Willapa Bay Enterprises Corporation is looking for a proven executive and leader to help expand existing businesses delivering stable year over year growth while developing a long-term vision for identifying new markets and industries for expansion. 

ABOUT SHOALWATER BAY INDIAN TRIBE

The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe is a federally recognized tribal nation on the Shoalwater Bay Indian Reservation just off Willapa Bay in Tokeland, Washington. With a strong connection to the coastal environment and wildlife the Shoalwater people are building businesses and opportunities for future generations while protecting the waters and lands they call home. 

Revenue generated from the enterprise activities provides funds to support education, elder care, community grants, entrepreneurship, public safety and other essential services for the Shoalwater Bay Tribe and community.  

WILLAPA BAY ENTERPRISES CORPORATION (WBE)

A diversified tribally owned Section 17 Corporation, Willapa Bay Enterprises Corporation was established to support our shareholders: the individual enrolled members of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, future generations of our families, and the community in and around Tokeland, WA. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of WBE. The CEO will oversee and drive the growth and success of multiple business ventures including but not limited to tribal gaming, cannabis, hospitality, real-estate management, convenience store/fuel stations, and seafood aquaculture, distribution. The role requires a leader that understands the unique challenges and opportunities within tribal enterprises as well as the ability to align business strategies with the cultural and economic goals of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe Government and people.

The CEO has full responsibility for the essential functions and daily operations of the WBE corporate office and enterprises in accordance with WBE vision, strategic plan, operating/business plans and annual budgets as approved by the WBE Board and Shoalwater Bay Tribal Council. Tribal

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership and Business Development:

• Lead strategy and execution across a diverse set of businesses, setting and measuring clear goals and objectives facilitating growth
• Translate strategy into actionable steps for growth, implementing cross business wide goal setting, performance management, and annual business reporting
• Establish and measure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each business unit and Willapa Bay Enterprises as a whole
• Report progress against key KPIs for each business unit and top level Willapa Bay Enterprises KPIs monthly to the Willapa Bay Enterprises board of directors
• Create annual reports and update business plans for each Willapa Bay Enterprises business unit in collaboration with business unit directors and WBE board of directors.
• Prepare grant and funding applications for implementation of economic development projects; coordinate with the WBE Board, CFO and other key staff to identify sources for funding new business opportunities including state and federal programs.

Operational Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of WBE and different business units, ensuring high performance, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and adherence to best practices.
• Ensure the successful management and profitability of the different business units including, tribal gaming, cannabis, hospitality, real-estate management, convenience store/fuel stations, and seafood operations.
• Lead the development and implementation of effective marketing and branding strategies that enhance WBE’s business’s visibility and brand awareness across Washington State.
• Negotiate or approve agreements and contracts for the organization
• Collaborate with HR, finance, and business unit directors establishing policies and best practices aligned with the Willapa Bay Enterprises mission.

Communication: 

• This position is required to work closely with the Shoalwater Bay Casino Enterprise in order to ensure cross marketing of all businesses, including specifically tribal gaming, cannabis, hospitality, convenience store/fuel stations, and seafood operations.
• Serve as the liaison between Willapa Bay Enterprises and the Shoalwater Bay Tribal Government.
• Serve as the face of Willapa Bay Enterprises overseeing all external communications with the community.
• Identify and communicate risks in a timely manner to the Willapa Bay Enterprises Board of Directors.

Financial Oversight:

• Manage the financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to the WBE Board of Directors.
• Implement strong financial controls and risk management practices to ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of WBE.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and investments, to support the WBE business ventures and expansion plans.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement:

• Serve as the primary liaison between Willapa Bay Enterprises overseeing all external communications with community and Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribal Government
• Ensure transparent communication and alignment on key initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Tribal members, regulatory bodies, business partners, and community organizations.
• Promote economic development within the Tribal community by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and ensuring the corporation’s activities positively impact the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe and the surrounding community.

Leadership and Team Development:

• Create a positive company culture through strong inspirational leadership.
• Identify and address staffing requirements for efficient operations, maintaining a strong work culture that attracts and retains talent while aligned to the core values of Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe and mission of Willapa Bay Enterprises. 
• Translate strategy into actionable steps for growth, implementing cross business wide goal setting within each business unit focused on performance management, and annual business reporting

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or a closely related field; ten years demonstrated successful experience in a progressively responsible operations management position, tribal management or corporate experience; and at least five years in an executive senior leadership capacity managing directors and diverse teams; or a combination of education and experience. Additional years of equivalent experience may be substituted for required degree.
• Familiarity with Tribal owned businesses including federal charter under Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA).
• Demonstrated successful experience in Tribal economic development, including knowledge of funding resources, professional organizations, contracting and proven business development strategies.
• Proven success working with a board of directors
• Must apply and comply with all Tribal Gaming Regulation Authority (TRGA) regulations and obtain a TGRA Gaming License. 
• Experience in operating C-store/fuel businesses preferred.
• Experience in operating a Casino and tribal gaming business.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, identifying and communicating new ideas to grow and accelerate new and existing businesses. 
• Must possess strong administrative and organizational skills as demonstrated through past work experience.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret various reports and documents, including financial records and legal information.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and possession of current driver’s license.

Members of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, who meet the minimum qualifications for position, shall be hired in preference to any non-members. If no member of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe who meets the minimum qualifications for the position applies for the position, other Native Americas who meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be hired in preference to any non-Indians.