Yah Program

Yah (Dena’ina: “Grow”) Program

CIRI Shareholder and Descendant leadership development program

Program Overview

Designed to identify potential leaders, encourage creativity and innovation, and empower those looking to play a key role in CIRI’s business operations and future success, the Yah Program prepares CIRI Shareholders and confirmed Descendants for executive leadership roles within CIRI, CIRI subsidiaries and affiliate organizations. Participants will learn about CIRI’s business lines, strategy and operations, and ANCSA/mission-critical programs, benefits and services.

The Yah Program is a five-to-seven-year program. During the first year, participants will be placed with CIRI as the Yah Executive and report to the CEO. In addition, an individual development plan will be created based on the participant’s interests and skills. This development plan will help guide the participant through the remainder of the program. CIRI will support the participant’s placement within CIRI and with CIRI subsidiaries, affiliate organizations and external business partners.

Deadline
Applications for the Yah Program are accepted year-round. Up to two full-time Yah Executive positions are allocated for the program annually and filled as needed. The priority application deadline for the 2025 Yah Program cohort is Thursday, July 31.

Duration, location and timeline

• Five-to-seven-year program

• Year one placement in Anchorage, Alaska; Washington, D.C.; or fully remote

• Frequent and regular travel required

• Internal or external placement rotation after the program’s first year

• Mentorship from an assigned CIRI executive for the duration of the program

Eligibility

• Must be a CIRI Shareholder or confirmed Descendant

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

• Master’s or Juris Doctor degree in a relevant field preferred

• Minimum seven years’ experience in business, finance, legal or a related field

• Minimum two years’ supervisory experience

• Knowledge of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Alaska Native cultures preferred

Ideal candidates

• Strong desire to learn and grow professionally

• Commitment to the program and to CIRI’s mission, vision and values

• Thrives in fast-paced and demanding environments

• Flexible; enthusiastically embraces change

• Innovative, strategic and future-focused