Partnership Manager

Job Duration: 3-year, renewable contingent on funding

SSSC Status: Regular, Full Time, Overtime Exempt

Supervisor: Research Director

Pay Rate: $58,000-$66,000 DOE

Final date to receive applications: February 4, 2026

This Partnership Manager will work with an SSSC and Sitka Tribe of Alaska (STA) steering committee to identify SSSC and STA priority research needs and interface with external 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 Director, STA) and Kyle Rosendale (Resource Protection Deputy Director, STA).

The primary goal of this position is to support the research relationship between SSSC and STA by facilitating communications and coordination between appropriate staff at the two entities as well as with external researchers planning work in the Sheet’ká/Sitka area. This may include developing, maintaining, and managing external partnerships, assisting with providing guidance in common principles for respectful and reciprocal relationship with Tribal governments and Indigenous and rural communities, and coordinating partner logistics to ensure project deliverables are met on time and in full.

Where appropriate, the Partnership Manager will also help advise SSSC staff and external partners on respectful and reciprocal relationship approaches with other Tribes and rural communities throughout the region. The Partnership Manager will assist in identifying Requests for Applications (RFAs) and possible external project partners to address research priorities, and will work collaboratively with STA staff to identify and apply for grants and plan projects.

• Foster and maintain open communication pathways to support an active research relationship between SSSC and STA
• Advise and guide scientists doing work in the Sitka area on appropriate approaches for research that honors STA sovereignty and protocols.
• At the discretion of the steering committee participate in relevant events workshops to help understand Tribal and community needs and priorities. Incumbent may also take the lead on organizing and/or facilitating sessions and workshops.
• 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 SSSC/STA 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.
• Assist with field research.
• Participate in weekly Research Team meetings at SSSC, occasional STA Resource Protection Dept meetings and monthly Natural Resource committee meetings at STA; listen and report back on works in progress.
• Participate in literature reviews and exploring other case studies on how field stations can more effectively partner with Tribal entities
• As requested by partners, assist with presentations and other storytelling opportunities to increase awareness of research projects and partnership opportunities
• Assist in grant reporting requirements
• Where appropriate, provide guidance to SSSC staff and external partners on appropriate principles and practices for partnership with Tribes & Indigenous and rural communities across Southeast Alaska

Applicants are expected to have a bachelor’s degree with preference given to those with an advanced degree. Applicant should have prior experience working for or with Tribal governments or strong familiarity with Federal Indian Law and/or Tribal Law. 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…