Senior Licensing Certification Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Senior Licensing Certification Specialist is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the processing of Class II and Class III Gaming License applications, renewals, and investigative reports, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, internal policies, and procedures. This position facilitates the issuance and renewal of licenses for applicants, employees, vendor technicians, and vendor entities.

Operating within the framework of the Tribal-State Compact, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), and other applicable laws, the Senior Licensing Certification Specialist serves as the lead subject matter expert for licensing operations. This position provides oversight of licensing activities, quality assurance reviews, regulatory compliance, staff development, and complex licensing determinations. The Senior Licensing Certification Specialist supports communication with regulatory authorities, assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures, and provides recommendations to Agency leadership regarding licensing and compliance matters. In addition, this position supervises and trains Licensing Certification Specialist staff, promotes consistency in licensing processes, and supports the integrity of gaming operations through attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective communication.

This position ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, client, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills and outstanding client service to fellow employees, clients, vendors, etc. are expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

· Ensures compliance with Tribal-State Gaming Compact, Internal Control Standards, NIGC regulations, and Nisqually Tribal Gaming Agency policies and procedures.

· Conducts and manages complex background investigations for applicants, employees, vendor technicians, and vendor entities to ensure compliance with all regulatory and tribal requirements.

· Reviews, analyzes, and makes licensing determinations to ensure compliance with Tribal-State Compact and regulatory requirements.

· Provides technical guidance, training, and ongoing support to Licensing Certification Specialists to ensure consistency and accuracy in licensing processes.

· Assigns, prioritizes, and reviews work to ensure timely and accurate completion of licensing functions.

· Conducts quality assurance reviews of investigations, licensing files, determinations, and regulatory reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and departmental standards.

· Coordinates and ensures timely processing of renewal applications with the Washington State Gaming Commission.

· Maintains oversight of Conditional License holders, ensuring monthly compliance monitoring and follow-up.

· Oversees and ensures accuracy of licensing and regulatory data in the NTGS and Kodee databases for Agency, vendors, and casino employees.

· Oversees fingerprint capture for submission to the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC).

· Conducts follow-up investigations as directed by the Executive Director, Deputy Director, or Investigations Manager.

· Prepares and submits required reports to regulatory agencies, including NIGC Key Employee and PMO investigative findings, in a timely manner.

· Maintains and monitors licensing records, ensuring proper documentation, filing accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

· Conducts audits of licensing records, files, and processes; identifies compliance risks; recommends corrective actions; and implements process improvements to strengthen program effectiveness and regulatory compliance.

· Generates monthly check requests for payments from casino to Nisqually Indian Tribe for Class II and Class III applications, badges, and processing fees.

· Oversees issuance of identification badges for employees, vendor technicians, commissioners, and agency staff.

· Coordinates and communicates regularly with Casino Human Resources, Payroll, and Agency leadership regarding applicant status and licensing processes.

· Serves as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and coordinates responses to investigations, audits, inspections, compliance reviews, and regulatory inquiries.

· Assists in the development, implementation, interpretation, and periodic review of licensing policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.

· Develops comprehensive reports, compliance summaries, and trend analyses for Agency leadership and management.

· Maintains adequate inventory of fingerprint cards, badge materials, and office supplies.

· Maintains awareness of and reviews Class II and Class III gaming activities and incidents, including Sportsbook operations, to ensure regulatory compliance.

· Drafts, reviews, and delivers professional correspondence, reports, summaries, and regulatory documentation.

· Coordinates and monitors training for assigned staff to ensure compliance with departmental standards and applicable requirements.

· Reviews and interprets complex legal, regulatory, and technical documents to ensure compliance and support licensing determinations.

· Analyzes complex licensing cases and applies sound judgment to make or recommend licensing determinations.

· Collaborate effectively with internal departments, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and external stakeholders to support licensing processes and ensure compliance.

· Handles complex or escalated licensing cases and provides guidance to staff on resolution.

· Handles highly confidential licensing, investigative, and regulatory information with discretion, integrity, sound judgment, and ethical conduct in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Agency policies and procedures.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· High School diploma or GED equivalent.

