CED Research and Technical Assistant Director

University of Alaska; Alaska; On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Center for Economic Development Research and Technical Assistant Director. This exciting role involves leading innovative economic development projects across Alaska, advising clients, and building partnerships with diverse stakeholders. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and project management skills, coordinating federal awards and driving impactful community growth. With a focus on collaboration and communication, this position offers the chance to make a real difference in the community while enjoying a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. If you're ready to take on this challenge, apply now!

Benefits

Retirement options

Annual leave

12 paid holidays per year

Tuition waivers for employees and family members

Affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and five years experience or equivalent training required.
• Strong leadership and project management skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead economic development initiatives and provide consulting services.
• Develop and implement community and economic development initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational Skills

Education

Master’s Degree in related field

Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)

Job description

Ready to drive real impact across Alaska and beyond? Join us to lead innovative economic development projects, connect with dynamic partners—from entrepreneurs to elected officials—and shape strategies that fuel community growth. You'll advise clients, build custom solutions, and collaborate with organizations statewide and nationally. If you're energetic, organized, and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, this is your chance to make a difference. Travel, variety, and big ideas await!

As the Center for Economic Development (CED) Research and Technical Assistant Director, you will lead complex, high-impact economic development initiatives under long-range administrative direction. Serving as the lead subject matter expert and consultant for industry sector and project work, you provide professional services to CED clients across Alaska, including tribes, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. This role supports the UA CED Director directly, overseeing technical assistance, applied research, program development, and financial management. You’ll guide multidisciplinary teams and build sustainable funding partnerships to advance regional economic resilience and opportunity.

To thrive in this role, the successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee a variety of federal awards and contractual projects. They will play a key role in developing and implementing community and economic development initiatives, securing funding, and fostering partnerships with stakeholders across Alaska and beyond. Success in this position requires excellent communication, collaboration, and outreach capabilities, as well as a proactive, self-starting attitude. The ideal candidate will work closely with the CED director, University of Alaska Anchorage partners, federal agencies, economic development organizations, and community leaders to drive impactful, sustainable economic growth. Flexibility to travel and engage with diverse communities is essential.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in related field and five years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred:
Certified Economic Developer designation (CEcD) and/or significant progress towards CEcD, as well as prior business ownership.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Anchorage campus in Anchorage, AK. This is a term-funded, full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 81, based on education and experience.

Review of applicants will begin immediately; to ensure full consideration, you must apply by 05/11/2025.

To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Heather Paulsen at [e-mail].

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.