The Foraker Group

Job Summary

	Date Posted:   1 days ago		Closing Date:   April 20, 2026
	Location:   Fairbanks, AK		Worksite: On-site
	Salary: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 Non-exempt; hourly
	Status:   Full time
	Benefits: CCHRC provides a competitive benefits package, which includes: ● 80% coverage of the premium for medical, prescription drugs, vision, and dental coverage. ● Simple IRA retirement plan with a match at 3% ● Generous leave accrual, beginning with a rate of 0.071 hours per one hour worked for the first year of employment and increasing annual rate thereafter. ● 12 paid holidays ● Stipend in lieu of benefits available as well. ● Relocation expenses available, to be discussed at time of job offer.
	How to Apply: To apply, email your credentials to CCHRC@forakergroup.org. Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing interest and qualifications. For questions, contact Ryan Smith, lead recruiter, at CCHRC@forakergroup.org. Communications will be treated in confidence. Deadline for application submission is Monday, April 20. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Resume reviews begin immediately. The search process will include a multi-step interview process. We would like to get to know you and your original voice. We would like the opportunity to authentically evaluate your materials. Please do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to create your application materials or responses or your application will be withdrawn from our process. If you need reasonable accommodation, please let us know. Our team is committed to a genuine engagement with you throughout the application process and beyond so we will not use artificial intelligence (AI) to review any of your materials or responses. We look forward to getting to know you.

Job Description

Position Profile

Executive Director | Cold Climate Housing Research Center |Fairbanks, Alaska

The Position and Leadership Opportunity: Executive Director

Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) seeks a skilled convener who is dedicated to building better homes in Alaska’s unique climate and landscape. The new executive will have the opportunity to pursue creative solutions for long-term organizational sustainability, cultivate lasting partnerships, and champion CCHRC and its mission. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of building science, a deep connection to Alaska and its communities, and a clear vision for how CCHRC can continue to deliver on mission in a time of change and opportunity.

The Organization

CCHRC is a nonprofit organization committed to pioneering sustainable housing solutions in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, CCHRC was formed in 1999 by members of the Alaska State Home Building Association to tackle the challenges of building in cold climates, including remote locations, harsh working conditions, and unstable ground.

With a core staff of 4 and a robust network of actively engaged building education and research subcontractors, and an annual budget of $1.6 million, CCHRC leads the way in advancing responsible innovation and resilient housing solutions that prioritize energy efficiency, durability, and cultural relevance. CCHRC’s work is made possible by a diverse range of funding sources, including support from the State of Alaska, federal grants, corporate partnerships, and individual contributions, enabling us to deliver high-impact results across the state.

CCHRC’s work includes convening communities, partners, and industry experts; public education; policy analysis; economic research and deployment pertaining to housing in cold climates; and workforce development programs, training, and outreach. CCHRC works closely with tribal entities, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, rural communities, and government agencies to build better housing.

Since 2020, CCHRC has shared its facility in Fairbanks and partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), strengthening Alaska’s ability to address housing and energy issues.

CCHRC’s Services and Programs:

   Education and Outreach

•  CCHRC offers a variety of classes and education programs. These include online options such as the Cold Climate Weatherization Installer Badges, webinars, and in-person classes such as the Owner-Builder Master Class
• CCHRC is currently expanding its educational framework to deliver a broad range of building science learning opportunities. These classes will span skills training for DIYers and homeowners to advanced continuing education units for industry professionals.
• CCHRC’s Ask a Builder hotline connects homeowners and CCHRC contractors for proven building advice.
• CCHRC provides a video resource library with over 14,600 subscribers and more than 300 videos covering building science topics specific to the Arctic, ranging from insulation demonstrations and building tours to window evaluation tips.  
• CCHRC maintains an extensive library and collection of publications, which includes technical reports, journal articles, manuals, videos, and educational materials for contractors and homeowners.

   Technical Assistance

• CCHRC is expanding its offerings of consulting services, including technical assistance, owner’s representation, design consulting, research projects, and policy consultation.

   Research

• CCHRC partners with research institutions, state,  and federal agencies to conduct cold-climate housing-related research. Our team focuses on sustainable practices, resilient designs, and new technologies tailored to northern climates. CCHRC is committed to enhancing housing in these regions by bridging the gap between research and practical application.

   Policy

• CCHRC works with communities, industry experts, governments, and institutions to establish best practices in cold-climate construction and can evaluate the impacts of current or future regulations on the housing and construction industry through qualitative, quantitative, applied, socio-economic, and exploratory research. CCHRC can advocate for effective policies that address housing needs and support communities struggling with compliance at the local, state, and national levels.

Strategic Priorities

The next Executive Director will focus on the following priorities, while partnering with the board to revisit and implement the strategic plan.

Long-term Organizational Priorities

• Continue to advocate for CCHRC’s mission throughout the state, particularly with Legislators.
• Foster institutional, compliant, and efficient practices.
• Prioritize the cultivation of sustainable, high-value strategic partnerships.
• Identify and expand core programs to ensure the organization's financial sustainability.

