ISER Director

Overview

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) is seeking a new Director who will provide visionary leadership to the institute and manage a multi‑disciplinary team consisting of 30 people, including faculty, research staff, and student researchers.

The Director reports to the UAA Vice Chancellor for Research and must bring experience that extends or complements ISER’s focal research areas. The institute expects the Director to be recognized on and off campus as ISER’s voice, promoting its achievements and advocating for future opportunities and their financial support.

For 65 years, ISER has studied the social and economic systems that affect the health and well‑being of Alaskans. Its work has resulted in a more informed public and enhanced decision‑making. The institute has a strong, multi‑disciplinary group of faculty and research professionals, and is regularly called upon by local, state, and federal policymakers to examine high‑impact issues.

ISER researchers are known for producing quality, policy‑oriented research in economic development, natural resource management, health, education, fiscal policy, and environmental, energy, and rural sustainable development policy in the Arctic.

As a part of the University of Alaska system, UAA is Alaska’s dual‑mission university with over 11,000 students pursuing graduate, baccalaureate, and associate degrees, as well as numerous occupational endorsement certifications through its campus in Anchorage and community campuses throughout Southcentral Alaska.

Anchorage is a thriving, modern city of nearly 300,000 residents where over 100 languages are spoken, offering outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities and excellent social and cultural amenities.

• Provide strategic leadership by developing and executing a unit‑level strategic plan aligned with UAA priorities, monitoring key performance indicators, and adapting strategies to achieve institutional goals.

• Serve as ISER’s principal representative and knowledge broker, elevating the institute’s visibility and influence while communicating research findings to build awareness, foster collaborations, and advance strategic opportunities.

• Cultivate a high‑performing research environment by recruiting, mentoring, and supporting faculty and staff, maintaining a balanced portfolio of research and public service, and leading initiatives that address grand societal challenges.

• Help generate externally funded research opportunities in support of ISER’s mission, apply excellent communication and organizational skills, and build broad support for and awareness of ISER across the University of Alaska and among external agencies and stakeholders.

• Promote the integration of ISER’s work into UAA curricula and related educational and public‑facing activities.

• Ensure operational excellence and fiscal sustainability by navigating shared governance, effective personnel management, transparent and data‑informed decision‑making, and responsible stewardship of the ISER budget, aligning organizational capacity and resources with strategic objectives.

• PhD or terminal degree in a discipline relevant to ISER’s mission.
• Experience with and contributions to policy‑oriented, applied research.
• Record of high‑quality research and publications relevant to ISER’s focal research areas.
• Demonstrated success in generating funded opportunities from traditional and/or philanthropic institutions.

• Understanding of Alaska’s economy, culturally diverse society, and current policy environment.
• Familiarity with research developments and opportunities in Alaska, the Arctic, or similar regions.
• Demonstrated success in securing federal funding from diverse sources.
• Experience with shared governance.
• Strong organizational experience.
• Ability to grow ISER’s public reputation.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills.
• Demonstrated high‑quality written and oral communication skills.

• Applicants must submit a two‑page cover letter stating their interest and qualifications for the position, a current curriculum vitae or…