Project Manager - Office of Tribal Council

Under the direction of the Director, Administrative Operations, the Project Manager - Office of the Tribal Council (OTC) is responsible for managing, coordinating, and ensuring the successful execution of strategic initiatives, governance projects, and department objectives. This position supports high-priority Tribal Council efforts such as Constitution implementation, policy implementation, governance documentation, and interdepartmental collaboration. This role requires effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills to ensure that projects are completed within budget, on schedule, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Develops, manages, and tracks detailed project plans and supporting documentation from initiation through completion, including timelines, deliverables, interdependencies, and critical paths, using appropriate project management tools.  
2.    Prepares and maintains project-related reports, proposals, requirements, documentation, presentations, and communicates project progress clearly and consistently to leadership, stakeholders, and staff.  
3.    Facilitates meetings, prepares agendas, captures key outcomes, and ensures timely follow-up and documentation to maintain timeline deadlines.
4.    Conducts risk assessments and develops contingency plans to mitigate project disruptions; prepares project closure reports and identifies opportunities for future improvement.  
5.    Provides regular updates on project status, including timelines, obstacles, risks, and key decisions, to ensure alignment with Tribal Council priorities and department objectives.  
6.    Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

 EDUCATIONAL, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, public administration, tribal governance, or related field, required.

• Minimum four (4) years of experience in the field of Project Management required.

• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• Experience in tribal government preferred.

• Experience working with MS Project, or comparable project management tools.

• Must have intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Visio, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Must display exceptional communication skills, judgment, emotional intelligence, personal integrity, and ability to drive results while demonstrating strict professional decorum and utmost discretion to confidential information and documentation.

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with leadership, internal staff, and external partners.

• Fast learner, detail oriented and self-starter.

• Culturally competent with the ability to work respectfully within a tribal government framework.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.

• Project Management Profession (PMP) certification preferred.

• Lean Green Belt Certification preferred.

• Driving Responsibilities: Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits is required. Role will not operate or drive Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS – ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting.

• Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.

• Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.

• Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.

• Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity mac