Program Coordinator

Location: Honolulu, Hybrid (open to considering remote position for neighbor island residents)

Reports to: Program Manager

Classification: Full Time/Non-Exempt

Kupu's Story

Kupu, which means "to sprout" or "to grow" in Hawaiian, has a two-fold mission: to preserve the land while empowering youth. The organization provides hands-on training in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education for young adults, with the goal of fostering our next generation of environmental and cultural stewards. Kupu's work has been likened to the role of the kupukupu fern, which is one of the first plants to recultivate the land after a lava flow. The fern not only serves as a foundational species for rebuilding a healthy, native ecosystem, but it also symbolizes a place where knowledge can grow.

Established in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai'i. Kupu accomplishes this by partnering with conservation and sustainability focused agencies throughout the state and pacific in providing hands-on service opportunities which educate and mentor young adults and emerging professionals to become stewards of our communities and environment. Since 2007, Kupu has risen to meet the increasing demands of the green job sector by engaging over 3,000 youth in the areas of conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. Kupu affirms the Hawaiian notion of "ma ka hana ka ʻike" or "in working one learns." This approach has led to the creation of hundreds of service-learning opportunities which assists in the development of Hawai'i's emerging professionals in the green job sector while supporting over 150 conservation and sustainability organizations across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.

Kupu's Mission

"To empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage integrity (pono) with Ke Akua, self, and others"

Kupu's CHOSEN Values

C Character

H Humility

O 'Ohana

S Service

E Excellence

N Nobility

Position Overview

The Program Coordinator plays an instrumental role in the planning, preparation, and execution of Kupu's programs. As the general point of contact to Kupu's partner agencies and participants, Program Coordinators act as the medium between program stakeholders and Kupu. In this role, Program Coordinators work with both partner agency staff and program participants in order to ensure a fruitful and successful program opportunity. Program Coordinators also play a pivotal role in the coordination and facilitation of program events and functions (e.g. orientations, trainings, service projects, etc.) as well as recruitment, outreach and in some cases selection into the program.

The ʻĀina Corps program is a new initiative that provides temporary employment for those who are interested in exploring environmental and sustainability related work. Positions with Kupu are available at conservation and agriculture-based host sites throughout the islands of Hawaiʻi. Kupu's network of partner organizations and agencies can offer unique and exciting positions in various fields, including ornithology, botany, natural and aquatic resource management, marine biology, Hawaiian cultural studies, agricultural science and more

Emulate Kupu's Values

• Conducts oneself with aloha and drive Kupu's culture.
• Conducts oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu's mission.
• Serves as a role model for Kupu's culture, mission, and CHOSEN Values.

Program Coordination & Planning:

• Collaborates with program team in planning, preparation, and logistics for program events (orientations, service projects, workshops, trainings, etc.)
• Develops and prepares materials and content for program events (handbooks, presentations, activities, etc.)
• Partners with program team in presentation and facilitation of program events
• Acts as lead to program participants for program events and activities

Program Maintenance & Development

• Partners with program staff in evaluating and improving program systems, procedures, processes, etc. in order to better accomplish program goals
• Identifies areas of need and improvement to better serve program stakeholders

Partner and Participant Coordination

• Acts as point of contact for program participants and partner agency
• Actively maintains and upholds Kupu's relationships with program stakeholders throughout the state, including but not limited to partner agencies and program participants
• Maintains healthy lines of communication with program partners and participants, consistently engaging with them through regular check-ins and promptly addressing their inquiries
• Facilitates a positive experience for both program partners and participants
• Assists in developing new partnerships in alignment with Kupu's goals and mission
• Assists in the vetting and selection process for programs as needed
• Provides guidance and support to program participants and partners

Data and Administrative Tasks

• Ensures timely completion and submission of all program administrative requirements (including data reports, timesheets, paperwork, etc.)
• Ensures the quality and accuracy of submitted program requirements
• Assists in data evaluation for program reporting requirements
• Maintains statistical information on program performance
• Partners with Administrative team in ensuring program requirements are successfully completed and submitted by partner sites and/or participants

Recruiting & Outreach

• Partners with Kupu staff in identifying and scheduling relevant recruiting & outreach opportunities
• Acts as a representative of Kupu at relevant outreach and recruitment events
• Assists in the creation of recruiting, outreach, and social media content
• Supports recruitment efforts for Kupu programs and opportunities
• Conducts program presentations
• Partners with team in ensuring program positions are filled
• Travels throughout the state as needed to meet with partner sites and members, as well as to promote Kupu's programs

Other duties as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be available full-time Monday through Friday, as well as possible weekends, evenings, and periodic neighbor island travel.
• Must meet Kupu's criminal history check requirements.
• Possess at minimum a high school diploma.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Experience with project or program planning and coordination and/or building relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong team player with a collaborative mindset.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Highly effective communicator (both verbal and written), including ability to effectively communicate with external partners.
• Exceptional organization and prioritization skills.
• Self-driven individual willing and able to operate with multiple projects and deadlines.
• Possesses exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Possess a valid driver's license and meet Kupu's driving abstract requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Demonstrated experience and/or commitment to the natural resource management and sustainability field.
• Relevant experience working with target program demographic (Typically recent college/high school graduates, current college students, emerging professionals, etc.)
• Experience in a professional mentorship and/or career counseling setting.
• Experience with event planning and facilitation.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay range: $ $20.19 per hour based on experience
• Employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• PTO
• Eligible for 401(k) plan after one year of service and 1,000 hours of service
• Lifestyle benefits (gym reimbursement, ticket discounts, etc.)

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to lift 35 lbs.
• Ability to work in outdoor settings with wind, rain and sun exposure.
• Ability to hike, walk, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, or squat occasionally.

*In accordance with Federal Law, Kupu is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability