Yah Leadership Program

Cook Inlet Region, Inc . is seeking a talented candidate to join the Yah (Dena'ina: "grow") Leadership Program.

Cook Inlet Region, Inc ., also known as CIRI, is one of 12 land-based Alaska Native regional corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). CIRI’s regional boundaries roughly follow the traditional Dena’ina territory of Southcentral Alaska. CIRI was incorporated on June 8, 1972, and is owned today by a diverse group of more than 9,500 Shareholders who live in Alaska and throughout the world.

CIRI offers excellent benefits for eligible employees. Benefits include paid holidays, paid time off, 401K with employer match, dental, vision, health insurance plans through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program, as well as life and disability benefits.

CIRI only accepts applications through our online career page at
Program Overview

In alignment with CIRI’s mission, values and policies, this multi-year program is designed to provide CIRI Shareholders and confirmed Descendants professional growth, senior and executive leadership-level development, and expand CIRI, and its affiliates, senior and executive leadership talent pool. During the program's first year, the successful candidate will be placed at CIRI and directly report to the CEO. In addition to the CIRI President, a CIRI executive will be assigned to mentor the successful candidate for the duration of the program. An individual development plan will be created based on the successful candidate’s interests and skills. The individual development plan will help guide the successful candidate through the program. CIRI will support the successful candidate’s placement within CIRI and with CIRI subsidiaries during the program.

During year one of the program, the Yah will receive exposure to and learn various executive-level leadership skills, including an understanding of CIRI’s business lines and strategy, operations, and ANCSA/mission-critical programs and benefits. S/he will provide senior and executive level leadership support to the CIRI executive leadership team (ELT), serve as a liaison between internal/external contacts and the CIRI ELT, and help oversee special projects. Additionally, s/he will represent CIRI at business, community, and Shareholder and Descendant meetings and events. The ideal candidate will value innovation, creativity and strategic thinking, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Major Activities

- Serve as a bridge for communication between the executive leadership team and internal CIRI departments, maintaining credibility, trust, and support among CIRI staff and leadership.

- Work closely with the executive leadership team, including managing special projects.

- Participate as an adjunct member of the executive leadership team, including scheduling and attending meetings.

- Ensure the executive leadership team is well-informed and well-prepared for upcoming meetings and commitments related to assigned projects.

- Prioritize conflicting needs and handle matters expeditiously and proactively, including those raised by the executive leadership team, and matters of a sensitive or confidential nature.

- Draft correspondence and reports as needed.

- Work with the communications team to coordinate strategic communications for diverse audiences regarding the executive leadership team’s outreach efforts and activities.

- Follow up on contacts made by the executive leadership team. Lead efforts to build and maintain strategic relationships within CIRI and with CIRI-affiliated entities, current and potential business partners, and the community.

- Support education efforts related to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and CIRI’s history and unique model of self-determination.

- Participate in learning opportunities to enhance skills.

- Attend ELT, Board, and Shareholder meetings and events.

- Travel frequently with the executive leadership team.

- Perform other duties as