Project and Partnership Coordinator

Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC) is a nonprofit 501(c)3, research and education organization. Our mission is to improve the understanding and awareness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Coastal Alaska through scientific research and science education. With a population of 9,000, SSSC is located in Sitka, Alaska in Southeast Alaska.

Position Summary:

This Project and Partnership Coordinator will work with an SSSC and Sitka Tribe of Alaska (STA) steering committee to identify priority research needs and interface with researchers looking to conduct research within the Sheet’ká/Sitka area. The steering committee will include Arleigh Reynolds (Executive Director SSSC), Lauren Bell (Research Director SSSC), Jeff Feldpausch (Resource Protection Department Director, STA) and Kyle Rosendale (Fisheries Biologist, Resource Protection Department, STA). The Project and Partnership Coordinator will identify Requests for Applications (RFAs) and possible external project partners to address research priorities. The incumbent will assist with grant writing and project planning. The incumbent will also facilitate communications and coordination between researchers planning work in the Sheet’ká/Sitka area and appropriate Sitka Tribe of Alaska staff. This may include developing, maintaining, and managing external partnerships, assisting with training in common principles for respectful and reciprocal relationship with Tribal governments and Indigenous communities, and coordinating partner logistics to ensure project deliverables are met on time and in full. This is a five year NSF funded position under the GRANTED program.

Example of Duties:

● Participate in community listening sessions and workshops to understand community needs and

priorities.

● Work with team scientists, project partners, community members, and steering committee to identify research priorities.

● Establish, develop, and maintain external partnerships with entities that can help accomplish research priorities.

● Monitor, review, and evaluate RFAs to identify possible funding mechanisms for research priorities.

● Assist with grant writing, working with STA and SSSC staff during all stages of proposal development and submission.

● Provide administrative support for projects involving external partners.

● Document partner meetings and ensure action items are accomplished in a timely manner.

● Facilitate partner logistics in Sitka (travel, scheduling, field/lab resources, general guidance)

● Assist with field research

● Participate in weekly Research Team meetings at SSSC and monthly Natural Resource committee meetings at STA listen and report back on works in progress.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants are expected to have a bachelor’s degree with preference given to those with an advanced

degree. One to five years of experience coordinating with external partnerships is required. Experience with grant writing is highly desired. The candidate is also expected to have a strong interest in community-based participatory approaches to research and have the capacity to work well across disciplines and cultures. This project has funding for up to 5 years given successful performance after year 1. Extension of the term is dependent on additional funding from NSF. The ideal Projects and Partnership Coordinator will have a background and interests in one or more of

the following areas:

● Fisheries

● Resource management

● Co-production of knowledge

● Climate change

● Cultural and Cross-Cultural Studies

● Community Resilience

● Rural Studies and Rural Development

● Cultural competence with the Indigenous people of Southeast Alaska

Desired Qualifications

Individuals with interdisciplinary training and interests, and who are interested in careers that focus on

rural and remote communities are likely to be a good fit for this position. Experience working with Indigenous Peoples is highly valued. The ability to adapt approaches to research and communicate to different audiences is critical.

Respect, acceptance, and caring are core values of the Sitka Sound Science Center. We are passionate about building and sustaining a working and learning environment for students, researchers, and staff from broad and different backgrounds and perspectives. We believe every member of our staff and visitors to our facility enriches our workplace by sharing a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover solutions. We welcome the unique contributions of every individual.

How to Apply

Email curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Lauren Bell,

Research Director, Sitka Sound Science Center at lbell@sitkascience.org by March 17, 2024 using

“Project & Partnership Coordinator” in the subject line.