Lands Director - Kuukpik Corporation

Kuukpik Corporation•Nuiqsut, AK

About The Position

The Lands Director is responsible for implementing the Board of Directors’ vision for the long-term governance, protection, and stewardship of Kuukpik Corporation lands. This role is distinct from regulatory permitting and focuses on land protection, land use strategy, and proactive land management in alignment with Kuukpik’s cultural values, shareholder interests, and future sustainability goals. The Lands Director serves as the primary land stewardship authority for Kuukpik Corporation, ensuring land protection policies, land use strategies, and land management programs are developed, implemented, and enforced in accordance with Board-approved direction and ANCSA requirements.

Requirements

High School Diploma required, Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred
Experience in land management, land protection, ANCSA issues, or related governance functions.
Strong understanding of land governance, land protection, and ANCSA-related land management
Ability to translate Board vision into actionable land policies and programs
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently with a high level of accountability
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, including government agencies and community interests
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.

Nice To Haves

The ability to speak and understand the Inupiaq language preferred

Responsibilities

Administer and enforce Kuukpik’s Land Protection Plan, including issuance, denial, suspension, and revocation of internal land use permits.
Develop, recommend, and implement land protection policies, land use standards, and governance frameworks for Board review and approval.
Provide regular reports and briefings to executive leadership and the Board regarding land use activities, risks, compliance issues, and emerging land protection concerns.
Oversee and report on uses of Kuukpik lands by oil companies and their contractors and subcontractors under existing land use agreements.
Oversee and monitor all uses of Kuukpik lands, including activities by oil and gas companies, contractors, subcontractors, shareholders, and community members, to ensure compliance with land use agreements and Board-approved land policies.
Lead compliance monitoring and enforcement actions for violations of Kuukpik land use policies, permits, and surface access agreements.
Proactively identify land protection issues related to housing development, wildlife impacts, environmental concerns, subsistence activities, access corridors, and long-term land sustainability.
Coordinate land management efforts to balance economic development with protection of subsistence resources, cultural sites, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Participate in long-range land use planning, including homestead/allotment planning, land selection strategies, and protection of culturally and environmentally significant lands.
Support executive leadership and legal counsel in negotiations related to Kuukpik land use agreements and surface access agreements.
Monitor federal and state oil and gas lease sales and other development activities that may affect Kuukpik lands, resources, or future land use opportunities.
Assist in addressing remaining ANCSA Section 14(c) issues and other ANCSA-related land matters.
Ensure land management activities align with ANCSA requirements, Board directives, and applicable federal and state regulations.
Attend village, borough, state, and project-related meetings regarding land issues as needed.
Collaborate closely with the Permitting Director to ensure clear separation and coordination between land governance/protection and regulatory permitting functions.
All other duties as assigned.