Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation Foundation (Foundation) is experiencing dramatic growth with the potential to steward perpetual advancement and opportunity for UIC shareholders and their descendants. The Executive Director will work collaboratively both with the Foundation’s Board of Directors and UIC’s Executive Leadership to guide the Foundation through this period of dynamic growth in alignment with the Foundation’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. This position will focus on renewing and growing scholarship and grantmaking opportunities that meet the current needs of shareholders and descendants.

The Executive Director is tasked with developing and executing the Foundation’s next chapter, which will center around creating and sustaining systems and relationships that match the Foundation’s growth and potential. The Executive Director is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, overseeing fundraising and donor relations, and driving strategic initiatives that provide scholarships, grants, and other growth opportunities. This position plays a key role in helping shareholders and descendants achieve their academic and professional goals while advancing the Foundation’s mission and impact.

Essential functions:

Lead the Foundation through major growth, develop and implement appropriate support systems.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a strategic vision that aligns with the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values. Lead the organization in fostering collaboration amongst regional stakeholders to ensure student success and grow rich cultural opportunities.
• Administration and Operations: Oversee all aspects of running a healthy and thriving operating foundation through collaborative leadership with staff and the Foundation Board that ensures an equitable and inclusive environment that supports staff's health, safety, and work satisfaction.
• Program Development: Oversee the design and execution of programs that align with the Foundation’s strategic plan and values.
• Financial Management: In partnership with UIC’s Executive Leadership, effectively manage the organization’s budget and oversee the endowment strategy.

Manage the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.

• Scholarship Administration: Review and make eligibility determinations on scholarship applications submitted to the Foundation.
  • Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Monitor and manage the Foundation's budget, including tracking expenses and ensuring the appropriate allocation of resources.
  • Collaborate with other departments, stakeholders, and partners to align the Foundation's activities with its mission and goals.
  • Generate regular reports on the Foundation's progress, challenges, and key metrics for review by leadership.
• Communications: Work closely with applicants to obtain required documentation for scholarship approval and serve as the primary point of contact for applicants.
  • Develop and distribute informational materials, such as guidelines, FAQs, and application instructions, to ensure applicants are well-informed.
  • Respond to inquiries from applicants, parents, and educational institutions, addressing concerns and providing clarification as needed.
  • Support outreach initiatives to promote awareness of the Foundation's scholarship opportunities to a broader audience.

Build and strengthen the critical relationships that move the Foundation’s mission forward while creating and sustaining a solid foundation of support.

• Fundraising and Development: Serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser and mission advocate by developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that reflects the Foundation’s commitment to providing for UIC shareholders and descendants into the future.
• Partnership Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with philanthropic, education, Tribal, governmental, corporate, and cultural partners to expand the reach and impact of the Foundation’s programs and initiatives.
• Community Engagement: Represent the Foundation in the community, promoting awareness of the Foundation’s mission and values. Foster a sense of community among students, partners, and program participants.

Partner with the Foundation Board and UIC Executive Leadership to ensure strong relationships for stability, continuity, and growth.

• Board Collaboration: Work closely with the Foundation Board, engaging in strategic dialog and working together to advance the Foundation’s programs and organizational structure. Collaborate with the Foundation Board to leverage their expertise and networks to benefit the Foundation’s mission and goals.
• Corporate Liaison: Collaborate with and serve as primary liaison to UIC.

Knowledge & Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Must have a strong knowledge and understanding of the Iñupiat culture.
• A comprehensive understanding of ANCs and their responsibilities to shareholders.
• Strong leadership, project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to grow and lead a team while building on strong cultural values and practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and internet applications.
• Knowledge of non-profit governance, compliance, and best practices.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people, including donors, community members, and stakeholders.
• Passion for education and commitment to advancing the success of UIC Shareholders, Descendants, and their communities.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and vision for shareholder and community development.
• Ability to build and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships with superiors, peers, and subordinates.
• Discretion to work with confidential information.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, advanced degree preferred, experience of comparable value may be substituted for the education requirement.
• Eight (8) years of administrative and clerical experience, four (4) of which include managerial responsibilities involving budgeting and supervision (may include some indirect supervision).
• Four (4) years of experience working for an Alaska Native Corporation or with Alaska Native communities and populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years’ Executive level non-profit experience.
• Two (2) years’ experience with grant writing and fundraising.
• Proven success in fundraising and donor relations, particularly in a philanthropic or educational setting.

Physical & Mental Demands:

• Frequently required to read from a computer screen and printed materials, sit for extended periods, and communicate effectively through speech and hearing.

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.

• Must be able to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Work is typically performed in a well-lit, well-ventilated office environment with moderate noise levels and a standard work pace.

Working Conditions:

• Position is based in Utqiaġvik or Anchorage, Alaska.

• Some travel within Alaska and occasional travel to the Lower 48 may be required.

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

• The work environment is typically indoors and moderately quiet.