Alaska Fellows Program - Alaska Travel Industry Association Sustainable Tourism Fellow

Alaska Fellows Program position description

Alaska Travel Industry Association

Sustainable Tourism Fellow

Anchorage, AK

This position is part of the Alaska Fellows Program. All fellows live together, “in community,” in their respective host site. Each host site is unique and remarkable.

Fellows receive housing, a $1200 monthly living stipend and a $750 relocation stipend. The fellowship includes facilitated and funded opening and closing retreats.

For other questions about the application process, email applications@alaskafellows.org. 

Work Term: September 1,  2025 – May 31,  2026

Location: Anchorage, AK

Host: Alaska Travel Industry Association

Contact: Jeff Samuels, Director of Policy and Communications
jsamuels@alaskatia.org

Title: Sustainable Tourism Fellow

Organization Description: The Alaska Travel Industry Association is the state’s leading industry organization for travel-related businesses and supporters. Made up of about 600 members representing businesses both large and small across the state, ATIA works to increase the economic impact of tourism in Alaska and is the respected voice of the industry, advocating on behalf of our members on issues impacting businesses and communities.

Mission: The Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) will be the leading industry organization promoting Alaska as a top visitor destination, communicating and promoting the Alaskan tourism industry as one of the state’s major economic forces, and will be the respected voice of the industry for the growth of the industry, while remaining stewards of the state’s natural resources, cultures, and Alaska’s unique quality of life.

Position Description: The Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) ‐ the leading statewide association for travel and tourism in Alaska – is looking for an enthusiastic team member to support the Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) program. AGA is a voluntary certification program for tourism businesses operating in Alaska that meet standards of economic, environmental, and social sustainability. It has also been the only sustainable certification program in Alaska since 2008. AGA encourages tourism businesses to evaluate their operations and determine whether they use – or could be using – best sustainable management practices. 

ATIA’s Adventure Green Alaska Program Fellow will take the lead on managing the AGA program and member businesses, including program applications and renewals, and maintaining communication and potentially making field visits to tourism businesses while communicating the value of sustainable tourism. They will also help coordinate, schedule, and take minutes of advisory committees, and maintain AGA contacts and databases. This team member will ensure the program adheres to Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards and will evaluate, research, and implement next steps for creating a higher tier of AGA certification. Additionally, they will take part in AGA outreach for new members and promoting the program. This person is comfortable communicating externally with partners, internally with ATIA team members, and with board or other senior leaders.

The Sustainable Tourism Fellow will provide support to other programming at ATIA. This team member will assist in the management of the ATIA Foundation Student Scholarship, involving promotion and outreach, collection of information from applicants, communication with donors, and scholarship announcements. They will also support other staff in the planning and hosting of ATIA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show in October.

The ideal candidate demonstrates time management skills, is highly detailed‐oriented, loves being part of a quality team of professionals and thrives in a fast‐changing environment. The ATIA team member must have the ability and comfort level to work independently and be on‐site (Anchorage location) primarily. 

Qualifications: This position is relationship-based and people-oriented. Qualified applicants will have: experience with community outreach and engagement; strong communication skills; strong writing skills a plus; initiative and high attention to detail; and a passion for building relationships, and a passion for sustainability and / or tourism development.

Requirements: 

• Experience using Microsoft Office with strong skills in Excel and managing multiple databases (preferred) 

• Excellent time management skills and the ability to multi‐task and prioritize 

• Uber attention to details 

• Strong and independent work ethic, ability to take initiative 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Grand sense of humor and passion and/or curiosity for travel!

Work Environment:This position will be hybrid with 4 days a week working from the ATIA office and 1 day a week working from home. Position may include additional travel away from Anchorage.

Application Materials: A complete application should include a cover letter, resume, and two references.

Contact Information: Jeff Samuels, jsamuels@alaskatia.org

To Apply: Please complete the google form linked HERE including submitting all requested application materials.