Director of Administration

Job Title: Director of Administration (with Strong Financial Oversight)

Location: Geneva, NY (Cayuga Nation Administrative Office)
Travel: 10–25% to Nation locations in Union Springs, Seneca Falls, and surrounding areas
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Department: Administration

Position Overview

The Cayuga Nation is seeking a strategic and financially skilled Director of Administration to lead and oversee the Nation’s core administrative operations. This executive-level position reports directly to the CEO and serves as the top financial authority, in addition to managing all non-programmatic administrative departments. The role combines high-level financial oversight—functioning in many ways as a CFO or controller—with executive leadership across Human Resources, IT, Communications, and Facilities.

This role holds direct responsibility for managing the Finance Department, including the Accounting Manager and team. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in public-sector or tribal government financial management, along with the ability to lead multiple departments with professionalism, efficiency, and strategic foresight.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Serve as the senior-most financial authority for the Nation, overseeing all accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and audit functions.
• Directly supervise the Accounting Manager and Finance staff, ensuring timely and accurate execution of all financial operations.
• Lead the development, execution, and monitoring of annual and long-range budgets, working collaboratively with department leaders and Tribal Council.
• Oversee cash flow, fund management, purchasing practices, and financial forecasting, ensuring compliance with GAAP and relevant tribal, federal, and state regulations.
• Manage relationships with auditors, banks, and external financial consultants.

Executive Leadership & Departmental Oversight

• Serve as a core member of the Nation’s executive leadership team, reporting to the CEO and advising Tribal Council on organizational health and operations.
• Provide direct oversight to the following administrative departments:
  • Finance (Accounting Manager and team)
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Communications
  • Facilities & Maintenance
• Foster alignment among these departments to support efficiency, compliance, and mission-focused service delivery.
• Champion interdepartmental coordination and policy consistency across all administrative functions.

Operations, Systems & Compliance

• Implement and refine internal control systems, administrative policies, and operational workflows.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and tribal governance requirements across administrative departments.
• Maintain clear and transparent documentation to support financial and operational audits.

Capital Planning & Strategic Resource Allocation

• Lead strategic capital planning and evaluate large-scale investments and infrastructure initiatives.
• Assess ROI on capital projects and major administrative expenditures.
• Allocate resources based on data-driven evaluations of operational needs and priorities.

Organizational Risk & Internal Audit

• Develop and manage internal audit procedures and risk mitigation frameworks.
• Ensure preparedness for audits, fraud prevention, and emergency or continuity planning.
• Monitor administrative vulnerabilities and recommend corrective actions.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and manage department heads across Finance, HR, IT, Communications, and Facilities.
• Promote accountability, leadership development, and a high-performance culture.
• Lead department-wide goal-setting, training initiatives, and performance evaluations.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide regular, clear financial and operational updates to the CEO and Tribal Council.
• Serve as a liaison between administrative departments and executive leadership.
• Represent the Nation in external meetings, vendor negotiations, and intergovernmental partnerships related to finance and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA strongly preferred).
• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in finance, accounting, and administrative operations—preferably in a tribal, governmental, or nonprofit setting.
• Proven ability to oversee financial functions at a senior level, including budgeting, forecasting, auditing, and compliance without a Finance Director layer.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple departments (e.g., HR, IT, Facilities) in a complex organizational environment.
• Deep knowledge of ERP systems, fund accounting, and grants management.
• Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in a culturally respectful, sovereign, or community-based environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and financial management software.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as required.

Work Environment

• Based in the Geneva, NY Administrative Office.
• Regular travel (10–25%) required to Union Springs, Seneca Falls, and other Nation locations.
• Occasional evening or weekend work required to meet operational or fiscal deadlines.