Cook Inlet Region, Inc is seeking a talented Sr. Director, Stakeholder Engagement to join our Shareholder and Descendant Programs 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, values, and policies, lead the Shareholder and Descendant Programs department and ultimately responsible for the development, implementation, management, and promotion of CIRI’s Shareholder and Descendant programs. Manage strategic relationships and communications within CIRI’s affiliated entities and the community to advance the economic, social well-being and Alaska Native heritage of CIRI Shareholders, Descendants and Alaska Native people. Additionally, this position will support the President in representing CIRI at business, community and Shareholder meetings and events.

Major Activities (Typical Duties/Responsibilities)

1. Responsible for all aspects of CIRI’s Shareholder and Descendant Programs Department, including:
   • Innovative program design, implementation, evaluation, and redesign.
   • Annual budget design.
   • Financial and human capital management to achieve individual program and department goals.
   • Collaborating with the executive leadership team to develop and update CIRI’s overall Shareholder and Descendant Programs plan.
   • Ensuring programs are creative, innovative, competitive, add value and increase opportunities for CIRI Shareholders and Descendants.
2. Ensure delivery of strategic communications to diverse audiences regarding CIRI’s impact on its Shareholders, Descendants, and community at large.
3. Lead department efforts to build and maintain strategic relationships within CIRI, CIRI’s affiliated entities and the community which complement CIRI’s Shareholder and Descendants Program initiatives and foster collaboration opportunities.
4. Partner with CIRI’s affiliated nonprofits to cultivate community resources that benefit Shareholders and Descendants. Cross-promote opportunities available and explore, evaluate, and recommend partnership opportunities.
5. Oversee enterprise-wide recruitment and workforce development opportunities for CIRI’s Shareholders and Descendants.
6. Oversee and direct the department work with universities, technical schools, colleges, etc. in identifying and implementing developmental programs that benefit Shareholders, Descendants and Alaska Native people. Share information about the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), CIRI’s history and Alaska Native Cultures to Shareholders, Descendants, the community and employees through innovative communications, events, trainings, and programs.
7. Support the Communications and Shareholder Relations departments outreach and communications to Shareholders and Descendants through various media, events, and projects.
8. Support CIRI’s in-region and statewide Native/tribal relations efforts, including:
   • Develop and support communications, strategic planning, gatherings, and collaboration opportunities.
   • In coordination with the Lands department, executive leadership team and other internal stakeholders, follow the village relations framework with the goal of building and maintaining positive relationships with CIRI region Tribes and village corporations and seek opportunities to collaborate with CIRI region villages.
   • Help track AFN issues and at the request of the President, participate in the annual AFN convention and other relevant conferences/gatherings as requested.
   • Support engagement and coordination of efforts with Designated Tribal Organizations.
9. Build department budget and approve spending and budget allocations.
10. Prepare various Board quality reports and presentations as needed.
11. Participate in learning opportunities to enhance skills.
12. Travel as necessary.
13. Perform other duties as appropriate and as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Understand CIRI’s mission, vision, and strategic focus areas, along with CIRI’s values, and incorporate knowledge into daily activities.
• Strong understanding of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to effectively present information and respond effectively and sensitively to questions from managers, staff and the general public.
• Strong knowledge of staffing and recruiting practices and principles, and the ability to apply the knowledge daily.
• Ability to develop professional connections and identify key groups to build rapport and partnerships with.
• Understand stakeholder interests and ability to look for alignment with company initiatives.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong knowledge of current talent management strategies and internship programs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills 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.
• Ability to make decisions that will involve thinking strategically, problem solving and exercising good judgment.
• Ability to work independently as well as a team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and to prepare and submit comprehensive reports.
• Excellent financial management skills, ability to develop, manage and present department budget.
• Superior organizational and follow-up skills and be detail oriented.
• Ability to research, organize and analyze technical information with particular attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and industry-standard computer software and databases.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, management and mentoring skills.
• Strong understanding and application of human resource analytics and metrics.
• High degree of sensitivity regarding confidential information.
• Ability to travel by vehicle and commercial or small aircraft.

Physical Abilities

• Sufficient fine motor skills for use of computers and calculators with an ability to withstand repetitive keyboarding for extended periods of time.
• Visual and communication ability sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to kneel, bend and twist at the waist on an occasional basis.
• Ability to reach below shoulder height with regular frequency (desk position) and at or above shoulder height on occasion.
• Ability to push, pull, carry, and lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds on a regular basis, and greater weights on an occasional basis.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and travel by plane, car or ATV.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business/management, organizational development, human services, communications, marketing or relevant Master’s degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of related program management or tribal relations experience, two of which were at a Sr. Manager level or higher.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Work experience that illustrates a knowledge of ANCSA, and Alaska Native Cultures and Tribes.
• Experience in Alaska Native Shareholder development programs strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel to events outside of normal office hours.
• Ability to pass a background.

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.