POSITION TITLE: GWE Program Manager

DEPARTMENT: Enrollment

LOCATION: Longview, WA

REPORTS TO: Enrollment Officer

STATUS: Salary, fulltime

SALARY RANGE: $82,264.00 - $98,592.00

Close Date: July 7, 2026

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Supports the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s (CIT) strategic vision by managing the Tribe’s General Welfare Exclusion (GWE) Program. Develops, implements, and maintains policies, processes, and payment schedules that provide tax-exempt benefits to Tribal Members in alignment with federal GWE guidelines. Administers program operations, including determining proposed payment amounts, coordinating disbursements, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Engages with internal departments, Tribal leadership, and Tribal Council to support program delivery, and maintains clear communication with Tribal Members regarding program benefits. Maintains professionalism in all interactions, and honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of CIT.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Leads the development, implementation, and ongoing management of the Tribe’s General Welfare Exclusion (GWE) Program.
• Designs and maintains program policies, procedures, and payment schedules that ensure compliance with federal GWE requirements and Tribal Council directives.
• Develops, maintains, and coordinates the Tribe's GWE Member Portal, including benefit applications, member communications, document collection, eligibility workflows, and self-service access to program information.
• Coordinates with Tribal Council, committees, and departments to develop and recommend proposed payment amounts, eligibility criteria, and benefit categories.
• Digitize and archive historical GWE documentation
• Supports the planning and execution of General Council meetings and other Tribal events by coordinating enrollment-related services.
• Administers program operations, including processing applications, verifying eligibility, scheduling payments, and ensuring timely disbursement of benefits.
• Works with third-party vendors and service providers to automate payment processes and improve program efficiency.
• Works closely with the Accounting Department to coordinate payment processing through MIP software, including Accounts Payable functions.
• Collaborates with the Enrollment Department to ensure accurate member data, clear communication with Tribal Members, and updates to RiteTrack software.
• Conducts regular internal audits of GWE transactions, documentation, and processes to ensure compliance, accuracy, and accountability, and works closely with Accounting to ensure proper reconciliation of all financial records.
• Monitors federal guidance and regulatory changes related to GWE programs, ensuring the Tribe’s program remains compliant.
• Develops programs and training around money and financial management.
• Prepares and delivers regular updates and presentations to Tribal Council, committees, and membership regarding program activities, outcomes, and compliance.
• Develops and maintains accurate and current program-related data, records, and documentation to support transparency, accountability, and audit readiness.
• Designs and implements communication materials and engagement strategies to ensure Tribal Members are well informed of program benefits and processes.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for Tribal Members regarding GWE program questions, application assistance, and problem resolution.
• Represents the Tribe in discussions with federal agencies, other tribes, and partner organizations regarding GWE programs and related initiatives.
• Drafts GWE-related policies, procedures, and recommendations for Tribal Council consideration.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences related to program management and compliance.
• Assists enrollment with member interviews related to the Enhanced Tribal Card program.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in handling sensitive Tribal Member and program information.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Cowlitz Indian Tribe governance, culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, and Tribal-State-Federal relations as they relate to the General Welfare Exclusion program.
• Knowledge of federal GWE program requirements, tax-exempt benefit structures, and compliance standards.
• Knowledge of program administration, service delivery models, and process improvement strategies.
• Knowledge of financial management practices, including working with accounting systems such as MIP and coordination with Accounts Payable.
• Knowledge of member enrollment processes and use of RiteTrack software for maintaining accurate membership data and communication.
• Knowledge of auditing practices, internal controls, and compliance monitoring.
• Knowledge of applicable Tribal, federal, and state regulations related to GWE and general program management.
• Skill in developing policies, procedures, and communication materials that are clear, compliant, and accessible to Tribal Members.
• Skill and proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management systems, with the ability to adapt to third-party platforms for automating payment processes.
• Skill in research, data analysis, and report preparation at an intermediate to mastery level.
• Skill in exceptional written and verbal communication, including presentations to Tribal Council, committees, and membership.
• Ability to manage complex program operations, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal Members, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems creatively, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial and personal information with integrity.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in accounting, financial program management, or administration of similar large-scale payment or benefits programs.
• Experience working with accounting or financial software such as MIP and coordinating with Accounts Payable functions.
• Experience in program administration, including compliance monitoring, auditing, or reporting.
• Ability to be backgrounded by the FBI for the administration of the Enhanced Tribal Card program through the Department of Homeland Security.
• Demonstrated experience working with or in Tribal governments or other governmental organizations.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and communicate effectively. The employee occasionally is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.