Executive Director

Kaw Nation Executive Director

The Executive Director serves as the senior administrative leader of the Kaw Nation's tribal government. Under the direction of the Tribal Chair and within authority established by the Nation, the Executive Director translates approved policy and priorities into effective operations, responsible budgets, and measurable improvements in services to tribal citizens. The position strengthens administrative capacity while respecting the Nation's sovereignty, culture, laws, and government-to-government relationships.

The Executive Director oversees day-to-day tribal government administration, establishes clear responsibilities, coordinated workflows, and procedures that support reliable services and timely decisions. Develop an annual administrative work plan linked to the Nation's approved strategic priorities and budget. Convene department director and staff meetings, resolve cross-department issues, and track implementation of decisions. Maintain current administrative policies, organizational charts, operating procedures, and records. Recommend updates to the Tribal Chair and appropriate approving authority and ensure staff receive training on adopted changes.

The Executive Director supervises and evaluates assigned department directors and managers using documented expectations and the Nation's personnel policies. Hold leaders accountable for service quality, sound management, employee development, and ethical conduct. Supervise and coordinate with the Human Resources Director on recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee relations, compensation recommendations, training, and policy administration. Make or recommend personnel decisions only within delegated authority and established procedures.

Improve access, responsiveness, and coordination of services for eligible citizens, including elders, youth, citizens with disabilities, and citizens living outside the immediate service area, consistent with program eligibility and available resources. Use citizen feedback, service data, and complaint trends to identify barriers and improve delivery. Maintain a process for responding to administrative concerns and explaining established appeal or grievance channels.

Lead development of the consolidated tribal government budget with the finance lead and department directors. Align proposed expenditures with approved priorities, recurring operating needs, available revenue, and long-term sustainability; submit recommendations through the established approval process. Review tax filings, (such as W-3, 941and 990) and financial statements to ensure financial health and accuracy.

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, tribal governance, finance, or a related field; an equivalent combination of relevant education and progressively responsible experience may be considered under the Nation's hiring policy. At least five years of progressively responsible management experience, including at least three years supervising managers or leading multiple departments, complex budgets, or government programs. At least two years of direct tribal government administration or comparably substantive work supporting tribal governments is required.