TERO Director

POSITION TITLE: Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) Director DEPARTMENT: Tribal Employment Rights Office LOCATION: HYBRID virtual/Longview, WA REPORTS TO: Assistant Tribal Administrator STATUS: Salary, fulltime SALARY RANGE: $124,904\.00 \- $156,208\.00 per year DOE Closing date: 10/13/2026 \\\If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214\.\\\ Position Summary: Provides executive leadership for the development, establishment, and ongoing operation of the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO). The Director is responsible for building the TERO Office and Program, including developing its organizational structure, staffing plan, budget, policies and procedures, compliance and enforcement processes, reporting and recordkeeping systems, contractor requirements, and employment and referral services. The Director works with Administration and Tribal Council to establish the TERO Board, including developing the Board’s proposed structure, governing documents, membership and appointment process, policies and procedures, and administrative processes for Tribal Council consideration and approval. Directs the administration, implementation, and enforcement of the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance to promote employment, training, contracting, and economic opportunities for Tribal members and Indian\-owned businesses. The Director also oversees all Cowlitz Indian Tribe operations and responsibilities related to the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program. This includes ensuring compliance with applicable intergovernmental agreements, compliance agreements, and project requirements; managing operational, staffing, budget, reporting, and compliance activities; and coordinating with participating Tribes, governmental agencies, contractors, project partners, and Tribal departments. When the Cowlitz Indian Tribe serves as the lead Tribe for a project or project activity, the Director may coordinate and supervise employees assigned by participating Tribes, consistent with applicable agreements and established authority. Advises Tribal Council, Administration, and, once established, the TERO Board on program development, compliance matters, policy considerations, resource needs, project obligations, and long\-term priorities. Develops collaborative relationships with Tribal departments, participating Tribes, contractors, employers, community partners, and governmental agencies to advance Indian preference, workforce development, and the Tribe’s strategic goals. Receives policy direction from the TERO Board and is administratively supervised by the Assistant Tribal Administrator according to the Tribal employment policy. This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all\-inclusive. Essential Duties \& Responsibilities: TERO Office Startup and Leadership Leads the development, establishment, and launch of the TERO Office and Program, including its organizational structure, staffing, budget, policies and procedures, operational systems, compliance and enforcement framework, forms, records, reporting requirements, and service\-delivery processes. Develops and implements the TERO Office staffing plan, including identifying necessary positions, preparing job descriptions and position justifications, participating in recruitment and hiring, and establishing staff responsibilities, training requirements, and performance expectations. Works with Administration and Tribal Council to establish the TERO Board, including developing its proposed structure, governing documents, membership and appointment processes, policies, procedures, and administrative processes for Tribal Council consideration and approval. Prepares resolutions, policies, procedures, legislative documents, agenda materials, and recommendations necessary to establish and operate the TERO Office and TERO Board; identifies matters requiring Tribal Council action and coordinates their review and presentation with Administration, Legal, and other appropriate departments. Provides leadership and overall direction for TERO operations and directs the administration, implementation, and enforcement of the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance and related regulations, policies, compliance agreements, and Indian preference requirements. Once established, works under the policy direction of the TERO Board. Coordinates with Tribal Council, Administration, Legal, Human Resources, Finance, Purchasing, Employment Services, grants staff, project managers, Tribal enterprises, and other departments to establish and maintain the infrastructure necessary to operate the TERO Office. Prepares and presents regular and quarterly reports, recommendations, and briefings to Tribal leadership and, once established, the TERO Board regarding contracts, workforce records, compliance activities, training and apprenticeship programs, grant opportunities, program performance, emerging needs, and future plans. Develops and executes strategic and phased implementation plans for launching and operating the TERO Office, including priorities, timelines, staffing and resource needs, coordination requirements, performance measures, and short\- and long\-term program goals. Establishes and communicates department goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and performance measures consistent with the strategic plan and applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and agreements. Leads, develops, and holds department staff accountable by directing recruitment, selection, orientation, training, coaching, performance management, corrective action, and professional development; clearly communicating values, strategies, expectations, and responsibilities; and promoting an effective, respectful, and collaborative work environment. Advises the Tribal Council, Administration, and, once established, the TERO Board and Tribal leadership on short\- and long\-range issues, program risks, opportunities, and policy needs; develops options and recommendations; and implements approved direction. Develops the initial TERO Office and Program budget, identifies startup and ongoing operational needs, and administers and monitors the approved annual operating budget and related grant funding. Ensures sound fiscal management through budget planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and compliance with Tribal, grant, and applicable regulatory requirements. Identifies and pursues grants, partnerships, and other funding opportunities to sustain and expand TERO programs and services. Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Project Responsibilities Directs all Cowlitz Indian Tribe operations and responsibilities related to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, including establishing the administrative, operational, financial, staffing, reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance systems necessary to fulfill the Tribe’s responsibilities under applicable intergovernmental agreements, compliance agreements, and project requirements. Serves as the primary point of coordination for Cowlitz’s IBR activities and works with participating Tribes, project partners, contractors, governmental agencies, and Tribal departments to support project implementation. Monitors IBR activities for compliance with applicable agreements, funding requirements, and project obligations and ensures the timely preparation and submission of required reports, invoices, records, workforce information, compliance documentation, and other deliverables. Develops and manages IBR budgets and monitors project expenditures, reimbursements, funding requirements, and financial reporting. Identifies staffing needs and directs the recruitment, assignment, supervision, training, and evaluation of employees supporting IBR operations. When Cowlitz is designated as the lead Tribe, supervises or coordinates employees assigned by participating Tribes consistent with applicable agreements and established authority. Identifies and addresses operational, compliance, staffing, financial, and intergovernmental issues affecting Cowlitz’s IBR responsibilities and provides recommendations to Tribal leadership and, once established, the TERO Board. Compliance and Enforcement Establishes and implements the TERO compliance and enforcement framework, including contractor registration, compliance agreements, workforce requirements, Indian preference monitoring, inspections, complaint processing, corrective actions, penalties, appeals, documentation, and reporting. Develops and recommends the regulations, ordinance amendments, policies, procedures, administrative rules, forms, agreements, internal controls, and recordkeeping systems necessary to administer and enforce the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance. Monitors program activities for compliance with federal contracts and other applicable regulations. Reviews program files, compliance records, agreements, and related documentation to ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations. Conducts annual evaluations of program components, operations, and staff to assess effectiveness and compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations. Investigates and processes complaints alleging violations of the TERO Ordinance. Imposes penalties or recommends remedies, as applicable, for violations of the TERO Ordinance. Represents TERO at Tribal Council meetings, Tribal General Council, TERO Commission hearings, and Tribal Court proceedings. Negotiates workforce requirements that reflect the available labor pool and the TERO fee payment schedule, if applicable, with construction contractors. Consults with the Tribe’s Project Manager regarding workforce requirements prior to negotiating or specifying the number of TERO workers required on Tribal construction projects, including negotiation and execution of TERO Compliance Agreements with any and all contractors and subcontractors. Conducts or coordinates on\-site inspections of employers on and near the reservation to ensure compliance with the TERO Ordinance. Reviews applications and certifies Tribal\-owned and Indian\-owned businesses according to the TERO requirements. Develops and conducts contractor orientation, certification and compliance workshops, including those required under Federal or WSDOT agreements and project specifications. Employment, Training, and Partnerships Develops and presents community education and outreach to increase awareness and understanding of Tribal Employment Rights, Indian preference requirements, workforce development opportunities, contractor compliance requirements, and TERO program services. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with Tribal departments including employment services, CEA enterprises, educational institutions, employers, contractors, community partners, and state and federal agencies to coordinate employment, training, and workforce development services that support Tribal member employment opportunities. Provides education and training opportunities, promotes employment opportunities, and maintains member job placement resources to support workforce participation. Maintains a current list of Cowlitz Indian Tribe members and members of federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes who are registered with the TERO Program and available for employment referrals and placement. Records and Required Reporting Maintains and submits reports, records, financial documentation, workforce information, and compliance documentation required by grants, agreements, and applicable project requirements. Develops, negotiates, implements, and monitors memoranda of understanding, intergovernmental agreements, compliance agreements, and related project requirements to establish and enforce Indian preference, employment, workforce, reporting, recordkeeping, and contractor compliance obligations. Standard Duties Provides excellent customer service for all internal and external customers of the operations. Maintains strict confidentiality and presents a positive, professional demeanor and image. Leads the department as part of the Tribe’s broader administrative team and contributes to organization\-wide planning, coordination, and problem\-solving. