"Director of Kenai Peninsula College"

Director of Kenai Peninsula College

Company:
University of Alaska Anchorage

Job Location:

Category:
Other Executive

Type:
Full-Time

At the helm of KPC is the Director, who oversees all aspects of its operations and represents both KPC and UAA to internal and external stakeholders. Reporting directly to the UAA Chancellor, the Director works closely with the Provost, Vice Chancellors, and Deans, providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to ensure KPC's mission and goals are achieved. The Director is responsible for advancing and supporting UAA's Strategic Plans and institutional priorities, fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence, and serving as the primary budget authority for KPC's $17.7 million annual budget.

As the primary advocate for KPC within the broader UAA structure, the Director ensures that the programs and initiatives offered through KPC remain responsive to both local community needs and university-wide objectives. The Director champions KPC's commitment to accessible education and workforce development by cultivating strong partnerships with industry, government, tribal, school district, and community organizations, and by supporting faculty and staff in delivering high-quality educational experiences to all students.

Kenai Peninsula College (KPC), an essential community campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), stands as a vibrant and innovative campus dedicated to meeting the educational and workforce needs of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula and beyond. With a service area spanning over 25,000 square miles-including the Kenai Peninsula Borough into Anchorage-KPC is committed to expanding access and providing a welcoming environment for our student population.

KPC operates across multiple locations: the Kenai River Campus in Soldotna, the Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer, and the Resurrection Bay Extension Site in Seward. These facilities collectively offer over 260,000 square feet of learning space, including a recently reopened residence hall on the Kenai River Campus, providing students with a supportive and engaging on-campus living experience.

Embracing UAA's role as Alaska's dual mission university, KPC is uniquely positioned to provide both university bachelor's degree pathways and career focused training. Students can pursue various University of Alaska Anchorage degrees right here on the Kenai Peninsula, whether they are beginning their higher education journey or seeking to advance their careers. Alongside traditional academic programs, KPC offers robust career and technical education, with hands on training in fields such as welding, instrumentation, process technology, para-medicine, and certified nursing assistance-programs designed to meet the evolving needs of Alaska's industries and communities.

KPC's impact is reflected in its numbers: In Spring 2025, KPC enrolled 2,431 students who completed 11,448 credit hours. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the university awarded 19 Occupational Endorsement Certificates, 9 Undergraduate Certificates, 38 associate degrees (AA, AAS), and 41 GEDs at KPC. The campus employs 228 dedicated faculty and staff, including 28 full-time faculty, 74 full- and part-time staff, 93 adjunct faculty, 15 temporary staff, and 18 student employees.

To thrive in this role, the successful applicant will communicate clearly and effectively, in a variety of settings and to multiple audiences. They will unite individuals with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives into a cohesive group, fostering collaboration and shared purpose. The successful applicant will anticipate challenges, set clear goals, and execute well-thought-out plans with precision. They will balance the need to consult widely in a shared governance model with the need to occasionally make more immediate decisions, all while maintaining a focus on long-term stability. Above all, they will excel in building community, creating an environment where people feel valued, connected, and motivated to contribute toward a common vision.

Minimum Qualifications:

A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution plus three to five years of administrative leadership experience, including program planning, budget management, and the development and management of personnel.

A doctorate (or equivalent terminal degree) is preferred. Administrative leadership experience in higher education/post-secondary setting is strongly preferred. Successful applicants must provide official transcripts documenting academic credentials required for the position as a condition of employment.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Kenai Peninsula College campus in Soldotna, Alaska. This is a full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. Salary is commensurate based on education and experience.

Review of applicants will begin on 2/9/2026. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references with your application.

• To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.
• If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Helen Sale, HR Coordinator, at 907-786-6885.
• To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.