Director, Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development

The College of Rural and Community Development (CRCD) Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development (DANSRD) is seeking a visionary and experienced Director to join our team.

As the Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development Director, you must possess a deep understanding of Indigenous Alaskan cultures, languages, and communities from day one. They should have a background in Alaska Native and Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural retention, rural and community development, with a strong grasp of the challenges and opportunities that exist in our rural communities.

In your prior work environment, you will have likely gained expertise in community outreach, collaborating with local Alaska Native communities, educational programming, and traditional ways of supporting community well-being. This experience would have exposed you to the complex socio-cultural dynamics at play in the region, helping to navigate and build trust within these communities.

In this position, the Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development Director will play a pivotal role in safeguarding Alaska Native and Indigenous programming, which are integral to the cultural identity and heritage of Indigenous Alaskan people. You will work to ensure a robust program including strong advising with an emphasis on student recruitment, retention and graduation. Your impact will extend far beyond the institution, as your efforts will contribute to the empowering communities through DANSRD students with the vision of self-determined Indigenous and community development.

In this position, the Director of the Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development will have a significant impact on the department's success by providing strong leadership, financial stewardship, and effective program administration. They will play a crucial role in advancing the mission of the department, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the growth and sustainability of Alaska Native and Indigenous programming, Rural and Community Development.

To excel in this role, successful candidates should actively and consistently build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders throughout the state of Alaska, including tribes and other organizations. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess a blend of leadership, management, communication, financial skills, and a profound grasp of educational programming. Achieving success in this position will involve effectively managing administrative tasks while remaining dedicated to the academic and research objectives of the department. Furthermore, the successful candidate should be proactive and strategic in pursuing grants to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of our initiatives. Experience in program management, a passion for programming, the ability to foster community engagement, and the capacity to serve as a central point of contact for our diverse stakeholder community are highly valued in this role.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s or other terminal degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university. Teaching experience and/or direct experience including mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students required in fields related to Alaska Native and Indigenous Studies, Rural and Community Development. Program administration experience. Desired areas of expertise include Indigenous knowledge systems, Indigenous history, cultural studies in the humanities and social sciences, Federal Indian law and policy, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, traditional ways of supporting community well-being, comparative studies in the Arctic and Circumpolar regions, experience in rural or community development, natural resources management, rural program planning, management and evaluation, tribal law and municipal government, law, rural higher education, rural human services, or related fields.

Significant postdoctoral research experience is required,

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks. This is a full-time, non-represented academic administrator position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. Salary is commensurate based on education and experience.

To apply for this position, the following is required with your online application:

• Cover letter detailing your qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae/Resume

• The names and contact information for three professional references

• A diversity statement: A diversity statement is a one-page document explaining your experiences and commitments to diversity....Three areas that might be included in a diversity statement are 1) your values related to diversity, 2) your experiences working with diverse populations, and 3) your future plans related to inclusivity.

Applications will be reviewed on March 11, 2024. 

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Lisa Yancey, CRCD Director of Operations, llyancey@alaska.edu or (907) 474-5459.