Maniilaq Association
5/2026
Title: Tribal Research Coordinator Range: TBD
Program: Climate Resilience Status: Exempt
Housing Priority: TBD Covered: Yes
POSITION SUMMARY
Manages the NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC) Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortia (ANTHC) sub award over the duration of the grant. The position has primary responsibility to establish and coordinate a Tribally-driven multi-member Northwest Arctic Research Center that promotes resilient tribal communities in Northwest Alaska. Shares knowledge of activities through community meetings, newsletters, technical reports, and symposiums that bridge Tribal members, researchers, and funders. This position oversees at least one full time staff member who is dedicated to conducting vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning assistance across the Maniilaq Service Area (MSA). All activities of the Tribal Research Coordinator should be with applied intent to empower and strengthen the 12 MSA Tribes. Preferred applicants would be based in Kotzebue or in the MSA. However, this position could also be based at the Maniilaq Anchorage Office with periodic travel to the MSA communities. This position reports to the Community Health Director.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform grant management responsibilities including reporting, financial management, meetings with Project Officer, and attending required meetings/conferences when appropriate.
- Establish a Tribally-driven research and data management Steering Committee, operational procedures, and a research agenda for the Northwest Arctic Research Center.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive registry of all current and past research and data analytics occurring within Northwest Alaska; and make it accessible to Tribal members.
- Coordinates and/or supports research activities that are consistent with the priorities of Northwest Alaska.
- Develop partnerships and establish agreements that support collaborative research and appropriate facilities for the research center.
- Routinely travels to Tribal communities in support of NOAA CRRC project activities and to provide technical assistance.
- Review research proposals and coordinate research approvals for Maniilaq Association.
- Communicate project activities through community presentations, newsletters, and reports to the Maniilaq Board of Directors.
- Host/sponsor regional symposiums in Kotzebue that bridge Tribal members, researchers, project funders, and strategic partners.
- Recruit, hire, and supervise the Climate Resilience Specialist tasked with completing vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans across the region.
- Serves as the spokesman and lead representative of NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge projects.
- Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant proposals to develop and sustain NOAA CRRC activities for the future.
- Prepare annual budgets, provide budget accountability, manage expenses, and maintain financial records for program operations.
- Review written products of the research center as well as community vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans.
- Develop a 5-year plan for the development of the Northwest Arctic Research Center.
