Membership Manager

• Department
  - Shared Services
  - Membership
• Suttons Bay, MI, USA
• Full Time
• Peshawbestown, MI
• Major Medical, Dental, and Prescription, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) Plan, PTO and Holidays, Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage, AFLAC

The Membership Manager serves as the operational lead and subject matter authority for the Membership Department, overseeing all enrollment, verification, genealogy research, and records management functions related to Tribal membership. This position ensures the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of membership records while maintaining compliance with the Grand Traverse Band Constitution, enrollment ordinances, Tribal Council directives, and applicable Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) requirements.

This role functions as a working supervisor, actively performing complex membership and genealogy-related work while providing leadership and oversight to department staff, including the Membership Coordinator and Research Specialist. The position is responsible for interpreting and applying membership laws and policies, analyzing complex lineage and eligibility cases, and ensuring consistent and fair administration of all membership processes.

The Membership Manager regularly interfaces with Tribal Council, executive leadership, external agencies, and Tribal citizens, requiring sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in sensitive situations. This role also monitors workflow, ensures timely and accurate processing of applications, and supports ongoing improvements to departmental operations and effectiveness.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED required;
  Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field preferred*
• Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in membership, enrollment, genealogy, or records management
• Minimum three (3) years of supervisory or lead experience in an office or public service environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of Tribal enrollment processes and genealogical research methods
• Genuine interest and demonstrated aptitude in genealogy and historical record analysis
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and handle sensitive matters with discretion

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision of the Membership Department, including the Membership Coordinator and Research Specialist.
• Assign, review, and prioritize work to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent processing of membership applications and research requests.
• Establish performance expectations, provide coaching and guidance, and conduct performance evaluations for departmental staff.
• Identify training needs and support professional development of membership staff.
• Oversee and perform complex analysis of membership and enrollment applications, including determinations related to degree of Indian blood, lineage, and eligibility.
• Conduct and review advanced genealogical research involving the GTB Base Roll, Durant Roll, Durant field notes, and other historical records.
• Ensure accurate preparation and maintenance of family trees, enrollment documentation, and official membership files.
• Review and approve final determinations and documentation prior to submission for Tribal Council action.
• Prepare, review, and present accurate Tribal Council resolutions related to enrollment, disenrollment, amendments, and membership actions.
• Provide expert information, reports, and briefings to Tribal Council, executive leadership, and legal counsel regarding membership matters.
• Coordinate enrollment procedures with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and ensure compliance with BIA enrollment standards and reporting requirements.
• Develop, review, and update Membership Department policies, procedures, and operational guidelines to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Prepare and implement short- and long-term departmental plans, including one- and five-year strategic objectives.
• Recommend program improvements, policy changes, or procedural updates based on effectiveness, workload trends, and community…