Planning Senior Director

Supervisor:                         Infrastructure & Resources Executive Director

Salary:                                  $38.17 - $52.44, FLSA Exempt

Hours:                                  40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, with some weekend and evening work

Duration:                             Based on available funding, Full-time Regular status at completion of six month probationary period

The Planning Senior Director is responsible for overseeing all areas of responsibility within the Planning Department. The Planning Senior Director oversees the development and updates of current and long-range plans, tribal transportation, project management, and facility and fleet repair and preventative maintenance. The position works closely with the Executive Team to coordinate strategic efforts with Samish’s projects and plans.  

Principle Duties:

1.   Oversees the Planning Department and provides supervision and guidance to all departmental staff including concise expectations, evaluations, and any necessary corrective action plans

2.   Accountable for all planning department grants and budgets including required deliverables, non-fiscal reporting, management reports, and budget modifications

3.   Accountable for all planning department grant applications submittals including obtaining proper internal approvals including adhering to internal and external deadlines

4.   Recommends updates to Samish’s Codes and Ordinances related to planning and land use

5.   Oversees community development initiatives such as tribal housing projects, utilities, public works, renovations, and construction projects including local and state permit process and hosting

public meetings

6.   Reviews development plans for compliance with the Samish adopted development codes related to land use and building codes

7.   Conducts research and develops recommendations related to development and planning initiatives

8.   Coordinates land acquisition working with Executive Team and outside legal counsel

9.   Coordinates fee-to-trust applications in coordination with Infrastructure & Resources Executive Director, Chief Executive Team, Executive Secretary, and other required department directors and staff

10.  Implement, maintain, and manage approval system for land use, zoning, and other permits for Samish properties as needed

11.  Prepares the updates of the Tribe’s Plans (Strategic Plan, Land Use Plan, Capital Facility Plan, and Long-Range Transportation Plan) and ensures concurrency with other planning documents and

ordinances along with gathering input from stakeholders

12.  Oversees the tribal transportation program including supervision of planning, studies,

and analyses conducted by planning staff

13.  Oversees asset management (including Tribal lands, capital facilities and real estate assets, and fleet) to ensure Tribal property is kept clean, safe, well-maintained

14.  Oversees data collection and community outreach for federal programs such as transportation, transit, and census

15.  Coordinates the research for funding or loans that support capital improvement projects as directed by Executive Team

16.  Provides periodic planning department updates and presentations to Executive Team and Tribal Council

17.  Represents Samish Indian Nation at local and regional intergovernmental planning meetings and coordinates multi-jurisdictional planning as directed by the Chief Operations Officer

18.  Works cooperatively with members of the community, staff, and Tribal Council

19.  Maintains a well-organized and professional work environment

20.  Other duties as assigned

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

Required Qualifications:

1. Must possess a master’s degree in planning or closely related field and two years experience planning for tribes or other governmental agencies; or B.A. in Planning or closely related field and four years directly related experience planning for tribes or other governmental agencies
2. Knowledge of local and state permitting, codes and regulations related to planning projects and development
3. Must have two years of demonstrated supervisory experience
4. Must possess ability to conduct research, assess data, develop strategies and make written recommendations of activities to meet tribal needs
5. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365 to include Teams, Project, Word, Excel, Publisher, and Outlook
6. Must have excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
7. Must be able to travel or work flexible hours for research and projects
8. Must possess integrity and initiative
9. Must be able to lift/carry up to 20lbs

Desired Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of grant application processes and requirements of funding agencies
2. Knowledge of various grant programs available to Tribal government including ability to read, interpret and apply laws, rules and regulations
3. AICP Certification strongly preferred
4. Introductory understanding of Federal Indian law as it relates to tribal government development and transportation
5. Ability to take initiative and utilize innovative techniques and ingenuity in preparing grant applications
6. Ability to develop, write, and implement strategic plans and to provide necessary documentation to support grant requirements

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Long periods of sitting (60% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping,

stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (20% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 20lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, cash-handling, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper

document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: Work environment is mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Must sit or stand at the desk for the majority of shift. Occasionally works alone without benefit of supervisor or co-worker. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions (using some cleaning chemicals for light cleaning). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.) Random drug tests may be performed.

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY: This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be

documented prior to interview or hiring. BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen. The Drug Free Workplace Policy has not changed since the passing of WA State I-502. While Initiative 502 legalized marijuana within Washington State, employers maintain the right to decide on their tolerance policy. Because we receive federal grant dollars from the federal government, we still consider marijuana as an illegal substance and its use and possession completely prohibited. 

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Hybrid Work potential
• Flexible work schedule
• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Evaluations with potential wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually