SUMMARYThe Executive Director (Regulatory Affairs) serves as the senior executive authority responsible for overseeing all regulatory operations for both Gaming and Tribal Government functions. This position provides strategic leadership, operational direction, and regulatory enforcement across background investigations, vendor licensing, compliance monitoring, internal auditing, surveillance, and governmental regulatory activities.
Reporting to the Government Chief Executive Officer , the Executive Director ensures that all Gaming and Government regulatory programs operate in full compliance with Tribal, state, federal, and National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) requirements. This role serves as the primary liaison between the Tribal Gaming Commission, gaming operations, Tribal Government, and external regulatory bodies while maintaining organizational independence and integrity of regulatory functions.
The Executive Director leads the development and implementation of regulatory policy, internal controls, compliance standards, and investigative practices to safeguard Tribal assets, promote transparency, and ensure the lawful operation of gaming enterprises and governmental programs. This position requires advanced expertise in regulatory administration, investigative procedures, auditing standards, and executive leadership.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Finance, Accounting, or related field required; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory compliance, investigations, auditing, or gaming operations
- Minimum two (2) years of management experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of Tribal Gaming Codes and regulatory frameworks
- Experience with background investigations, vendor licensing, internal audits, and compliance monitoring
- Must be able to obtain and maintain and valid Tribal Adjudication Certification within 1 year of starting the Executive Director position.
- Valid unrestricted Driver's License and ability to be insured under GTB insurance carrier
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Provide executive oversight of all Regulatory Department functions, including Gaming and Government regulatory operations.
- Establish and execute short, intermediate, and long-term regulatory strategies aligned with evolving laws, regulations, and Tribal priorities.
- Develop, implement, and maintain regulatory policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
- Serve as senior regulatory advisor to Tribal leadership, Gaming Commission, and executive management.
- Ensure full compliance with Tribal, state, federal, and NIGC regulations governing gaming operations and governmental regulatory activities.
- Carry out licensing and regulatory authority as defined in the Grand Traverse Band Code.
- Oversee background investigations, vendor licensing, surveillance, compliance monitoring, and internal auditing functions.
- Review and approve compliance reports, audit findings, and investigative outcomes.
- Serve as primary liaison with the Tribal Gaming Commission, NIGC, state regulatory agencies, gaming operations, and Tribal Government leadership.
- Maintain open communication with Tribal Council, EDC Board, CEO, General Manager, executive leadership, and department managers.
- Monitor and communicate regulatory changes impacting gaming and government operations.
- Direct investigations related to customer disputes, compliance violations, and regulatory concerns.
- Ensure enforcement of Tribal gaming laws, internal controls, and regulatory policies.
- Review background investigation findings and assist the Gaming Commission in suitability determinations.
- Oversee internal audit functions and ensure adherence to NIGC MICS, GAAS, and Institute of Internal Auditors standards.
- Monitor audit plans, adjust scope as needed, and ensure findings are communicated to executive leadership and governing bodies.
- Establish safeguards to protect Tribal assets against fraud, waste, and abuse.
- Provide monthly written reports to the Gaming Commission detailing findings, trends, and recommendations.
- Ensure timely reporting to Tribal leadership and regulatory bodies.
- Manage departmental budgets and control labor and operational expenses.
- Directly supervise surveillance, compliance, internal auditing, background investigations, and administrative staff.
- Establish performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and administer discipline in accordance with policy and law.
- Promote professional development and regulatory training for staff.
- Perform other executive regulatory duties as assigned.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES- Advanced knowledge of regulatory frameworks, auditing standards, and investigative practices
- Strong financial literacy, including ability to interpret financial statements
- Exceptional leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity
- Ability to manage complex regulatory environments and competing priorities
- Strong computer proficiency and database management skills
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Finance, Accounting, or related field required; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory compliance, investigations, auditing, or gaming operations
- Minimum two (2) years of management experience
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Tribal Adjudication Certification within 1 year of starting the Executive Director position.
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.
- Must be capable of traveling to all GTB Gaming and Government properties when needed.
- Will require travel to trainings, conferences, and coordination meetings.
- Must be available to respond to emergencies 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS- Must successfully complete a background investigation, drug, and alcohol screenings.
- Must adhere to strict confidentiality and GTB fiscal and personnel policies.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES- Direct supervision of Regulatory Department staff including surveillance, compliance, auditing, investigations, and administrative personnel.
EQUIPMENT TO BE USED- Standard office equipment including computers, copiers, telephones, and regulatory reporting systems.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS- Combination of office work and on-site presence within gaming and governmental facilities; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS- Requires executive-level judgment, analytical thinking, and sustained attention to regulatory detail in high-stakes environments.
WORKING CONDITIONS- Office-based with regular on-site presence at gaming and Tribal facilities; occasional extended hours based on operational needs.
COMMENTSNative American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a criminal history background check with no felonies or serious misdemeanors and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is required.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval from the Director of Human Resources.
