Strategy and Engagement Director - NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska (ACMA)

The Director of Strategy & Engagement serves as the leader responsible for ACMA's Strategy, Engagement & Ecosystem Development functional area and is a member of the organization's leadership team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this position provides leadership in planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and assessing ACMA's organizational strategy, strategic partnerships, ecosystem engagement, external alignment, and long-range organizational growth in support of the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine.

Working across ACMA's mission-critical enterprise functions—Research & Development, Translation to Practice, and Workforce Development—the Director ensures organizational priorities, strategic partnerships, external investments, public policy engagement, and implementation activities remain aligned to achieve the objectives of the NSF Regional Innovation Engine Cooperative Agreement. The position serves as the primary leader responsible for strengthening Alaska's regional innovation ecosystem by cultivating strategic relationships among industry, Alaska Native Corporations, Tribal organizations, investors, universities, government agencies, entrepreneurial support organizations, and other partners essential to the Engine's long-term success and sustainability.

The Director of Strategy & Engagement leads a cross-cutting organizational function that integrates ACMA's long-range strategy, strategic partnerships, ecosystem development, stakeholder engagement, and implementation across a statewide regional innovation ecosystem. Government engagement is conducted in coordination with appropriate University of Alaska government relations offices and institutional leadership, consistent with University policy and delegated authority. The Director advises ACMA leadership on strategic opportunities, policy developments, funding strategies, partnership priorities, organizational alignment, and long-term growth.

To thrive in this role, the candidate should be a strategic leader who enjoys building organizations through partnerships, influence, and long-term vision. The candidate should be equally comfortable meeting with elected officials, CEOs, Alaska Native leaders, federal agencies, entrepreneurs, university researchers, and investors, translating diverse perspectives into shared strategies that advance organizational goals.

Successful candidates will bring demonstrated experience in developing strategic partnerships, leading complex, multifaceted organizational initiatives, identifying emerging opportunities, and aligning diverse stakeholders around a common vision. The ideal candidate should think in systems rather than programs, recognizing that sustainable economic development depends on coordinated investments, trusted relationships, and effective collaboration across organizational boundaries.

This role is ideal for an accomplished organizational leader with experience in strategic planning, economic development, innovation ecosystems, public-private partnerships, business development, organizational strategy, or complex multi-stakeholder initiatives. Candidates should be energized by building relationships, navigating complexity, and helping organizations move from vision to implementation while creating lasting economic impact for Alaska.

The Geophysical Institute is a research-focused organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers a competitive work environment with strong benefits, including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute values collaboration, accountability, and the exchange of ideas. We foster a professional and respectful environment dedicated to serving Alaska through applied science. Career growth and professional development are supported and encouraged.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF welcomes applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Economics, Natural Resources, Engineering, Law, Organizational Leadership, or a related field and a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in organizational strategy, economic development, strategic partnerships, innovation ecosystems, complex multi-stakeholder initiatives, public-private partnerships, government engagement, or related fields. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. PhD preferred but not required.

OR

Bachelor's degree in a closely related field and ten (10) years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in strategic planning, partnership development, economic development, innovation ecosystems, business development, government relations, organizational leadership, or other complex multi-stakeholder initiatives.

OR

Equivalent combinations of education and progressively responsible leadership experience demonstrating the ability to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position may be considered.

Highly Desired:
Experience working with Alaska Native Corporations, tribal organizations, or Indigenous communities.
Experience with NSF, DOE, EDA, DoD, or other federal research and innovation programs.
Familiarity with critical minerals, mining, energy, or technology commercialization ecosystems.
Experience supporting statewide or national strategic initiatives.

Position Details:

This position is full-time, Grade 83 , term-funded, exempt, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA 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 , based on education and experience.

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

We review applications on a rolling basis. Because we may close the posting once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is established, we encourage early submission. Please note that once a viable pool is identified, further applications may not be reviewed. 

This position is located at the UAF campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. Remote work agreements within Alaska will be considered for this position.

The University of Alaska (UA) requires employees to work on-site based on operational and business needs. Hybrid and remote work arrangements may be considered only for positions specifically designated and advertised as eligible for hybrid or remote work. Any approved arrangement will be based on the position’s duties, operational needs, and the employee’s ability to effectively perform the work remotely.

To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE .

If you need assistance applying to this posting, please contact GI - Office of Human Resources at View phone number on us.fitly.work or at View email address on us.fitly.work.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

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 the ADA team at View email address on us.fitly.work.

The University of Alaska () is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination () against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

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.

The University of Alaska reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at University of Alaska facilities. Remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the discretion of the University. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or where required by the job duties of the position.

* 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:

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