· Five (5) years of relevant experience in a gaming regulatory environment; OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

· Must be able to obtain and maintain a Nisqually Tribal Gaming Agency License within the timeframe established by the Nisqually TGA or as otherwise required as a condition of employment.

· Supervisory or lead experience in a regulatory, licensing, or compliance environment.

· Extensive experience and advanced working knowledge of regulatory compliance, including background investigations, vendor compliance, licensing determinations, audits, compliance reviews, and the oversight of licensing renewal cycles, as well as applicable regulatory policies and procedures.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and database systems used for licensing, regulatory tracking, and reporting.

· Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.

· Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

· Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

Supervises, trains, and supports the Licensing Certification Specialist team to ensure compliance with applicable licensing and certification requirements.

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

· Federal, state, and tribal gaming laws and regulations, including the Tribal-State Gaming Compact, IGRA, and licensing enforcement requirements.

· Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), particularly as they apply to licensing requirements and enforcement.

· Internal controls, agency policies, and regulatory procedures governing employee, vendor, and casino licensing.

· Licensing processes, background investigation protocols, and vendor compliance documentation.

· Class II and Class III gaming operations, including Sportsbook activities, casino staffing structures, and vendor relationships.

· Legal and ethical standards for managing sensitive or confidential information.

· Investigative methods, quality assurance principles, regulatory auditing practices, compliance monitoring, and program administration techniques.

· Database management and reporting systems used for licensing tracking (e.g., NTGA, Kodee).

· Judicial Information System (JIS) and other authorized databases used in background investigations and regulatory compliance reviews.

· Principles of employee supervision, coaching, performance management, and staff development.

· Supervising, mentoring, and training staff to ensure consistency and accuracy in licensing processes.

· Analyzing complex licensing cases, reviewing documentation, and applying regulations to make informed decisions.

· Conducting thorough background investigations and interpreting findings in compliance with tribal, state, and federal regulations.

· Preparing, reviewing, and delivering clear, professional reports, correspondence, and regulatory documentation.

· Managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and compliance requirements in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

· Communicating effectively with internal departments, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, vendors, and the public.

· Maintaining accurate records, monitoring databases, and ensuring proper filing and reporting practices.

· Attention to detail in data entry, form review, and documentation preparation, ensuring minimal errors.

· Maintaining professional and respectful interactions with a wide range of individuals, including employees, vendors, tribal officials, and regulatory agencies.

· Using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) databases, ID badge software, fingerprinting systems, and standard office equipment.

· Reviewing investigative findings, conducting quality assurance reviews and compliance audits, and implementing process improvements to support licensing operations and regulatory compliance.

· Interpreting and applying complex regulatory requirements to unusual or high-risk licensing situations.

· Exercise sound judgment while leading licensing operations, evaluating program effectiveness, and providing guidance on regulatory compliance matters.

· Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to resolve complex or escalated licensing issues.

· Take initiative while contributing to a cooperative and efficient team environment.

· Read, interpret, and apply complex legal, regulatory, and procedural documents, including policies, statutes, and compliance guidelines, to guide licensing decisions and staff.

· Effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines, including handling urgent or time-sensitive licensing matters, with occasional extended hours or weekend work as required.

· Exhibit a polished, professional, and composed presence while overseeing licensing operations and interacting with applicants, staff, or external stakeholders.

· Proactively identify, assess, and resolve complex issues related to compliance, licensing, and regulatory requirements.

· Analyze detailed case information and apply appropriate regulatory or licensing criteria to make informed recommendations and decisions.

· Gather, evaluate, and synthesize background information to provide guidance and recommendations to leadership on licensing matters.

· Represent the Agency professionally during audits, inspections, and interactions with regulatory authorities.

· Respond professionally and efficiently to inquiries from internal staff, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and external stakeholders regarding licensing processes and compliance.

· Maintain discretion, professionalism, and composure when managing sensitive, confidential, or emotionally charged licensing cases.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. The team member must be able to sit for the full shift while completing computer and routine paperwork tasks. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.

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  Background Check:
  I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.

  
  


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  Drug Screening:
  I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.