Director, Gaming Regulation

About the role

The Director, Gaming Regulation maintains the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission’s (SMTGC) regulatory and related policy environment under the direction of the Chief Gaming Regulator. This role oversees regulatory research, development of regulations consistent with applicable laws, conformance of Tribal Government Operations (TGO) policies and procedures within the Gaming Facility, development of administrative hearings processes, and the long-term regulatory strategies of the SMTGC.

Responsibilities

• Leads the strategic development, revision, and governance of Gaming Commission Regulations in collaboration with key Tribal stakeholders and regulatory partners.
• Ensures all regulatory frameworks are robust, forward-looking, and fully compliant with applicable laws, while aligning with the Commission’s long-term regulatory vision and operational priorities.
• Oversees the SMTGC in monitoring, interpreting, and communicating legislative and regulatory developments, and leads strategic evaluation of emerging regulatory issues and innovations.
• Advises senior leadership on the implications of evolving laws and technologies, including mobile Class II gaming, online and in-house sports betting, and other Tribal Gaming advancements, to ensure proactive compliance and future readiness.
• Directs the development of high-level regulatory research reports, policy analyses, and executive briefing materials on behalf of the Gaming Commission.
• Ensures that all deliverables reflect strategic priorities, regulatory integrity, and are tailored to inform decision-making at the highest levels of Tribal leadership.
• Directs the SMTGC in monitoring, analyzing, and communicating existing and potential threats to Tribal Gaming, including California card rooms, online sweepstakes casinos, and predictive markets.
• Leads the coordination and communication of cross-departmental policy and procedural changes within TGO that impact Gaming Activities and the Gaming Facility.
• Ensures regulatory conformance and operational alignment by fostering collaboration across departments and advising executive stakeholders on Gaming Commission Regulations and related TGO policies.
• Advises the Chief Gaming Regulator on Gaming Commission administrative hearings processes, including Patron Exclusions from the Gaming Facility and suspension, revocation, or other actions on a Tribal Gaming License or a Gaming Resource Supplier License.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning, reviewing, and directing work.
• Evaluates and appraises performance; rewards and disciplines employees; addresses complaints and resolves problems.
• Makes hiring decisions and designs individual development plans with succession planning in mind for all key roles.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required.
• Juris Doctorate or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum ten (10) years of legal and/or regulatory work in tribal country or government agencies required.
• Minimum seven (7) years of supervisory experience required.
• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements.

Skills

• Working knowledge of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) is required.
• Working knowledge of the Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS) as outlined in 25 CFR Part 542, as well as the Tribal Internal Control Standards (TICS) as mandated by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC).
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare strategic reports, facilitate critical discussions, and influence decision-making across cross-functional and executive teams.
• Ability to lead and execute complex initiatives independently, exercising sound judgment, strategic thinking, and executive-level decision-making with minimal oversight.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook), commercial database systems, and internet research skills.

Licenses and Certifications

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits required for regular commuting between locations.

Physical Requirements

• Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting.
• Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
• May be required to work evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Sedentary work involving sitting most of the time, with constant operation of a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Physical activities include balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference, and over the telephone.
• Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, via videoconference, and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity required for preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, expansive reading, and visual inspection of employees, visitors, or facility.
• Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend, kneel, and enter, exit, and operate a motor vehicle.
• Endurance sufficient to sit, walk, and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.
• May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke; reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.