Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative - Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Organization: Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative (WRTBI)

Reports to: Executive Director

Location & Schedule: Kinnear / Wind River Reservation, Wyoming | Full-time, primarily on-site with some remote flexibility

Compensation: $90,000 – $100,000 annually

Benefits: Health, dental, vision and vacation leave

Who We Are:

Founded in 2024, Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative (WRTBI) is a growing Tribal nonprofit with an annual operating budget of approximately $1.5 million to $2 million. Working in partnership with Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho communities on the Wind River Reservation, WRTBI has expanded its programs, staff capacity, infrastructure, and partnerships to advance buffalo restoration, ecological conservation, Tribal sovereignty, and community well-being.

We are on a mission to restore conservation Buffalo through land rematriation, community revitalization, and youth education. Our vision is Buffalo living as wildlife, protected under Tribal law. Through land acquisition, buffalo management, scientific research, and community partnerships, WRTBI is building a meaningful model for Tribal-led restoration with national relevance.

Learn more at www.windriverbuffalo.org.

The COO is a newly created executive-level role reflecting WRTBI’s expanding programs, facilities, partnerships and team. This leader will serve as the Executive Director’s trusted operational partner, converting organizational vision into clear operating plans, measurable priorities and reliable daily execution.

We are seeking a grounded, decisive and relationship-centered leader who can provide consistent on-site direction, develop people, strengthen internal infrastructure and make sound day-to-day decisions while maintaining close alignment with the Executive Director. This is an opportunity to build the systems and culture that allow a rapidly growing Tribal nonprofit to thrive without losing the values and relationships at the heart of its work.

The ideal candidate brings strong operational and financial judgment, communication skills, openness to other perspectives, a willingness to learn and a commitment to Tribal-led conservation. They will bring experience working with Tribal governments, Native-led organizations or Tribal communities, or possess a background that provides an informed understanding of Tribal contexts. While learning the Wind River Reservation’s distinct history and governance, they should be comfortable navigating Tribal relationships from the outset. They will be a steady leader for staff and a thoughtful representative to partners and funders.

What You’ll Do:

Strategy, Organizational Integration & Operations

• Translate strategic priorities and the Executive Director’s vision into annual and longer-term operating plans, clear workstreams, measurable outcomes and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  

• Lead day-to-day organizational operations and cross-team coordination; set priorities, establish accountability, resolve obstacles and ensure effective execution across programs and functions.
  

• Establish clear communication routines, decision-making responsibilities, reporting practices and internal project-management systems that improve coordination and follow-through.
  

• Build firsthand knowledge of WRTBI’s buffalo restoration, scientific research, youth engagement, land stewardship and community programs to make informed operational decisions and represent the organization when appropriate.
  

People Leadership, HR & Organizational Culture

• Provide consistent, hands-on supervision, coaching and support to staff and functional leaders; clarify roles, reporting relationships, expectations and performance standards.
  

• Strengthen team morale, communication and retention through feedback, professional development, mentorship, conflict resolution and constructive accountability.
  

• Develop and implement culturally aligned personnel policies, an employee handbook, performance evaluation processes and other practical human resources systems.
  

• Lead thoughtfully through growth and change, building an inclusive, respectful workplace grounded in WRTBI’s values and commitment to community.
  

Finance, Administration & Facilities

• Oversee budgeting, financial tracking, administrative operations and management reporting in partnership with the Associate Director and appropriate financial partners.
  

• Coordinate annual budget development, resource allocation, financial controls, reporting and reconciliations, ensuring sound stewardship of organizational resources.
  

• Partner with site and operations leadership on facilities staffing, budgets, upkeep