Deputy Director - Operations (Open Until Filled)

DEPUTY DIRECTOR – OPERATIONSDepartment: Executive Office

Reports To: Executive Director

Classification: Exempt

Employment Status: Full-Time / Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, the Deputy Director – Operations provides executive-level leadership, direction, and oversight of assigned governmental departments, programs, operational services, infrastructure initiatives, and organizational projects of the Pawnee Nation.

The position is responsible for ensuring that governmental programs and services operate effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with the priorities established by the Pawnee Business Council and Executive Director.

The Deputy Director provides direct supervision and support to assigned Department Directors, coordinates interdepartmental activities, monitors operational performance, and assists in implementing major governmental initiatives.

The position plays a critical role in strengthening service delivery, departmental accountability, infrastructure development, project implementation, and coordination of resources to better serve Pawnee Nation citizens and communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS1. Executive Leadership and Governmental Operations

• Assist the Executive Director in the overall administration and management of Pawnee Nation governmental operations.

• Provide executive leadership and direct supervision to assigned operational Department Directors.

• Implement organizational priorities, directives, and strategic initiatives established by the Executive Director and Pawnee Business Council.

• Monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of assigned departments and programs.

• Promote coordination, accountability, communication, and collaboration among governmental departments.

• Identify operational challenges and develop recommendations for improvement.

• Represent the Executive Director in operational matters when authorized.

2. Department and Program Oversight

• Provide direct supervision and executive oversight of assigned governmental departments and programs.

• Conduct regular meetings with Department Directors to review operations, staffing, budgets, projects, and performance.

• Ensure departments establish measurable goals, work plans, and service delivery standards.

• Monitor program performance and compliance with applicable tribal and federal requirements.

• Assist Department Directors in resolving operational and organizational challenges.

• Evaluate departmental effectiveness and recommend improvements to services, procedures, and resource utilization.

• Coordinate activities involving multiple departments and shared organizational responsibilities.

• Ensure significant operational concerns are communicated to the Executive Director.

3. Infrastructure and Capital Project Coordination

• Provide executive-level coordination and oversight of assigned infrastructure and capital improvement initiatives.

• Monitor project schedules, deliverables, budgets, milestones, and implementation progress.

• Work with Department Directors, Planning personnel, engineers, contractors, consultants, and funding agencies to support successful project implementation.

• Assist in identifying project risks, delays, funding concerns, and coordination needs.

• Ensure project leadership provides regular progress reports and communicates significant concerns.

• Support implementation of infrastructure priorities involving broadband, transportation, utilities, wastewater, facilities, and other designated projects.

• Coordinate interdepartmental participation in major projects.

• Recommend corrective measures when projects experience delays, performance issues, or implementation challenges.

4. Governmental Services and Program Delivery

• Support the effective delivery of governmental programs and services to Pawnee Nation citizens.

• Monitor operational performance and service quality across assigned departments.

• Work with Department Directors to identify opportunities to expand access, improve efficiency, and strengthen coordination of services.

• Assist in addressing concerns involving service delivery, staffing, facilities, and program administration.

• Promote culturally responsive services consistent with Pawnee Nation values and community priorities.

• Support initiatives related to health and wellness, social services, education, public safety, community development, and other assigned governmental functions.

• Encourage collaboration among departments to reduce duplication and improve outcomes.

5. Strategic Planning and Organizational Improvement

• Assist the Executive Director in implementing the Nation's strategic priorities and operational goals.

• Work with Department Directors to develop departmental strategic plans and annual work objectives.

• Monitor progress toward organizational milestones and performance measures.

• Identify operational efficiencies and opportunities for service improvements.

• Recommend organizational changes that strengthen program performance and accountability.

• Coordinate cross-departmental projects and special initiatives.

• Support long-term planning for infrastructure, governmental services, and organizational growth.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides direct supervision to designated Department Directors and operational 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 operational 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.