Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) Director
University of Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, United States
Overview
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) seeks a Director to provide visionary leadership to the institute and manage a multi-disciplinary team of about 30 people, including faculty, research staff, and student researchers. The Director reports to the UAA Vice Chancellor for Research. The successful candidate will bring experience that extends or complements ISER’s focal research areas and will be recognized on and off campus as the Institute's voice, promoting its achievements and advocating for future opportunities and their financial support. The Director will guide and support institute researchers and staff, harnessing their expertise to shape ISER’s future research agenda in ways that respond nimbly to Alaska’s complex and evolving policy landscape. ISER has a 65-year history of studying social and economic systems affecting the health and well-being of Alaskans. It is regularly engaged by local, state, and federal policymakers on high-impact issues and is known for producing quality, policy-oriented research in economic development, natural resource management, health, education, and fiscal policy. ISER researchers also engage in environmental, energy, and rural sustainable development policy in the Arctic. As 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 and various occupational endorsement certifications. Anchorage is a thriving city with a diverse population and rich outdoor, cultural, and educational opportunities. Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership by developing and executing a unit-level strategic plan aligned with UAA priorities, monitoring key performance indicators, and adapting strategies to meet 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; maintain a balanced portfolio of research and public service; lead initiatives addressing grand societal challenges. Generate externally funded research opportunities in support of ISER’s mission; apply excellent communication and organizational skills; build broad support for ISER across the University of Alaska and external 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, exercising effective personnel management, data-informed decision-making, and responsible stewardship of the ISER budget, aligning capacity and resources with strategic objectives. Minimum Qualifications
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
aligned with ISER’s focal research areas.
Demonstrated success in generating funded opportunities
from traditional and/or philanthropic institutions. Preferred Qualifications
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, and demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills.
Demonstrated high-quality written and oral communication skills. Application Information
*Applicants must submit a two-page cover letter stating their interest and qualifications, a current curriculum vitae or resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for three references. Position Details
This position is located on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus. It is a term-funded, full-time, senior administrator position with a competitive salary and a full employee benefits package. UA provides retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and medical, dental, and vision care coverage. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. First review of applications will begin March 01, 2026. For full consideration, apply by February 28, 2026 before 11:55pm. The search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified. This position is initiated with internal funding and may be offset by engagement in institute activities within 24 months after hire. The University of Alaska reserves the right to require on-site work at UA facilities. Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the University's discretion. Remote work for employees based outside Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or when job duties require it. An unrestricted Alaska driver’s license and clean driving record are required. To view the full list of job responsibilities, please view the
HERE . For questions regarding this position, please contact
Kelsie Kingston
at
kakingston@alaska.edu . *Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Applicants who require visa sponsorship are not eligible. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ This position is term-funded and reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University’s discretion. The University of Alaska is an equal opportunity/equal access employer and educational institution, and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the application process. For assistance, contact UA Human Resources at 907-450-8200. The University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. All employees are expected to uphold high standards of ethics and professionalism in university business. Access to annual security and fire safety information is provided by the respective UA campuses. Details and reports are available online at the University’s safety pages.
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The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) seeks a Director to provide visionary leadership to the institute and manage a multi-disciplinary team of about 30 people, including faculty, research staff, and student researchers. The Director reports to the UAA Vice Chancellor for Research. The successful candidate will bring experience that extends or complements ISER’s focal research areas and will be recognized on and off campus as the Institute's voice, promoting its achievements and advocating for future opportunities and their financial support. The Director will guide and support institute researchers and staff, harnessing their expertise to shape ISER’s future research agenda in ways that respond nimbly to Alaska’s complex and evolving policy landscape. ISER has a 65-year history of studying social and economic systems affecting the health and well-being of Alaskans. It is regularly engaged by local, state, and federal policymakers on high-impact issues and is known for producing quality, policy-oriented research in economic development, natural resource management, health, education, and fiscal policy. ISER researchers also engage in environmental, energy, and rural sustainable development policy in the Arctic. As 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 and various occupational endorsement certifications. Anchorage is a thriving city with a diverse population and rich outdoor, cultural, and educational opportunities. Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership by developing and executing a unit-level strategic plan aligned with UAA priorities, monitoring key performance indicators, and adapting strategies to meet 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; maintain a balanced portfolio of research and public service; lead initiatives addressing grand societal challenges. Generate externally funded research opportunities in support of ISER’s mission; apply excellent communication and organizational skills; build broad support for ISER across the University of Alaska and external 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, exercising effective personnel management, data-informed decision-making, and responsible stewardship of the ISER budget, aligning capacity and resources with strategic objectives. Minimum Qualifications
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
aligned with ISER’s focal research areas.
Demonstrated success in generating funded opportunities
from traditional and/or philanthropic institutions. Preferred Qualifications
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, and demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills.
Demonstrated high-quality written and oral communication skills. Application Information
*Applicants must submit a two-page cover letter stating their interest and qualifications, a current curriculum vitae or resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for three references. Position Details
This position is located on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus. It is a term-funded, full-time, senior administrator position with a competitive salary and a full employee benefits package. UA provides retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and medical, dental, and vision care coverage. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. First review of applications will begin March 01, 2026. For full consideration, apply by February 28, 2026 before 11:55pm. The search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified. This position is initiated with internal funding and may be offset by engagement in institute activities within 24 months after hire. The University of Alaska reserves the right to require on-site work at UA facilities. Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the University's discretion. Remote work for employees based outside Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or when job duties require it. An unrestricted Alaska driver’s license and clean driving record are required. To view the full list of job responsibilities, please view the
HERE . For questions regarding this position, please contact
Kelsie Kingston
at
kakingston@alaska.edu . *Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Applicants who require visa sponsorship are not eligible. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ This position is term-funded and reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University’s discretion. The University of Alaska is an equal opportunity/equal access employer and educational institution, and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the application process. For assistance, contact UA Human Resources at 907-450-8200. The University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. All employees are expected to uphold high standards of ethics and professionalism in university business. Access to annual security and fire safety information is provided by the respective UA campuses. Details and reports are available online at the University’s safety pages.
#J-18808-Ljbffr