Cook Inlet Region, Inc is seeking a talented Senior Director, Corporate Communications to join our Corporate Communications team. CIRI's offices are conveniently located in mid-town Anchorage at the Fireweed Business Center, a modern building that represents CIRI’s cultural diversity, respect for the land, and sustainability. The Fireweed Business Center reflects our heritage in the displayed Alaska Native art and interior design.

In addition to outstanding office space, CIRI offers a hybrid work schedule for many positions and excellent benefits for eligible employees. Benefits include: paid holidays, paid time off, 401K with employer match, dental, vision, health insurance plans through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program, as well as life and disability benefits.

CIRI only accepts applications through our online career page at https://www.ciri.com/careers/jobs/

General Function

In alignment with CIRI’s mission and values, responsible for cultivating and managing CIRI’s brand and public image. Directs internal and external communications to ensure all messaging is engaging and aligns with CIRI’s brand and strategic vision. Oversees company events for employees, shareholders, business partners and/or members of the general public.

Major Activities (Typical Duties/Responsibilities)

1. Cultivates and communicates the strategic vision for CIRI’s business operations through fresh, engaging, and inspiring communications and meaningful community engagement.
2. Develops and communicates key messages to the private and public sector, including shareholders, descendants, business partners, customers, state and local policy makers, media and editorial boards, community leaders, employees, and the public.
3. Creates and implements a comprehensive communications strategic plan that supports corporate and management objectives and enhances CIRI’s image and standing within the community.
4. Develops and implements CIRI’s brand and community image through compelling stories for shareholders, descendants, employees, business partners, customers, the CIRI Board of Directors, and the community. Promotes CIRI’s stories through a variety of media, including annual calendar, social media, speeches, brochures, slide and video presentations and scripts, advertising, and other collateral materials and publications.
5. Monitors opinions, attitudes, and behavior inside and outside the organization that potentially impact the reputation, operations, and business plans of CIRI.
6. Collaborates with the executive leadership team and Senior Director, External Affairs in developing communication messages for public appearances, such as shareholder meetings, media interviews, speaking engagements and other presentations. Works with the Senior Director, External Affairs in the coordination of presentation materials, such as, digital presentations (e.g. PowerPoint) and written speeches for participants.
7. Designs and maintains the company’s website and the internal intranet presence.
8. Designs and produces the CIRI annual report and related materials.
9. Efficiently, effectively, and actively supervises and manages a diverse staff, including performance management and annual employee appraisals, career development and goal setting, team building that fosters innovation and solutions, staff planning and training. Develops and manages the department operating and capital budget.
10. Assists with communications, marketing, and public relations efforts for CIRI subsidiaries, as appropriate.
11. Perform other duties as appropriate and as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to understand and fulfill CIRI’s mission, vision, and strategic focus by incorporating knowledge into daily activities.
• Ability to expertly lead, supervise and manage a diverse staff.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; adept at working effectively and cooperatively with all levels of management and staff, affiliated-company employees as well as outside business associates; exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others.
• Ability to work independently, as well as on a team and with minimal supervision.
• Expertly applies principles and skills of design, public relations, marketing, and communications.
• Strategic thinking skills and ability to anticipate trends and issues; must be a catalyst for positive change in CIRI with an understanding of the major issues facing CIRI and its shareholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including thorough knowledge of proper grammar, advanced vocabulary, spelling, editing and proofreading skills.
• Basic knowledge of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and various sections of the Alaska statutes relating to Alaska Native corporations.
• Broad understanding of the business objectives of CIRI.
• Strong ability to make decisions, solve problems, exercise good judgment and work effectively under pressure.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office products.
• Strong familiarity with content management systems, web development, html, java script and CSS.
• Ability to quickly become familiar with new industry information and trends and to apply such information to the Corporate Communications program.
• Experience working with and motivating in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• High degree of sensitivity regarding confidential information.

Physical Abilities

• Sufficient fine motor skills for use of computers, calculators with an ability to withstand repetitive keyboarding for extended periods of time.
• Visual and communication ability adequate to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to kneel, bend and twist at the waist on an occasional basis.
• Ability to reach below shoulder height with regular frequency (desk position) and at or above shoulder height on occasion.
• Ability to able to push, pull, carry, and lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds on a regular basis, and greater weights on an occasional basis.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and travel by motor vehicle and aircraft.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or other similar field of study; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Eight or more years progressively more responsible work experience in communications, two of which must be at a senior manager or director level.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to provide sample storytelling samples.
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Ability to pass a background screening and driving record check.

CIRI reserves the right to apply CIRI Shareholder preference to qualified shareholders in employment and advancement opportunities pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g). Additionally, CIRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for openings without attention to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, pregnancy or parenthood, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. People with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation if they are unable or limited in their ability to access job openings or need assistance in the application process by contacting CIRI’s Human Resources Department at (907) 274-8638.