Executive Director for Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) invites applications for the pivotal role of Executive Director of Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships. This position is integral to supporting UAS's mission through the development and enhancement of key community relationships and strategic partnerships that drive both the university and the communities we serve toward a bright future. As a member of the Executive Cabinet, this role reports directly to the Chancellor. This position offers an opportunity to significantly impact the strategic direction and community engagement of UAS, guiding it towards achieving its long-term goals.

Of primary importance is the role that this position plays in developing and strengthening relationships with external stakeholders to aid in their engagement with the university. The successful candidate will also review potential sponsorships of community events to make strategic investments for UAS to grow the visibility of the university.  Also of key importance is serving as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the university. Centered in the realm of public relations, the successful candidate will manage media relations, craft external communications, including press releases, and assist in crisis communication. As a liaison between UAS and the UA System Governmental Relations team, the Executive Director plays a vital role in enhancing the efforts and effectiveness of the UA Governmental Relations team in advocating for UAS. The position will also coordinate with private, non-profit, and public workforce-development entities to help position the university to contribute to the talent pipelines for all disciplines.

The position demands exemplary communication and organizational skills and a keen eye for detail to effectively manage relationships with individuals and entities. The ability to engage with a high degree of diplomacy and professionalism is paramount to the success of this position. The successful candidate will also demonstrate strong collaborative abilities, honoring and incorporating diverse identities and backgrounds, and will skillfully navigate intricate systems involving multiple stakeholders. We welcome a candidate with a strategic and creative mindset who can elevate the university.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Two years of experience in higher education.

• Demonstrated understanding of Alaska’s political landscape is preferred. 
• Experience working on a governmental relations or media/public relations team or organization is preferred.
• Knowledge of the University of Alaska system is preferred. 
• Knowledge of workforce, economic, and talent-pipeline development in Alaska is preferred. 

Position Details:

This position is located on the UAS campus in Juneau, AK and flexible on-site/hybrid work arrangements may be considered in accordance with UA regulations. This is a full-time, exempt staff 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. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 84, based on education and experience.

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references with your application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. 

*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 Abi Spofford, HR Coordinator, at amspofford@alaska.edu  or 907-796-9509.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.