning, reporting, and risk awareness within delegated authorities. Serves as the primary executive liaison between the Tribal Council and Samcor leadership, as directed. Tribal Council Reports directly to and is fully accountable to the Tribal Council as the Nation's governing authority , with responsibility for faithfully executing and advancing the Council's mission, vision, inherent sovereignty, policies, ordinances, resolutions, and Strategic Plan across the tribal government. Advances and strengthens Tribal sovereignty through disciplined executive leadership , implementing Tribal Council direction by translating governance decisions and strategic priorities into coordinated action, organizational alignment, and measurable outcomes through the Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Leadership Team. Provides regular, clear, and transparent reporting to Tribal Council on organizational performance, operational and fiscal risks, compliance status, and progress toward Council approved strategic and sovereignty related goals. Brings forward well-developed recommendations, options, and analysis to support informed Tribal Council decision-making on governance, sovereignty, policy, and long-term strategy, while respecting the Council's sole authority to set policy, enact ordinances, and determine strategic direction. Ensures Tribal Council decisions are communicated clearly and consistently throughout the organization , and that Council approved policies, ordinances, sovereignty initiatives, and strategies are implemented with accountability, follow-through, and alignment to the Nation's long-term interests External Relations Serves as the primary executive representative of the tribal government with regulators, funding agencies, partners, and external stakeholders including but not limited to the Tribe's attorney, lobbyist, public relations, as authorized by Tribal Council. Builds and maintains strong relationships that support the Tribe's sovereignty, compliance obligations, and strategic objectives. Monitors external risks, regulatory changes, and partnership opportunities that may impact the Tribe and advises Tribal Council accordingly. Represents the Tribe professionally and ethically in all external engagements, reinforcing public trust and organizational credibility. Performs other related duties, as required in order to meet business needs. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, or related field. Tribal or Not-For-Profit accounting oversight responsibilities preferred. Years of experience and other qualifications may be considered. Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in tribal, governmental, nonprofit, or complex public-sector environments, including direct supervision of managers/directors. Demonstrated knowledge of tribal sovereignty and tribal governance structures; ability to work effectively with elected leadership, boards/committees, and diverse stakeholders. Experience overseeing budgets and financial performance for multiple departments and/or business enterprises, including setting priorities, monitoring results, and making course corrections. Executive level experience in strategic planning, operational planning, and performance management, including defining measurable goals and reporting progress. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing policies, procedures, and internal controls, with a strong understanding of compliance and risk management practices. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting complex financial and operational information to elected officials and community audiences. Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information. Ability to travel locally and regionally as required for meetings, trainings, and intergovernmental coordination; must maintain a valid driver's license and insurable driving record, if driving is required for the position. Must possess high level of competency managing all aspects of computerized accounting systems; proficiency with Office 365 programs. Must have proven experience with grant finance administration and coordination of audits and regulatory reviews. Must have excellent interpersonal, supervisory, and budgetary skills and be able to produce positive results while coordinating with subordinate directors, tribal contractors, attorneys, and other key personnel. Must respond to challenges and resolve problems positively and resourcefully. Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, and legal documents. Must be able to prepare reports and effectively present information to Council, management and public groups. Must have organized work habits which will assure timely and accurate submission of reports, grant requests, budgets and other time sensitive materials. Must be able to lift/carry up to 20 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, or related field. Tribal or Non-Profit operational oversight responsibilities. •Obtaining full

COVID-19

vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees•Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.

Working Conditions Physical Demands :

Long periods of sitting (60% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (20% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 20 lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, cash-handling, paperwork-handling, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone

Mental/Visual Demands :

Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination.

Working Environment :

Work environment is mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Must sit or stand at desk for the majority of shift. Occasionally works alone without benefit of supervisor or co-worker.

Unavoidable hazards/risks:

Work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions (using some cleaning chemicals for light cleaning). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.) Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status , sexual orientation, or ancestry. Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY

This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members. The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual. Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment. All materials, including electronic materials of any type or format, produced are considered works made for hire and are the property of the Samish Indian Nation. Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter. Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring. BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.