Chief Operating Officer

Job Description

Job Description

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER |GANA-A'YOO, LIMITED

Type of Position: Full-Time, Regular

Tier: IV

Location: Anchorage, AK or REMOTE

Schedule: Monday – Friday, Regular Business Hours

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Reports to: CEO

JOB OVERVIEW

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the principal executive vested with management and control of the daily operations and affairs of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, with a focus on federal contracting activities. Gana-A'Yoo's COO ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and profitability across business lines while aligning activities with the Corporation's mission, values, and Alaska Native Shareholder interests. This role serves as a strategic partner to the CEO, Board of Directors, and subsidiary leadership teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and other executives to develop and execute strategic initiatives that support sustainable growth and shareholder value.
• Translate corporate goals into actionable operational plans across subsidiaries and divisions.
• Foster collaboration between corporate and subsidiary leadership to ensure alignment and synergy.
• Support and promote the cultural values and long-term vision of Gana-A'Yoo.
• Perform and maintain marketing efforts including participating in all aspects of sales and business development.
• Identify and participate in corporate commercial expansion activities including commercial investments, acquisitions, corporate alliances, etc.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee and perform operations management of multiple business lines in various geographical locations including construction, operations and maintenance services, custodial, roads & grounds, IT, and camp services.
• Ensure subsidiaries maintain compliance with SBA, FAR, DFARS, and other federal regulations.
• Recruit, lead, motivate, mentor and coach operations team to further develop a high performing organization.
• Implement operational policies, internal controls, and management systems to ensure effective contract delivery and performance. Measure effectiveness and efficiency.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to assess operational effectiveness and profitability.

Federal Contracting & Compliance

• Oversee proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract execution for federal projects.
• Ensure compliance with SBA 8(a) regulations, size standards, and affiliation rules.
• Coordinate with General Counsel and Compliance teams to maintain corporate certifications, licenses, and registrations (SAM.gov, SBA, DCAA, etc.).
• Develop risk management frameworks to address performance, audit, and compliance risks.

Financial Management

• Partner with the CFO to align operating budgets with strategic goals.
• Drive cost efficiency and financial accountability across subsidiaries.
• Support the evaluation of new investments, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• Contribute to annual planning, forecasting, and reporting processes.

Leadership & Culture

• Mentor and develop subsidiary General Managers and operational leaders.
• Promote a culture of ethical business practices, shareholder value, and respect for Alaska Native heritage.
• Encourage professional development, performance management, and succession planning.
• Lead by example in maintaining transparency, collaboration, and accountability.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, finance, or a related field required; MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 5 years in executive management within a federal contracting environment.
• Experience with SBA 8(a) program operations, government contracting (FAR/DFARS), and Alaska Native or Tribal corporation management strongly preferred.
• Proven record of managing multi-subsidiary operations, project performance, and organizational growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or within an Alaska Native Corporation or other Native entity.
• Knowledge of SBA 8(a) compliance, DCAA audits, and GSA contracting vehicles.
• PMP or other project management certification is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• In-depth understanding of federal procurement, contract management, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical capability.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with operational execution strength.
• Deep appreciation for Alaska Native culture, values, and corporate responsibilities to shareholders.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

At GYL, we empower our employees in their careers. When you work with us, we will encourage you to follow your passions, and we promise to be committed to your safety, well-being, and professional development.

We treat our team members well – because it's the right thing to do, and because it makes good business sense. At GYL, you will contribute to our mission, making a difference in the lives of our Alaska Native shareholder community. We work with our clients to develop creative solutions with an emphasis on our respect for our land, culture, language, tradition, and one another.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily office-based with periodic travel to subsidiary locations, project sites, and remote Alaska communities.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate multiple time zone operations and federal client schedules.
• This role will require up to 30% travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

SEDENTARY WORK

The position involves predominantly sedentary work. Most tasks will be performed while sitting at a desk or a computer workstation.

SCREEN TIME

Extensive use of computer screens and keyboards is required. The role involves working in various software applications and may require extended periods of screen time.

LIFTING & CARRYING

Minimal physical effort is required. Occasionally, the employee may need to lift or carry light office supplies or materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

MOBILITY

The employees will need to move around the office to attend meetings, access shared resources, and collaborate with team members.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

The company is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. All employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines and report any safety concerns.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. Individuals with specific accommodation needs are encouraged to discuss them with the Human Resources Department.

ABOUT GANA-A'YOO, LIMITED

GYL is an Alaska Native-Owned Village Corporation serving its more than 2,000 Native shareholders and four villages located along the Yukon River. Alaska Native Corporations are the result of the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, which was signed into law in 1971. The act was intended to resolve long-standing issues surrounding aboriginal land claims, to stimulate economic development throughout Alaska, as well as to settle land and financial claims.

As a historically nomadic people who relied on each other, the concept of sharing is essential in Athabascan tradition. For thousands of years, small groups would band together to share resources, helping to ensure both the success and survival of the group. In the Koyukon Athabaskan language, Gana-A'Yoo means "friends together," which is reflected in our logomark's firm arm grip and the value we place on building long-term relationships.

This was the underlying sentiment in 1978 when the shareholders of the villages of Galena, Koyukuk, Nulato, and Kaltag made the decision to join together as "friends" and merge into one for-profit village corporation. The company has strong social and cultural ties to its villages and is committed to meeting its economic, social, and cultural obligations to its shareholders.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

GYL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religious beliefs, age, disability, U.S veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.