ISER Director

About the role

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) seeks a Director to lead the institute and its interdisciplinary team of 30 people, including faculty, research staff, and student researchers. The Director reports to the UAA Vice Chancellor for Research.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic plan aligned with UAA priorities, monitor key performance indicators, and adapt strategies to achieve institutional goals.
• Elevate ISER’s visibility and influence by serving as the institute’s voice, promoting its achievements, and advocating for future opportunities and their financial support.
• Guide and support institute researchers and staff, fostering a high-performing research environment and addressing grand societal challenges.
• Generate externally funded research opportunities, communicate research findings to build awareness, foster collaborations, and advance strategic opportunities.
• Cultivate a high-performing research environment by recruiting, mentoring, and supporting faculty and staff, maintaining a balanced portfolio of research and public service, and leading initiatives that address grand societal challenges.
• Promote ISER’s work into UAA curricula and related educational and public-facing activities.
• Navigate shared governance, manage personnel effectively, make transparent and data-informed decisions, and responsibly steward the ISER budget.

Requirements

• PhD or terminal degree in a discipline relevant to ISER’s mission.
• Experience with and contributions to policy-oriented, applied research.
• Record of high-quality research and publications relevant to ISER’s focal research areas.
• Demonstrated success in generating funded opportunities from traditional and/or philanthropic institutions.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Alaska’s economy, culturally diverse society, and policy environment.
• Familiarity with research developments and opportunities in Alaska, the Arctic, or similar regions.
• Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated high-quality written and oral communication skills.

Skills

• Strategic planning and execution.
• Effective communication and collaboration.
• Research and project management.
• Grant writing and fundraising.
• Public speaking and advocacy.

Benefits

Competitive salary and full employee benefits package, including retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers, and affordable medical, dental, and vision care coverage.

Pay

Salary is commensurate, based on education and experience.

Schedule

This is a term-funded, full-time, senior administrator position.