DescriptionThis position is located either in Bristol Bay region or in AnchorageThe Project Manager for Community Infrastructure & Development will play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure projects and opportunities across the Bristol Bay region. This position is designed to address the unique challenges of the region's decentralized structure, isolated small communities with diverse needs in infrastructure, energy, housing, transportation, and broadband. The Project Manager for Community Infrastructure & Development will work with the region's communities to advance their priority projects and leverage resources and networks to ensure there is meaningful engagement, collaboration, and execution of critical projects.
The successful candidate will lead efforts to develop, deploy and update the Bristol Bay Connect Project Database, a centralized repository for economic development projects and opportunities, while fostering relationships with communities, tribes, village corporations, and other entities.
This role requires frequent travel to/within the region, with a special focus on engaging communities that are often underserved or less frequently visited.
Responsibilities- Project Management and Resource Mobilization
- Leverage resources in support of community infrastructure projects.
- Develop and implement processes to bring concepts or ideas from inception to funding and execution.
- Identify and engage third-party contractors to assist with infrastructure projects and regional priorities, as needed.
- Act as a trusted and reliable connector of resources (money, people, projects) to support the region's needs.
- Bristol Bay Connect Database - Development and Deployment
- Oversee the successful completion and deployment of the Bristol Bay Connect Database, ensuring it serves as a comprehensive, up-to-date resource for economic development projects and opportunities.
- Regularly update the Bristol Bay Connect Project Database with critical information about projects, funding opportunities, and regional priorities.
- Community Engagement and Relationship Building
- Lead meaningful direct engagement with communities, particularly those more challenging to visit. Build and maintain strong in-region relationships.
- Assess community infrastructure needs, identify key stakeholders, and eliminate obstacles to project execution by connecting resources and fostering collaboration.
- Drive collaboration and facilitate dialogue and planning within and between Bristol Bay communities and regional partners to share information, collaborate on projects, and build economies of scale.
- Be a primary point of contact for communities responding to unexpected emergencies (e.g., infrastructure, energy, fuel) and link them with external expertise and resources.
- Facilitate meetings with community leaders and stakeholders to share project information, funding opportunities, and workforce development strategies.
- Make community presentations regarding planning, project design, and implementation.
- Communicate relevant changes in local, state, and federal policies that could impact in-region projects and opportunities.
General Expectations- Operate with autonomy and limited supervision, with significant impact on Bristol Bay's infrastructure and regional development priorities.
- Frequent travel to Bristol Bay communities for in-person engagement with community leaders.
- Interact with people at all levels, including community leaders, contractors, and government officials.
- Promote collaboration and teamwork across communities and stakeholders.
Requirements- Expertise in rural project management, particularly in energy, transportation, housing, and broadband infrastructure.
- Significant familiarity and work experience in rural Alaska.
- Demonstrated ability to connect resources (people, funds, entities) to support rural projects.
- Experience working with third-party contractors.
- Commensurate educational or vocational background.
Preferences/Skills/Abilities- Candidates with a strong background or degrees in engineering or project management with the ability to develop actionable plans and execute them effectively.
- Good relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster trust and collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.
- Ability to plan and coordinate the work of contractors and consultants, review project plans, and evaluate specifications, schedules, and budgets.
- Familiarity with state and federal financial and technical assistance resources, including grants.
- Task-oriented with the ability to set goals, monitor progress, and complete projects in challenging environments.
- Analytical skills to assess community needs and translate discussions into actionable plans.
- Willingness to travel frequently to/within rural Alaska and work in remote settings.
Physical Demands- Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Requires regular use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
- Must be able to communicate clearly in person, over the phone, and via email.
- Occasionally requires walking, bending, kneeling, or reaching.
- Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
