The Foraker Group

Job Summary

Job Description

Executive Director

Nuiqsut Community Development Foundation

Nuiqsut / Anchorage, Alaska 

The Position & Leadership Opportunity: Executive Director 

The Nuiqsut Community Development Foundation (NCDF) seeks an experienced Executive Director to serve as a catalyst for community development in Nuiqsut. The next Executive Director will build NCDF into an organization that empowers the City of Nuiqsut, strengthens partnerships, and serves as an anchor for effective grant management and community growth. 

This is a builder's role in a complex environment. As NCDF's sole employee, the next Executive Director will build out the organization's infrastructure: establishing systems, assisting the City of Nuiqsut in grant development and administration, and strengthening the relationships between NCDF, the City of Nuiqsut, Kuukpik Corporation, ConocoPhillips, and the Native Village of Nuiqsut. Successful leaders in this role can stay focused on NCDF’s mission, maintain clear boundaries with partner entities, and build trust through consistent presence in the community. For a self-directed leader who cares deeply about community development in rural Alaska, this is a rare opportunity to help a community bring its own vision to life. 

The Organization 

The Nuiqsut Community Development Foundation promotes the common good and general welfare of the people and community of Nuiqsut (population approximately 500). NCDF's primary role is to support local entities in building the capacity to access and manage grants that improve the community, primarily through the NPR-A Impact Mitigation Program. The City of Nuiqsut received approximately $4.7 million in NPR-A Impact Mitigation Program funds in FY26. The City is the applicant and the entity legally responsible for NPR-A grants, with NCDF assisting the City in grant development, preparation, and compliance, while ensuring NCDF's role remains advisory and supportive rather than operational. 

Beyond grant support, NCDF has the capacity to serve as a wider community development resource, partnering with local entities to advance the wellbeing of Nuiqsut. The incoming Executive Director will have the opportunity to help define what that wider role looks like. 

NCDF is guided by the Iñupiaq Values adopted at its May 2026 strategic retreat: Resolution of Conflict, Compassion, Cooperation, Family and Kinship, Love and Respect for Elders, Humility, Humor, Hunting Traditions, Knowledge of Language, Respect for Nature, Sharing, and Spirituality. 

The foundation is governed by a board that includes representatives from Kuukpik Corporation (the ANCSA village corporation for Nuiqsut), the City of Nuiqsut, ConocoPhillips, and the Native Village of Nuiqsut (federally recognized tribe). The foundation Executive Director will be based out of Anchorage. The board recently completed a strategic retreat and is ready to partner with the next Executive Director on a detailed strategic plan. 

Key Responsibilities 

The Executive Director is the operational leader of NCDF and reports to the Board of Directors. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Lead NCDF’s day-to-day operations and build the organization’s capacity to deliver on its mission. 
• Assist the City of Nuiqsut in NPR-A Impact Mitigation grant development, preparation, and submission. Support the administration of active grants and ensure compliance with all grant requirements, while maintaining clear organizational separation between NCDF and the City. 
• Establish transparent financial management practices, including budgeting and reporting to the board and to grant funders. 
• Hire, supervise, and develop staff as the organization grows. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact between NCDF and its partner entities, funders, and community stakeholders. 
• Maintain regular communication with the City of Nuiqsut, Kuukpik Corporation, ConocoPhillips, and the Native Village of Nuiqsut to build relationships, surface issues early, and ensure alignment. 
• Work closely with the board to develop and implement strategic priorities, including preparing board packets, scheduling meetings, and managing board communications. 
• Represent NCDF in community, regional, state, and federal forums as appropriate. 
• Provide assistance for the oversight and monitoring of capital projects and construction contracts funded through the NPR-A Impact Mitigation Program and other grant programs, ensuring transparency and accountability in how contracts are awarded and managed.  
• Coordinate with the City of Nuiqsut on community development projects funded through the NPR-A Impact Mitigation Program and other grant programs. 
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the North Slope. 

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: 

• Commitment to the Iñupiaq Values that guide NCDF’s work. 
• Knowledge of and experience working in the North Slope region, including an understanding of the political, cultural, and economic landscape. Candidates need not live in the region, but should have existing connections to North Slope organizations and leadership and the ability to build trust and earn respect from the Nuiqsut community. This is a critical qualification for the role.  
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing, grant administration, and compliance, particularly with state and federal programs. Experience assisting organizations in building their own grant management capacity is preferred. 
• Strong financial acumen and budgeting skills, with the ability to establish transparent financial systems and reporting practices. 
• Experience building or leading an organization in its early stages, including hiring staff, developing systems, and establishing operational infrastructure. 
• The ability to provide oversight on contracts and capital projects, ensuring accountability and transparency. Direct construction experience is not required, but the ability to ask the right questions and engage the right expertise is essential. 
• Humility and a collaborative approach to leadership, with a willingness to listen before acting. 
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across organizations and build consensus among stakeholders with different perspectives and interests. 
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit, tribal, or community development settings. Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field. 
• Ability to work closely with a board of directors and navigate complex governance and inter-organizational relationships. 
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to Nuiqsut (one full week per month initially) and maintain a meaningful presence in the community. Understanding of rural Alaska logistics, including seasonal travel considerations. 

Compensation and Application Process 

The salary range is $175,000 to $250,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes a six-month probationary period with performance evaluations at mid-year and year-end. NCDF provides a benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, holidays, and leave, as well as flexibility for travel and work demands. 

The duty station is in Anchorage, with regular travel to Nuiqsut at least one full week per month. Lodging, meals, and transportation are covered for time spent in Nuiqsut. Partial relocation support may be available for in-state candidates and will be discussed at the time of offer. 

To apply, email a resume and cover letter describing interest and qualifications to NCDFsearch@forakergroup.org. For questions, contact Joe Kiefer, Leadership Transition Guide, at NCDFsearch@forakergroup.org. Communications will be treated in confidence. Resumes will be accepted until September 21st. Resume reviews begin immediately. 

NCDF is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.