Cook Inlet Region, Inc is seeking a Corporate Services Specialist to join our Corporate Services team. This position is based in Anchorage, AK.

CIRI's offices are conveniently located in mid-town Anchorage at the Fireweed Business Center, a modern building that represents CIRI’s cultural diversity, respect for the land, and sustainability. The Fireweed Business Center reflects our heritage in the displayed Alaska Native art and interior design.

Cook Inlet Region, Inc., also known as CIRI, is one of 12 land-based Alaska Native regional corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). CIRI’s regional boundaries roughly follow the traditional Dena’ina territory of Southcentral Alaska. CIRI was incorporated on June 8, 1972, and is owned today by a diverse group of more than 9,500 Shareholders who live in Alaska and throughout the world.

CIRI offers excellent benefits for eligible employees. Benefits include paid holidays, paid time off, 401K with employer match, dental, vision, health insurance plans through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program, as well as life and disability benefits.  

CIRI only accepts applications through our online career page at https://www.ciri.com/careers/jobs/

General Function

In alignment with CIRI’s mission and values, the Corporate Services Specialist is responsible for providing enterprise-wide business function expertise and support for corporate services, community engagement, corporate event logistics and special projects. 

Major Activities (Typical Duties/Responsibilities) 

1. Provide high-level administrative support to the Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs.
2. Under direct supervision of the Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs, assist in all stages of event planning and execution, to include but not limited to:
   1. Develop event proposals, budgets and timelines; ensure all associated tasks, expenses and deadlines are documented and event aligns with company values and objectives. 
   2. Negotiate vendor contracts to ensure alignment with budget goals.
   3. Secure vendors such as venues, catering, audio/visual, decorations, etc.
   4. Manage event expenses to ensure all invoices are paid and budget is reconciled.
   5. Arrange transportation and secure accommodations for attendees, as necessary.
   6. Provide on-site event support including setup and breakdown and manage crowd control, vendor services and event flow to maintain a smooth and enjoyable attendee-experience. 
   7. Conduct post-event evaluations to assess successes and areas that need improvement; report findings to management.
   8. Develop contingency plans to address potential issues that arise.
   9. Ensure all aspects of events adhere to safety standards. 
   10. Maintain clear and concise communication with vendors to ensure understanding of expectations and smooth execution of vendor services.  
3. Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to maintain alignment with event goals and objectives.
4. Stay current with trends to bring fresh and innovative ideas to company events.
5. Provide support to the Corporate Services team in relation to the support of clients in the Fireweed Conference Center, as needed.
6. Provide support to other departments within CIRI by providing services for meetings, lunches and other events, as needed.
7. Perform other duties as appropriate and as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to understand CIRI’s mission, vision and strategic focus areas and incorporate knowledge into daily activities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively and cooperatively with all levels of management and staff, affiliated-company employees as well as outside business associates; exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others.
• Excellent organizational, follow-up, and detail-oriented skills.
• Intermediate knowledge of project management strategies; ability to successfully pass through the phases of the project management life cycle: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and completion; ability to manage the planning of multiple events simultaneously.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed for events with advance notice.
• Familiarity with the greater Anchorage area as well as the greater CIRI region.
• Ability to effectively handle frequent changes, delays, interruptions and/or unexpected events or situations.
• Ability to make sound decisions, solve problems and exercise excellent judgment.
• Ability to follow directions and carry out detailed instructions provided through written or verbal forms.
• Work independently as well as with a team and with minimal supervision while exercising a high level of accountability.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, Outlook and industry-standard computer software and databases.
• Clean, professional appearance.
• High degree of sensitivity regarding confidential information.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to walk and/or stand on hard surfaces for extended periods of time
• Ability to kneel, crawl, bend, and twist at the waist on an occasional basis
• Visual and communication ability adequate to perform the essential functions of the job
• Ability to reach at, above and below shoulder height with regular frequency.
• Ability to push, pull, carry, and lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, and greater weights on an occasional basis
• Ability to maintain balance on uneven surfaces and ladders, and to negotiate stairs on an occasional basis
• Sufficient fine and gross motor skills to operate computers and other equipment as required
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely

Minimum Qualifications

• Three or more years’ experience working in corporate services, administrative support, logistics, event planning, project management or related field
• Some college coursework in event management, hospitality management, project management or related field preferred
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have a valid Alaska driver’s license
• Must have or be able to obtain a ServeSafe certification within first 30 days of employment
• Ability to pass a background check

CIRI does not discriminate, and the company provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, pregnancy or parenthood, handicap or disability, genetics, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. CIRI adheres to all federal, state and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and will not discriminate against you in violation of these laws. CIRI reserves the right to apply CIRI Shareholder preference to qualified Shareholders in employment and advancement opportunities.