Odawa Casino Resort

Job Description

Job Title:General Manager/Chief Executive Officer

Position Reports To:Gaming Authority

Job Code:GM/CEO

Department:Executive

Status:Exempt

Pay Rate:Negotiated

Updated/Reviewed:03/10/2025

Job Summary: The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer must have the ability to actively maximize gross gaming revenue and corresponding EBITDA using exceptional leadership ability, while assuring fair and equitable application of policies and procedures. The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer will first lead by example to create a positive team spirit. The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all administration functions and daily operations of Odawa Casino Resort including ancillary activities and any future gaming Odawa Casino Resort activities. The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer oversees key gaming and executive level personnel with day-to-day oversight of all Odawa Casino Resort operations.  Responsible for all internal controls and procedures to ensure the protection of company assets and enforcement of Odawa Casino Resort policies and procedures. Ensures all business goals are met, and integrity of all Tribal Gaming Operations is maintained.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops strategies and executes activities to drive and continually improve financial results, guest satisfaction, human capital efficiencies and grow overall Odawa Casino Resort revenues at the direction of the Gaming Authority.
• Operations: Sets expectations and holds Management team accountable for implementing the Odawa Casino Resort strategy and brand initiatives; continuously challenges the Management team to improve operations.
• Guest Satisfaction: Focuses Management team on delivering service and products to meet or exceed guest expectations and increase guest loyalty.
• Human Resources: Maximize tribal preference in hiring by using proactive methods. Sets expectations to hire, develop and retain a top performing management team; reinforces the need for strong functional expertise, creativity and entrepreneurial leadership in the operation; focuses on building teams to deliver results; develops and implements goals and objectives to provide Tribal employment and personnel development, including training and promoting Tribal members.
• Develop and enhance mentoring and training opportunities for the development of management and leadership skills of the executive team and department managers.
• Follows all laws of Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.
• Financial Management: Oversees the annual operating budget including capital expenditures to achieve or exceed budget expectations for the Odawa Casino Resort; ensures successful performance by maximizing profitability and providing a return on investment for the owner; encourages all team members to identify opportunities to gain efficiencies, increase profits and create value.
• Owner relations: Develops a trusting and respectful business partnership with Odawa Casino Resort ownership by communicating effectively with the Gaming Authority and meeting or exceeding performance expectations of the Gaming Authority, to whom this position reports.
• The Gaming Regulatory Commission. Develops a professional and respectful relationship working in tandem to protect the assets of the owner.
• Plans, directs, monitors and controls the daily operations of the organization through the organizational directors.
• Develops and implements current and long-range operational goals, objectives, plans and policies subject to approval of the Gaming Authority.
• Confers with and informs the Gaming Authority regarding all matters pertinent to their oversight responsibilities as outlined in the Gaming Authority Statute.
• Ensures operational compliance with documented Authority-approved policy and procedures as well as all Tribal Minimum Internal Control Standards (TMICS), State/Tribal compact, debt obligations and any other pertinent compliance requirements.
• Prepares and reviews business plans and operating budgets that are focused on profitability, team member engagement, guest satisfaction, and tribal development; coordinates development and monitors the results of actual performance versus annual budget.
• Oversees the Odawa Casino Resort marketing programs to ensure proper promotional activities are coordinated, cost effective, and produce results according to budgetary projections; ensures the development and implementation of an ongoing marketing plan.
• Develops and monitors public relations policies designed to promote the image of the Odawa Casino Resort and build brand awareness and guest loyalty.
• Develop and implement communication tools to ensure that consistent, accurate, and timely information is provided throughout the organization.
• Establish credibility throughout the organization to be an effective listener and problem solver of people issues.
• Establish a work environment that respects and incorporates Tribal culture and values.
• Leads by setting a positive example to all team members.
• Has authority to hire, terminate, provide training opportunities, recommend merit increases, evaluate performance, create and adjust performance standards, create and/or delegate staff scheduling, invoke disciplinary action and provide for the fair and equitable treatment of all Team Members according to Authority-approved policies.
• Maintains cooperative and productive working relationships with the Tribe, Tribal, Federal and State Gaming regulatory agencies, agents and Odawa Casino Resort Team Members.
• Performs all other duties as assigned within the scope of work.

Upholds Odawa Casino Mission statement in all aspects of position: 

Mission:

We create excitement and memories.

Values:

We create a culture that provides:

1. A fun, rewarding, safe, and consistent environment for our Team Members.
2. A warm reception, welcoming environment, and friendly atmosphere.
3. An optimal entertainment experience through exceptional service.
4. Support for the Waganakising Odawak values through Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth.
5. A contribution and connection to the community.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or in a related discipline.
• Ten (10) years of demonstrated, broad-based operational success in a Senior/Executive Management position in the gaming industry with at least four (4) of those years in the capacity of the General Manager in a casino property with at least 1,000 machines; or at least ten (10) years of demonstrated, broad-based operational success in a Senior/Executive Management position in the gaming industry with at least eight (8) years in a key executive position with responsibilities equivalent to an Assistant General Manager in a casino property with at least 1,000 machines.
• Superior business skills including the use of data to drive decisions.
• Highly responsible with ability to meet deadlines with a high sense of urgency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (office) and Adobe products.
• Must have significant, demonstrated leadership ability, organizational and strategic agility, as well as the ability to build and motivate teams.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills as well as the ability to build and maintain business and organizational relationships are essential.
• Must possess extensive knowledge of Class III gaming.
• Must have the ability to analyze, interpret and make the operational, financial and budgetary decisions based on financial reports to drive the organization to meet and exceed business goals.
• Knowledge of complex laws, regulations, and guidelines governing casino and hotel operations, tribal law and Native American casinos.
• Must be culturally competent and effective within a multi-cultural setting.
• Must have knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn the Tribal Gaming Ordinances, State/Tribal Compact, Minimum Internal Control Standards, Tribal Minimum Internal Controls Standards, and Authority-approved policies and procedures related to the gaming and hotel operation.
• Must have the ability to act as a liaison to local government and other interested parties to maintain a positive relationship and possess the communication skills to establish and maintain relationships with State and Federal officials governing casino operations.
• Must be able to handle busy and stressful situations.
• Must be flexible with shifts and days off.
• You may be required to pass a skills assessment test to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
• Must be able to work in a smoking environment.
• Experience in coaching and developing candidates into organizational leadership positions required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a gaming license in accordance to the regulations established by the LTBB Gaming Regulatory Commission, and be able to serve in the position under any other applicable law.
• Must maintain the highest level of confidentiality at all times.

Preference: Applies to Native Americans in accordance with applicable tribal law.