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: TERO and Tribal Government Knowledge Knowledge of the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO), including requirements related to Indian preference, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, contractor compliance, and ordinance enforcement. Knowledge of Tribal government, customs and traditions, and Tribal policies, procedures, and programs. Knowledge of Tribal government structure, sovereignty, jurisdiction, and Tribal legislative and administrative processes. Knowledge of and skill in interpreting and applying Tribal codes, ordinances, resolutions, regulations, policies, procedures, intergovernmental agreements, and other governing documents. Skill in drafting and presenting resolutions, policies, procedures, reports, agenda materials, and recommendations for Tribal Council, Tribal boards, Administration, and other Tribal leadership. Laws, Regulations, and Employment Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, local, and Tribal laws, regulations, and requirements. Knowledge of employment\-related laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, and effective hiring, management, and supervisory practices. Agreements, Projects, and IBR Knowledge of and ability to interpret and administer intergovernmental agreements, compliance agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other agreements governing Tribal participation in major infrastructure and workforce development projects. Skill in developing and managing complex programs and projects involving multiple Tribal governments, governmental agencies, contractors, funding sources, and project partners, including agreement compliance, workforce requirements, financial monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping. Ability to coordinate participating Tribes and project partners and establish clear responsibilities, communication processes, documentation standards, and accountability measures. Ability to lead or coordinate employees from participating Tribes when Cowlitz is designated as the lead Tribe, consistent with applicable agreements and delegated authority. Program Development and Administration Knowledge of budget development and administration, grant development and compliance, strategic planning, program evaluation, and records management. Ability to develop and launch a new governmental program or department, including its organizational structure, staffing, budget, administrative systems, policies, compliance controls, partnerships, and performance measures. Leadership, Analysis, and Reporting Skill in analyzing complex operational and compliance issues, assessing risk, developing options, and implementing sound recommendations. Skill in leading, supervising, developing, and evaluating assigned staff and building an accountable, service\-oriented team. Skill in preparing and presenting operational, compliance, financial, and executive\-level reports. Ability to exercise sound judgment, make administrative and procedural decisions, resolve complex problems, and operate with a high degree of independence and accountability. Partnerships, Communication, and Representation Knowledge of community resources, agencies, employers, and workforce development partners. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, Tribal officials, participating Tribes, governmental agencies, contractors, employers, community partners, and individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to represent the Tribe and TERO professionally before Tribal leadership, boards, courts, participating Tribes, governmental agencies, contractors, employers, and community partners. Technology, Priorities, and Confidentiality Skill in using word\-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and other business software applications. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain strict confidentiality. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources, Workforce Development, Tribal Governance, Organizational Leadership, or related field. Five (5\) years of progressively responsible experience in Tribal government administration, workforce development, employment services, contractor compliance, economic development, major project administration, intergovernmental coordination, or a related field, including experience in program development, compliance, budgeting, staffing, policy development, or organizational leadership. Demonstrated experience developing, launching, expanding, or restructuring a program, department, compliance function, or comparable operation is required. Two (2\) years of supervisory or management experience. Minimum of two (2\) years of experience working within a Tribal government, including experience supporting or working with a Tribal Council, board, commission, committee, or other Tribal governing body. Experience interpreting and applying Tribal governing documents and drafting resolutions, policies, procedures, agenda materials, and other documents for consideration or action by a Tribal Council or other Tribal governing body. Experience administering intergovernmental or compliance agreements and complex projects involving Tribal governments, governmental agencies, contractors, or other project partners preferred. A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered. Valid driver's license is required when driving vehicles for work\-related purposes. Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below. Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE). Background Investigation Requirements: Pre\-employment drug screen. Reference checks, education, and employment verification. Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification. Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of no contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Work Environment: Work is generally performed in an indoor office setting and occasionally in an outdoor environment. Noise level is typically moderate. Exposure to high risk or potentially dangerous situations, dust, allergens, infectious disease, and hostile individuals may occur. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Travel within the local communities and in or out of state is required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.