Tribal Governance Initiatives Administrator

The Tribal Governance Initiatives Administrator (TGIA) is a senior systems-level leadership role within the Office of the Tribal Administrator. This position is responsible for advancing the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s strategic governance architecture by integrating federal initiatives such as Itom Yoemia (Tiwahe) and 477 with tribal priorities. The TGIA serves as a strategic advisor, systems integrator, and resource developer, ensuring that tribal governance initiatives are culturally grounded, fiscally sustainable, and aligned with the Tribe’s sovereign vision. This role reinforces tribal self-determination through proactive systems stewardship, interdepartmental coordination, and consortium-based governance.

• Lead and operationalize the Tribe’s governance initiatives, including Tiwahe and 477, ensuring compliance with federal mandates and alignment with tribal strategic priorities.
• Design and implement an integrated service model that strengthens public health, family preservation, economic development, and intergenerational healing.
• Oversee and evaluate employment, education, training, and supportive services under the 477 frameworks, including youth employment, micro-business development, and transitional services.
• Ensure fiscal accountability through performance reporting, budget tracking, and data-informed decision-making across all initiatives.
• Strategically braid tribal, state, and federal resources to maximize impact, reduce duplication, and sustain long-term initiative viability.
• Develop and support culturally relevant programming and evaluation tools that reflect Yaqui values and community-defined outcomes.
• Advise the Tribal Administrator on policy development, strategic planning, and systems integration related to governance initiatives.
• Represent the Tribe in intergovernmental forums and with federal partners to advocate for tribal priorities and funding flexibility.
• Activate the Child and Family Networking Board (CFNB) as a consortium governance body to guide initiative funding, promote cross-sector collaboration, and ensure performance accountability.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by the Tribal Administrator.
  
  

Knowledge of:

• Pascua Yaqui cultural values, governance structures, and community priorities, or a demonstrated commitment to learning and honoring them.
• Tiwahe and 477 federal frameworks, including integrated service delivery, tribal-federal partnerships, and interagency coordination.
• Tribal finance systems, budget management, and performance accountability across multi-source funding portfolios.
• Outcome-based planning, program evaluation methodologies, and federal reporting systems.
• Internal government infrastructure, including tribal administrative processes, policy development, and strategic planning protocols.
  
  

Skills and Abilities:

• Proven ability to lead cross-sector initiatives that integrate public health, economic development, and family preservation.
• Strong facilitation, consensus-building, and conflict resolution skills in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Capacity to braid tribal, state, and federal resources to maximize impact and sustainability.
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage Tribal Council, executive staff, and community stakeholders with clarity and diplomacy.
• Proficiency in data-informed decision-making, including the use of culturally relevant evaluation tools.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and software applications with efficiency and discretion.
• Commitment to collaborative leadership, systems thinking, and continuous improvement.
  
  

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Tribal Governance and Policy, or a closely related field.

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in tribal program administration, federal grants management, or interagency systems coordination.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented experience in leading cross-sector tribal initiatives that integrate federal funding streams and culturally grounded service models.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, policy development, and performance evaluation within a tribal governance context.
• Familiarity with Tiwahe and 477 frameworks, including federal reporting systems and braided funding strategies.
  
  

Special Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License.
• May be required to obtain an Arizona State Driver Operator Certification and other relevant credentials depending on assignment.
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain a current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card, Tribal Gaming License, and Homeland Security Background Check within ninety (90) days of hire. Failure to maintain required credentials will result in termination.