Program Manager, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness (ACCAP)

Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange; Fairbanks (AK); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness (ACCAP) seeks a skilled Program Manager to coordinate research products and partnerships across rural Alaska. The role focuses on synthesizing results, building connections with Tribes and agencies, and guiding program activities with strong communication and organizational skills.

Based in Fairbanks, the position involves travel, collaboration with the University of Alaska system, and supporting grant processes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and two years of relevant postgraduate experience in climate, public policy, science communication, or related fields.
• Experience with budgeting and grant management is preferred.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Zoom, MS Office, WordPress, Adobe, Asana and Concur.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize research results and create reports for funders and partners.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Tribes, agencies, scientists, and communities.
• Respond to information requests and track project progress across programs.
• Act as liaison between ACCAP, scientists, partners, and stakeholders at events.
• Coordinate activities across the University of Alaska system and project partners.
• Create presentations and outreach materials; design program processes and databases.
• Lead program management tasks, including budgeting, reporting, and meetings.
• Support grant management and coordination with the IARC business office.
• Supervise interns/fellows and guide discrete projects.
• Engage with rural Alaska communities to inform climate adaptation work.

Skills

Research coordination

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree or higher

Tools

Google Suite

Zoom

Microsoft Office

WordPress

Adobe Creative Suite

Asana

Concur

Job description

Program Manager, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness (ACCAP)

Organization/Grantor: Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness (ACCAP)

Position/Title/Fund: Program Manager

Type/Term: Full-time Staff

Deadline: October 26, 2026

Description: The Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness (ACCAP) invites applications for a highly skilled and energetic program manager. The person in this position will be the primary point of contact for ACCAP from both science and partner communities in a dynamic and collaborative work environment. The individual will coordinate/facilitate and contribute to research and products developed by the ACCAP team. Work is performed under general direction. Assignments are only outlined. Some travel is required. ACCAP is grant funded since 2006 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and is one of several Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessment (RISA) Program nation-wide. ACCAP works to build healthy and thriving Alaska communities, economies and ecosystems in a changing climate. We are committed to building partnerships that make climate-related science directly relevant to preparedness, management, and decision making. We place high priority on research and action with a holistic perspective in supporting and building capacity in rural Alaska communities based on community defined goals, values, and priorities. ACCAP is housed within the International Arctic Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks.

To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will be able to work effectively both independently and at the hub of a collaborative research team. Exceptional knowledge of interdisciplinary research methods, boundary spanning, and awareness of climate impacts in Alaska are core requirements. Demonstrated strong research and project management skills are essential, including collaborative and technical abilities to effectively connect people, projects and organizations. Organizational skills, initiative, complex problem solving, and proven ability to manage competing priorities effectively are key attributes for success in this role. The candidate must be able to synthesize and communicate information and research, both orally and in writing, to a wide variety of partners and audiences. Previous experience engaging with communities in rural Alaska is preferred.

Responsibilities:

50% Research

• Synthesize research results and create reports to funders and other groups as per program requirements.

• Develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations including Tribes and tribal organizations, scientists, planners and managers, industry, and public agencies, funders and non-profit organizations.

• Respond to and track information requests from a wide range of partners and ensure follow-up on projects and requests.

• Act as a liaison between the center and scientists, partners, public, and media at conferences and industry events using discretion, diplomacy, and political acumen.

• Coordinate activities with counterparts across the University of Alaska and other projectpartners.

• Create, or work with team members to create, presentations and outreach materials about program projects and activities.

• Design and implement systems and procedures.

• Ensure quality control.

• Develop and maintain databases of research and project activities.

• Document project processes and accomplishments.

• Initiate new research, work, and projects.

• Conduct research related to science communication, program evaluation, needs assessments, climate change adaptation, extreme events and hazard risk reduction.

40% Program Management:

• Serve as primary communication lead to the funding agency.

• Interact with existing and potential new project and program partners to identify opportunities for technical assistance and collaboration.

• Organize, set agendas and facilitate meetings relevant to program management, research projects, reporting requirements, and steering committees.

• Perform project management including tracking and organizing research projects, requests, inquiries, required reports and program budgets.

• Communicate with the IARC business office to ensure program needs are met. Assist with the grant process and grant management.

• Coordinate and track workspace and logistical needs of ACCAP team.

• Oversee team participation in professional meetings.

• Occasional travel to represent the program at statewide and national conferences.

• Contribute to social media and web management.

10% Lead or supervise:

• Oversee interns and/or fellows contributing to ACCAP research

• Lead or supervise others on discrete projects, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree and two years relevant experience at the postgraduate level in meteorology, political science, public administration, hazard risk reduction, economics, ecology, Alaska Native studies, rural development, public health, or other fields relevant to this position, or an equivalent combination of training and experience in program management.

Familiarity with the following software: Google Suite, Zoom hosting and management, Microsoft Office suite, WordPress, Adobe Suite, Asana, Concur. Experience with budget planning and management is preferred.

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.