Strategy and Engagement Director - NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska; ACMA)

The Director of Strategy & Engagement serves as the leader responsible for ACMA's Strategy, Engagement & Ecosystem Development functional area and is a member of the organization's leadership team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this position provides leadership in planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and assessing ACMA's organizational strategy, strategic partnerships, ecosystem engagement, external alignment, and long-range organizational growth in support of the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine.

Working across ACMA's mission-critical enterprise functions—Research & Development, Translation to Practice, and Workforce Development—the Director ensures organizational priorities, strategic partnerships, external investments, public policy engagement, and implementation activities remain aligned to achieve the objectives of the NSF Regional Innovation Engine Cooperative Agreement. The position serves as the primary leader responsible for strengthening Alaska's regional innovation ecosystem by cultivating strategic relationships among industry, Alaska Native Corporations, Tribal organizations, investors, universities, government agencies, entrepreneurial support organizations, and other partners essential to the Engine's long-term success and sustainability.

The Director of Strategy & Engagement leads a cross-cutting organizational function that integrates ACMA's long-range strategy, strategic partnerships, ecosystem development, stakeholder engagement, and implementation across a statewide regional innovation ecosystem. Government engagement is conducted in coordination with appropriate University of Alaska government relations offices and institutional leadership, consistent with University policy and delegated authority. The Director advises ACMA leadership on strategic opportunities, policy developments, funding strategies, partnership priorities, organizational alignment, and long-term growth.

To thrive in this role, the candidate should be a strategic leader who enjoys building organizations through partnerships, influence, and long-term vision. The candidate should be equally comfortable meeting with elected officials, CEOs, Alaska Native leaders, federal agencies, entrepreneurs, university researchers, and investors, translating diverse perspectives into shared strategies that advance organizational goals. Successful candidates will bring demonstrated experience in developing strategic partnerships, leading complex, multifaceted organizational initiatives, identifying emerging opportunities, and aligning diverse stakeholders around a common vision.

The ideal candidate should think in systems rather than programs, recognizing that sustainable economic development depends on coordinated investments, trusted relationships, and effective collaboration across organizational boundaries. This role is ideal for an accomplished organizational leader with experience in strategic planning, economic development, innovation ecosystems, public-private partnerships, business development, organizational strategy, or complex multi-stakeholder initiatives. Candidates should be energized by building relationships, navigating complexity, and helping organizations move from vision to implementation while creating lasting economic impact for Alaska.

The Geophysical Institute is a research-focused organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers a competitive work environment with strong benefits, including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute values collaboration, accountability, and the exchange of ideas. We foster a professional and respectful…