Climate Adaptation Program Manager

Socket.dev; Bethel (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Association of Village Council Presidents is seeking a Climate Adaptation Program Manager to develop and lead regional climate resilience initiatives across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. The role requires coordinating with Tribes, villages, and state partners to advance emergency planning and adaptation projects.

The position involves hiring and supervising staff, securing funding, and delivering technical assistance. Strong communication and Yup’ik language familiarity are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in climate, emergency preparedness/management, public safety, or related field.
• Experience with Alaska Native communities and Yup’ik culture preferred.
• FEMA certification in emergency preparedness or related areas is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop the Climate Adaptation Program under supervision of the CSD Division Director.
• Provide technical assistance to AVCP Tribes and Communities for emergency plans and climate action.
• Train and mentor village staff on FEMA emergency response and post-disaster recovery.
• Coordinate with state, regional partners, and tribal groups for preparedness activities.
• Travel to villages to deliver on-the-ground support and trainings.

Skills

Program management

Grant writing

Emergency planning

Community engagement

Staff training

Yup'ik & English

Education

Bachelor’s in Climate/EM

Job description

The Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) is a regional non‑profit Tribal consortium, comprised of the 56 federally recognized Tribes of the Yukon‑Kuskokwim Delta. The geographic boundaries of AVCP extend from the Yukon River village of Russian Mission downstream to the Bering Sea coast, north up through Kotlik and south along the coastline to Platinum, and then extend up the Kuskokwim River to Stony River, including Lime Village on the Stony River tributary. The area encompasses approximately 6.5 million acres, or 55,000 square miles, in Southwest Alaska. AVCP provides community development, education, social services, culturally relevant programs and advocacy for the people and 56 Tribes of Western Alaska to promote self‑determination, protection and enhancement of cultural and traditional values.

Summary Job Goal

Under the supervision of the CSD Division Director, the Climate Adaptation Program Manager is responsible for developing the Climate Adaptation Program and hiring and training staff. This program will provide technical assistance and support to all AVCP Tribes and Communities to develop and update emergency management (SCERP’s), climate adaptation and hazard mitigation plans; identify critical resiliency, adaptation, and mitigation projects and connect Tribes with resources and funding opportunities; engage regional partners to effect better coordination of regional emergency preparedness efforts, and develop regional emergency preparedness plan.

Performance Responsibilities

1. Under the guidance of CSD Director, develop the Climate Adaptation Program.
2. Emergency Planning and Preparedness:
   • Support villages in developing and maintaining Small Community Emergency Response Plans (SCERPs) and associated procedures.
   • Provide technical assistance to Tribes and Communities to develop Climate Adaptation Plans.
   • Provide technical assistance in partnership with State DHSEM to Tribes and Communities to develop FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plans or collaborate on multi‑jurisdictional hazard mitigation plans.
   • Engage Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Holders in every aspect of the local planning processes and plan development.
   • Train and educate emergency preparedness teams and the public on emergency preparedness strategies:
     • This may include supporting villages in conducting drills and exercises to test emergency preparedness capabilities and identify areas for improvement.
   • Train village staff on FEMA emergency response and post‑disaster recovery.
   • Assist Villages with monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of emergency preparedness efforts to identify areas for improvement.
3. Through the planning process provide technical assistance to identify necessary projects, determine their viability, and locate funding resources (grants and other funding opportunities) for climate adaptation projects. Support the development of funding proposals and related technical assistance.
4. Assist in developing the Internal Emergency Preparedness Infrastructure at AVCP, including the hazardous fuels, mitigation, and realty services components.
5. Assist in developing Regional Emergency Preparedness Infrastructure and Plan
   • Work with VPSO and YKHC to revitalize the Regional Resource Coordinating Committee.
   • Engage with regional entities throughout the AVCP region including school districts, search & rescue, and other village and regional entities.
   • Plan and prepare regional emergency preparedness activities. This could include:
     • Assisting villages in coordinating and communicating with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure effective emergency preparedness efforts.
     • Documenting and reporting on emergency preparedness activities and providing recommendations for improving future efforts.
6. Community Engagement
   • Frequently travel to Villages throughout the Yukon‑Kuskokwim Delta Region to provide on‑the‑ground technical assistance and training.
   • Facilitate meetings with village leaders and community members to discuss emergency preparedness.
   • Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, Tribal councils, Regional entities, State and federal partners, and other stakeholders.
7. Grant Management and Reporting
   • Produces program reports and other required reports for funding agencies/ organizations. Keep in regular communication with funding agencies.
   • Oversee program budget development and oversight and ensures cost‑effective and appropriate expenditure of funds.
8. Supervision
   • Hire, Onboard, Train and Evaluate the work of the Climate Adaptation program staff.
   • Responsible for overseeing the day‑to‑day operations of the program staff.

Requirements

Qualifications

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed for this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and/or be willing to attend on‑the‑job training to gain the needed skill sets. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Fluency & Literacy in Yupʼik and English is preferred.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Climate, Emergency preparedness/management, Public Safety, or a related field and experience with emergency response and preparedness in Alaska is preferred. At least two years of experience in climate/emergency preparedness management or a related field and experience working with Alaska Native communities and knowledge of Yupʼik culture and lifestyle are also preferred. FEMA Certification in emergency preparedness or related areas is beneficial but not required.