Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) is seeking a Communications & External Affairs Manager to help develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive communications strategy that strengthens UIC’s public image, builds relationships with key stakeholders, and ensures clear, consistent, and culturally appropriate messaging. The role will support the corporate marketing and communications team in managing communications across multiple platforms such as publications, digital media, and public statements while overseeing external affairs including government relations, advocacy, and community engagement. The Communications & External Affairs Manager will work closely with leadership, subsidiaries, tribal and community partners, and government representatives to align communications and external affairs activities with UIC’s values and strategic priorities.

Essential functions will include:

Communications Support

• Support the CAO in managing the company’s communication needs for UIC Corporate and its subsidiaries, in coordination with the Corporate Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications.
• Assist the corporate marketing and communications team with content development for newsletters, press releases, social media, and the corporate website.
• Provide support for internal and external communications for executive leadership, the Board of Directors, UIC Corporate and its subsidiaries, as needed.
• Assist in preparing testimony, public statements, presentations, and advocacy materials.

Government Relations and External Affairs

• Support the CAO in managing the company’s government and external affairs needs for UIC Corporate and its subsidiaries, in coordination with the Corporate Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications.
• Monitor and report on federal, state, and local legislation that may impact UIC.
• Support committees, including meeting planning, logistics, materials preparation, and follow-up.
• Maintain liaison relationships with the Utqiaġvik Trilateral Committee, tribal governments, regional partners, and government agencies.
• Support the CAO in the coordination and management of relationships with external lobbyists and consultants.
• Support engagement strategies with external stakeholders to advance corporate priorities.
• Represent UIC at community and shareholder events, conferences, and forums when delegated.

Events, Projects, and Community Engagement

• Responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing shareholder, community, public, and corporate events in collaboration with the marketing and communications team, shareholder services, and other corporate departments and subsidiaries as needed.
• Support project management activities for communications and external affairs initiatives, including developing timelines, tracking deliverables, and coordinating with internal teams.
• Drive impact by supporting and collaborating with the corporate administrative team.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of communications strategies, media relations, and advocacy practices.
• Knowledge of legislative processes at state and federal levels.
• Skilled in writing, editing, and developing clear and culturally appropriate communications.
• Ability to manage content across digital, print, and multimedia platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively with community, tribal, and government partners.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to represent UIC professionally in public and stakeholder settings.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, or related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in communications, community relations, or external affairs.
• Strong writing, editing, and digital communication skills.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Experience using WordPress or similar content management systems (CMS).
• Working knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style for editing and publishing.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to translate technical or complex information into clear, accessible communications.
• Development of newsletters, announcements, and other internal/external communications.
• Website content updates and coordination with design or IT staff.
• Collaboration with internal teams to support communication needs.
• Support for event planning and coordination, including logistics and communications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Alaska Native Corporations, tribal organizations, or government relations.
• Familiarity with ANCSA and Alaska Native shareholder priorities.
• Graphic design, content management, or digital media experience.
• Must possess an understanding of Iñupiat values and their integration into the Iñupiat culture and UIC’s operations.
• Must have a valid Alaska’s Driver’s License.
• Must be able to pass mandatory pre-employment drug screening.
• Must be able to travel frequently between Anchorage and Barrow, with occasional travel to Lower 48 locations.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to read text on a computer screen and hard copy, stand or sit, talk, and hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Exposure to moderate levels of noise in a well-lit, well-ventilated, and moderately paced office environment.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• Position is based in Anchorage, Alaska.

• Must be able to travel frequently between Anchorage and Barrow, and at UIC job sites across the Lower 48 as needed.

• Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting within a large office building.

• Work is generally sedentary but may require frequent standing and walking.

• Occasional travel to active construction sites may be required.

• May be exposed to typical environmental conditions of both office and construction settings. 

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