Chancellor
University of Alaska
Chancellor
University of Alaska Anchorage
UAA encourages applications from experienced leaders with a strong record of organizational success and executive-level management. While experience in higher education is valued, the university also welcomes candidates from nontraditional backgrounds - including business, industry, nonprofit, government and other sectors - who bring demonstrated leadership, a broad network that immediately brings value to UAA, a commitment to community engagement and the ability to build meaningful partnerships that advance UAA's mission and impact across Alaska.
UAA is located in the heart of Alaska's largest city and is the state's largest post-secondary institution. The campus is nestled in the middle of a greenbelt, surrounded by lakes, ponds and wildlife, and is connected to a city-wide trail system perfect for students' active lifestyles. UAA consists of the main campus in Anchorage and community campuses located in the Matanuska Valley, Valdez, Kodiak and the Kenai Peninsula. UAA offers many career pathway programs featuring associate's, baccalaureate and master's degrees, as well as vocational and professional certificates in more than 150 major study areas, including arts, sciences, business, education, human services and health sciences. The Chancellor's established office is located on the Anchorage campus.
Role of the Chancellor
The chancellor serves as UAA's chief executive officer, responsible for all aspects of administration as delegated by the University of Alaska system president and regents. This pivotal leadership role advances UAA's 2027 Strategic Plan while building the foundation for a coherent tripartite vision of teaching, research and service that extends well beyond 2027. Internally, the chancellor will lead UAA's administration of quality instruction, academic research and sponsored activities, outreach, finance, operations and safety by engaging employees across the institution to support academic and institutional goals with clear metrics for success. Externally, the chancellor stewards UAA's reputation and relationships while developing new philanthropic and research sponsorship opportunities.
In their capacity as an ex-officio University of Alaska Foundation member, the chancellor collaborates on fundraising campaigns and actively participates in outreach and fundraising initiatives.
UAA seeks a leader who balances decisive action with thoughtful decision- making - someone who values diverse perspectives from administrators, staff, faculty and students to inform executive decisions and foster a sense of common purpose. The successful candidate must address immediate organizational needs and advance existing aspirations outlined in the UAA 2027 Strategic Plan. Additionally, they will guide future strategic planning to position UAA as the state's dual mission university critical to the UA system's role of meeting the state's workforce needs.
We put students first
UAA's new chancellor will join an institution deeply committed to student support and success. The chancellor will oversee initiatives to enhance entry-point experiences, eliminate institutional barriers, implement proactive student outreach and advising systems and develop comprehensive guidance for engaged learning opportunities across the university and in the community.
We embrace our role as a trusted and respected community partner
UAA's new chancellor will engage with and earn the trust of communities throughout the Southcentral region and state by developing relationships that bridge UAA's communities and campuses. The chancellor will conduct outreach to build and maintain external stakeholder relationships critical to UAA's success. These essential partnerships include secondary educational institutions, community and corporate partners (often led by alumni), local, state and national policymakers, private donors and fellow university leaders both nationally and internationally.
We positively impact communities and the world through innovation
UAA's new chancellor will champion the continued advancement and support of UAA's well-recognized research, innovation and creativity initiatives. As a visionary leader, the chancellor will expand opportunities for faculty and students to engage in research and creative activities aligned with UAA's areas of expertise while fostering a culture of excellence. The successful candidate will also highlight and strengthen the diverse ways UAA staff, faculty and students contribute professional expertise and value across our shared communities.
We accelerate excellence through continuous improvement
UAA's new chancellor will develop comprehensive programs for mentoring, support and professional development of faculty and staff at all organizational levels. These efforts foster strong teams and ensure a campus working environment that supports a student-centered learning experience and positive working conditions. Through ethical leadership rooted in transparency and shared governance, the chancellor will establish systems that enhance employee engagement and commitment to UAA's shared goals. The chancellor will actively engage with faculty and staff to leverage their expertise in addressing university challenges and work closely with colleges to highlight faculty excellence, promote program quality and enhance UAA's reputation throughout Alaska and the region.
Growing student enrollment, retention and graduation
Aligned with the Board of Regents Systemwide Attainment Framework, UAA's new chancellor will prioritize strategies for broad-based recruitment and student body growth. This systemwide framework includes local Southcentral and statewide high school students, returning or nontraditional students, international and out-of-state students. These efforts will strengthen UAA's financial sustainability and position the university as a destination of choice for traditional and nontraditional students eager to enhance Alaska's communities and economy. The chancellor will strengthen recruitment efforts by championing a learning environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported and enriched by opportunities to apply and advance their learning and careers.
As part of UAA's commitment to access, affordability and excellence, the chancellor will elevate degree and certificate opportunities tailored to the needs of Alaska's students, ensuring programs are accessible both geographically and financially. The chancellor will lead coordinated efforts to increase enrollment in UAA's eLearning programs by broadening online and hybrid offerings while simultaneously supporting the growth of on-campus enrollment. To achieve these goals, the chancellor will secure and allocate resources for effective instructional technologies, comprehensive faculty and staff development and the upkeep of high-quality classroom learning environments.