Twelve to Eighteen Month Executive Director Priorities

• Develop a broad understanding of the organization by deeply engaging with board, staff, organizational history, finances, and operations.
• Provide staff with support, stability, and consistency, while reinforcing a healthy work culture.
• Build and maintain new and existing relationships with partners, communities, legislators, and other key stakeholders with an emphasis on coalition and capacity building.
• Assess current funding strategies and research and develop new, diverse funding sources.
• Working with the board and staff, revisit and refine the strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the board, the Executive Director serves a dual role as leader of the internal team and as champion and advocate for CCHRC’s mission among policymakers, partners, and communities across Alaska. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Executive Leadership:

• Partner with the board to set CCHRC’s vision and strategic direction and implement strategies and actions for advancing its mission.
• Lead, support, mentor, and indirectly supervise CCHRC staff while ensuring that all programs, policies, and procedures align with the values, mission, and strategic direction set by the Board.
• Leads all contract negotiations and represents CCHRC’s interests therein.

Community Outreach and Partnerships:

• Build and maintain positive, productive, and innovative collaborations to advance mission.
• Connect with existing and identify new partners, including corporate and nonprofit partners, universities and other research organizations, state and federal agencies, advocacy groups, and policymakers.
• In collaboration with the CCHRC team, support and respond to individuals and communities reaching out for education, information, and resources.
• Travel as needed for projects and events, including by small aircraft or boat to remote communities.

Financial Strategy and Fundraising:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, funders, and partners to ensure ongoing financial support.
• Identify and develop potential funding sources and strategies with an eye toward long-term financial sustainability.

Communications and External Relations:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate of CCHRC, ensuring CCHRC, its mission, and programs are consistently presented in clear, strong, and positive ways.
• Guide effective marketing and communications strategies consistent with organizational priorities and goals.
• Represent CCHRC in communities, professional, governmental, civic, and private agencies.

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in building science, construction, architecture, engineering, and vocational training, with progressive leadership experience.

Skills and Expertise

• History of building and maintaining robust working relationships and high levels of trust.
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills, including a desire to build alliances with community organizations, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Alaska culture, history, and work experience; knowledge of Alaska’s unique logistical challenges and environmental factors highly desired.
• Experience advocating at the local, state, and national level, with an ability to identify and engage appropriate resources to assist with advocacy efforts.
• Ability to obtain the BPI Building Science Principles certificate.
• Experience in designing and implementing revenue development and diversification strategies, including through fundraising, grant development, marketing and/or direct sales experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with a variety of audiences. Experience in communicating scientific and technical information to non-technical audiences highly preferred.
• Demonstrated organizational leadership experience, including change management, systems and process improvement, and growth strategy.
• Experience leading, managing, and developing high-functioning teams, including recruiting and retaining staff.

Attributes

• Passion for CCHRC’s mission and excitement to make a meaningful impact in support thereof.
• A confident and humble leadership style with a diplomatic and politically aware approach to relationship building.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with and bringing together people and groups with differing viewpoints or approaches to build coalition and consensus.
• Strong cultural competency and the ability to connect with individuals, communities, and organizations across Alaska, particularly in rural/remote rural areas and with Alaska Native communities.
• Comfort in ambiguity and making decisions in ambiguous environments.
• Ability to think strategically, see the full picture, and integrate available resources to efficiently and effectively meet mission.
• Demonstrated experience setting and implementing a vision and inspiring and motivating others in pursuit of a strategic direction.
• A collaborative and approachable leadership style consistent with building and maintaining an authentic, transparent, and respectful work culture.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position. The annual salary range is between $120,000-$140,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.  CCHRC provides a competitive benefits package, which includes:

• 80% coverage of the premium for medical, prescription drugs, vision, and dental coverage.
• Simple IRA retirement plan with a match at 3%
• Generous leave accrual, beginning with a rate of 0.071 hours per one hour worked for the first year of employment and increasing annual rate thereafter.
• 12 paid holidays
• Stipend in lieu of benefits available as well.
• Relocation expenses available, to be discussed at time of job offer.

Application Process

To apply, email your credentials to CCHRC@forakergroup.org. Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing interest and qualifications. For questions, contact Ryan Smith, lead recruiter, at CCHRC@forakergroup.org. Communications will be treated in confidence. Deadline for application submission is Monday, April 20. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Resume reviews begin immediately. The search process will include a multi-step interview process.

We would like to get to know you and your original voice. We would like the opportunity to authentically evaluate your materials. Please do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to create your application materials or responses or your application will be withdrawn from our process. If you need reasonable accommodation, please let us know.

Our team is committed to a genuine engagement with you throughout the application process and beyond so we will not use artificial intelligence (AI) to review any of your materials or responses. We look forward to getting to know you.

It is the policy of Cold Climate Housing Research Center to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.