General Manager — Tribal Government
General Manager — Tribal Government
(Southeast Alaska)
Salary $156k - $261k
Lead a sovereign Indigenous government at a pivotal moment. A well-established Alaska Native Tribe seeks an experienced, politically savvy, and visionary General Manager to protect and advance tribal sovereignty, deliver essential government services, grow high-impact social programs, foster Indigenous culture and language revitalization, and expand sustainable revenue and employment through innovative private and public-sector ventures.
Why This Role Matters
This is an exciting time for this Tribe. The organization is in a uniquely strong position — with solid finances, expanding sovereignty, and the ability to pursue innovative, cutting-edge solutions. Rare and effective partnerships with both state and federal agencies give the General Manager an extraordinary platform to drive real impact.
- Shape policy and programs that directly improve the lives of Tribal Citizens.
- Build and lead cross-functional teams in a complex environment.
- Drive innovative economic development — including SBA 8(a) contracting, tribal enterprise creation, and public-private partnerships — that creates jobs and long-term financial self-sustainability.
- Represent the Tribe with community members, Council, businesses, media, and government agencies — balancing competing agendas with diplomacy and integrity.
- Serve a mission-driven organization with strong values and a deep commitment to sovereignty and cultural preservation.
- Live and work in a close-knit maritime community with abundant outdoor recreation and deep Indigenous cultural roots in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide hands-on executive leadership for all Tribal administrative, programmatic, and business operations — this role requires a roll-up-your-sleeves leader, not someone who leads only from behind a desk.
- Advise, implement, and maintain strong Council (board) relations — translate Council priorities into accountable operational plans.
- Instill operational discipline — streamline meeting culture, eliminate unnecessary process, and focus staff time on high-impact work.
- Oversee development, budgeting, and evaluation of social services, cultural preservation, language revitalization, and community programs.
- Lead strategic economic development and revenue generation initiatives including federal grants, SBA 8(a) contracting, tribal enterprise development, philanthropy, and partnerships aimed at long-term self-sustainability.
- Recruit, mentor, and retain staff; foster a collaborative, accountable, silo-free workplace grounded in servant leadership.
- Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration, strategic planning sessions, and community engagement.
- Serve as a trusted public face of the Tribe; negotiate with local, state, federal, and private partners to expand and strengthen relationships.
- Ensure compliance with the Tribal Constitution, ordinances, policies, grant requirements, and applicable federal/state regulations.
Required Qualifications
- At least 4 years senior management experience in tribal government, Indigenous organizations, or comparable public/private leadership roles.
- Strong leadership presence, conflict resolution, facilitation, and team-building skills; experience building high-performing teams in challenging environments
- Entrepreneurial mindset with proof of growing an organization, expanding services, or launching new initiatives.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must reside in the Sitka community or be willing to.
Preferred Qualifications
- Alaska Native or American Indian candidates strongly encouraged to apply. (Indian Preference applies per P.L. 93-638.)
- Direct experience with SBA 8(a) program certification, tribal enterprise creation, or building self-sustaining business ventures.
- Experience managing budgets of $15M+ across multiple funding sources and departments.
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