Qualifications and characteristics
The successful candidate must articulate and inspire a clear vision for a comprehensive, open access, public university. They must demonstrate a proven record of securing community and philanthropic support through established relationships, an appreciation for shared governance, collaborative decision-making, the ability to build and sustain relationship networks, and skill in working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
UAA's next chancellor must embrace an ethical leadership style that drives transformational change. As the higher education sector faces increasing competition, declining student populations and financial constraints, the next chancellor will need to guide the institution through these challenges while boosting overall student enrollment, retention and graduation rates. UAA seeks a trustworthy leader who can inspire creative problem-solving and engage and retain staff and faculty committed to innovation and excellence.
Required qualifications
• A master's degree from an accredited institution, with an earned doctorate or other relevant terminal degree preferred.
• Significant senior-level leadership in complex organizations.
Desired attributes
Commitment to Alaska
• Strong connection and commitment to Alaska, its lands, urban and rural communities, and its people.
• Understanding and appreciation for Alaska's history and Alaska Native cultures.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build consensus among university stakeholders, cultivate a positive shared vision and strategic plan and galvanize Alaskans to support and achieve UAA's goals.
Catalyst for transformation
• Demonstrated experience leading and serving broad, complex organizations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and transparently while exhibiting confidence and humility.
• Proven track record building morale and providing stability within communities.
• Skilled listener with an active campus presence, engaged with faculty, students, staff, alumni and diverse communities that surround and support UAA and its community campuses.
Prudent resource management in service of institutional goals
• Ability to drive UAA's financial strategy, ensuring adequate resources and acceleration of strategic initiatives.
• Skills to maintain UAA's positive trajectory in student success and enhance its tradition of excellence in teaching, research, community engagement and athletics.
Academic leadership qualities
• Authentic higher education experience with the ability to distinguish between the role of chancellor and provost.
• Understanding of the role of research and inquiry in academia.
• Appreciation for UAA's unique multi-campus system.
Student-centered leadership
• Ability to lead faculty and staff through integrated programs and services focused on student success.
• Established pattern of welcoming and fully supporting students from recruitment through graduation and beyond.
Advocacy for UAA and the University of Alaska
• Astute advocacy skills with ability to build consensus and foster collaborative relationships across all UAA campus communities and throughout the University of Alaska System.
• Ability to readily communicate the benefits of UAA and the University of Alaska System to all Alaskans.
Ambassador for university partnerships and philanthropy
• Understand and communicate higher education's role in supporting workforce and economic development.
• Ability to build and maintain mutually beneficial strategic partnerships with business, health care, military and other sectors.
• Skills to develop a culture of philanthropy among parents, alumni, faculty, staff, partner organizations, local and regional communities and other external stakeholders to secure new financial support.
Preferred qualifications
Leadership and interpersonal competencies
• Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills with ability to model empathy, respect and active listening.
• Demonstrated passion for quality public higher education and capacity to establish institutional presence within the community.
• Unwavering commitment to student success.
• Understanding of shared governance among students, faculty, staff and administrators.
• Strong support for academic freedom with commitment to transparent and collaborative decision-making.
• Ability to establish strong, trusting relationships with the University of Alaska president, board of regents and fellow UA chancellors.
• Courage to address difficult issues while maintaining diplomacy and tact with internal and external constituents.
• Resilience and stamina characterized by enthusiasm, grace, confidence, charisma, critical listening, positive humor and personal humility.
• Persuasive writing and public speaking skills that instill trust, collegiality and mutual respect among diverse stakeholders.
Organizational and strategic competencies
• Proven experience leading and managing resources of complex organizations and executive teams.
• Track record as an effective team builder who empowers collaborative leaders and shares accountability for strategic growth.
• Appreciation for academic excellence with broad leadership experience in university settings.
• Practical understanding of higher education business models and Alaska's state, federal and legislative processes.
• Success with institutional planning including budgeting, resource allocation and educational/facilities master planning across various timelines.
• Experience developing diverse revenue streams.
• Commitment to data-informed decision making and technology-enhanced performance management.
• Dedication to customer service excellence and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Understanding of higher education best practices related to federal policy, legal requirements, regulatory demands and collective bargaining.
• Ability to address diverse labor and employment needs while serving as the institution's visible public face even during challenging times.
• Appreciation for intercollegiate athletics' role in campus/community integration, academic excellence, sportsmanship and success.
Position Details
This position is located at the University of Alaska campus in Anchorage. This is a full-time, Executive Management, Exempt Senior Administrator staff position complete with both a competitive salary and https://www.alaska.edu/hr/benefits/support/prospectiveemployees.php. 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.
This position is designated as a senior administrator at the discretion of the president.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit a CV, cover letter, letter of interest, and contact information of three (3) professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Review of application materials will begin on June 6, 2025. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.
📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click https://docs.google.com/document/d/195k-pIoTwvKUIcGxAZosoBNHyFAcNkfMInxWey4SkW0/edit?usp=sharing.
☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Helen Sale, HR Coordinator, at 907-786-6885.
*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.
The http://www.alaska.edu/ (https://www.alaska.edu/alaska/index.php) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a http://www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination (http://www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) 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.
All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.
*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 mailto:police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or mailto: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 mailto: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 mailto:uas.clery@alaska.edu.
To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/6209873
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jeid-ce5b1804f64d0f45986ed06dd4b3b1cc
Anchorage, AK
1 day(s) ago
Closing Date 2025-08-05
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