The Special Projects Director serves as the leader responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and overseeing high-priority infrastructure, environmental, energy, transportation, resilience, and strategic development initiatives for the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska.

This position provides strategic leadership and project oversight for Tribal capital projects, infrastructure development, environmental initiatives in partnership with the Environmental Director, grant-funded projects, and intergovernmental partnerships. The Special Projects Director works closely with federal and state agencies, contractors, engineers, consultants, community stakeholders, and funding partners to ensure projects are successfully completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with all applicable requirements.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Project Oversight

• Lead and oversee Tribal infrastructure, environmental, transportation, energy, and strategic development projects.
• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, performance measures, and implementation strategies.
• Advise Tribal leadership on project opportunities, funding sources, risks, and priorities.
• Develop partnerships with federal, state, Tribal, and community stakeholders.

Grants, Compliance & Administration

• Identify, pursue, and manage grant and funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, regulations, permits, and funding agreements.
• Monitor project budgets, expenditures, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare      reports      and      updates      for      Tribal       leadership      and       funding      agencies.

Project Implementation & Coordination

• Coordinate project activities with Tribal departments, contractors, engineers, consultants, and partner agencies.

• Monitor project progress and ensure timely completion of milestones and objectives.

• Support environmental review, permitting, and regulatory compliance processes.

• Maintain systems for tracking project performance, expenditures, and outcomes.

Community Engagement & Representation

• Represent the Tribe at meetings, conferences, site visits, and partner engagements.
• Facilitate communication among project partners, community stakeholders, and Tribal leadership.
• Promote projects that support Tribal priorities, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.

Qualifications Education

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Project Management, Public Administration, Construction Management, Planning, or related field preferred.
• The Tribe recognizes that valuable knowledge may be gained through professional experience, technical expertise, military service, community leadership, training, and lived experience. Relevant combinations may be substituted for formal educational requirements.

Experience

• Five (5) years' experience managing infrastructure, environmental, transportation, energy, construction, or capital improvement projects.
• Experience working with federal and state agencies, contractors, engineers, and consultants.
• Experience working with Tribal governments or Alaska Native organizations preferred.

Work Environment Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Alaska-based candidates preferred, with preference for applicants located in Unalaska.
• Remote work may be considered with required travel obligations.

Qualifications Education

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Environmental Science, Project Management, Public Administration, Construction Management, Planning, or related field preferred.
• The Tribe recognizes that valuable knowledge may be gained through professional experience, technical expertise, military service, community leadership, training, and lived experience. Relevant combinations may be substituted for formal educational requirements.

Experience

• Five (5) years' experience managing infrastructure, environmental, transportation, energy, construction, or capital improvement projects.
• Experience working with federal and state agencies, contractors, engineers, and consultants.
• Experience working with Tribal governments or Alaska Native organizations preferred.

Work Environment Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Alaska-based candidates preferred, with preference for applicants located in Unalaska.
• Remote work may be considered with required travel obligations.