Program Specialist

Program Specialist Location Leeward CC, Pearl City, HI Job Type Full-Time Temporary Job Number 2026-00990 Department Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation System Opening Date 05/14/2026 Closing Date 5/29/2026 11:59

PM Hawaii Position Number:

0097311

T Description Title:

Program Specialist Position Number:

0097311

T Hiring Unit:

Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Office of Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation (OIKI)

Location:

Leeward Community College Date Posted:

May 14, 2026

Closing Date:

May 29, 2026 @ 11:59pm

Band:

B Salary:

salary schedules and placement information

Additional Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Full Time/Part Time:

Full Time Month:

11 - month

Temporary/Permanent:

Temporary Other Conditions:

This position is annually renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance and/or availability of funding. Duties and Responsibilities (

Note:

• denotes Essential functions)
• Serves as an Program Specialist by developing programming and leading research initiatives for the Office of Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation, in collaboration with the Center for Indigenous and Innovative Health Excellence (CIIHE).
• Leads the initiative of applied research on historic and emergent practices for cultivating and managing strategic relationships and capital resources through an Indigenous lens.
• Conducts market research and competitive analysis around the Nature Finance Gap and Indigenous Innovation Investment Gap, developing and testing novel hypotheses, heuristics and algorithms for closing the gap.
• Identifies, cultivates and secures new strategic partnership prospects, expanding the organization's partner pipeline, network, strategy and financial investment in indigenous innovation and broader systems change initiatives.
• Develops, implements and manages novel program initiatives, informed by ongoing original research and strategic partnerships.
• Leads efforts to position the university as a trusted system orchestrator for positive community outcomes.
• Prepares and presents comprehensive reports, metrics and program outcomes to key leadership and partners as required.
• Assists in the collection and analysis of fiscal, budget, and program data and prepare various reports as required by management.
• Keep abreast of current University and RCUH policies, procedures, regulations, directives and State and Federal statutory requirements, i.e., Hawai'i Revised Statutes, Hawai`i Administrative Rules, and Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Ensures proper organization, retention and storage of pertinent records (e.g. establishing, maintaining and updating eFiles and archives).
• Assists with the planning and coordination of meetings, events, and projects.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Education and Professional Work Experience:

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities related to startup development, investment of catalytic capital, partnership development, community engagement, or applied research; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the areas of investment, finance, and startup and social enterprise development as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with in the areas of investment, finance, and startup and social enterprise development . Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software. If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations and individuals across diverse cultural and institutional contexts, such as cultural practitioners, academic colleagues, and executive-level leaders in the private sector. Demonstrated ability to use persuasion, negotiation and other communication strategies to skillfully and efficiently develop consensus, cooperation and shared action plans across diverse stakeholder groups. Experience in applied research, including literature review, stakeholder interviews, data synthesis, and production of framework/published reports. Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills, with strong multi-tasking ability and capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, relationship-driven work environment. Experience conceptualizing, developing and disseminating strategic communications content such as one-pagers, guides, and impact reports. Prepares and presents comprehensive reports, metrics, and program outcomes to key leadership and partners as required. Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in the areas of applied research, community-centered convening, and co-production of research, or related topics.

Desirable Qualifications:

Significant existing engagement, trust, and relationships with Native Hawaiian and broader Pacific Islander communities of practice. Advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in the areas of systems change and systems thinking, as demonstrated by broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles, and methodologies. Significant knowledge of and relationship with communities and organizations engaged in Indigenous Innovation, community-based research and systems change work. Significant experience designing and executing convenings, workshops, or collaborative initiatives that engage diverse stakeholders around shared goals and institutional strategy.

To Apply:

Select the "Apply" button in the top right corner of the screen; first-time NeoGov users will need to create an account. Please ensure your application includes the following materials:

Cover Letter:

A letter detailing your interest and how you meet both the minimum and desirable qualifications. All minimum qualifications must be met by the closing date to be considered.

Resume/CV:

A current professional resume or curriculum vitae.

Professional References:

The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three (3) professional references.

Unofficial Transcripts:

Copies of unofficial transcripts are required for the application, though official versions must be provided upon hire. Please note that copies of diplomas and academic summaries are not acceptable substitutes.

Foreign Credential Evaluation:

For degrees earned outside the U.S., you must provide a course-by-course analysis and equivalency statement from a NACES-member agency at your own expense.

Important Note:

To protect your privacy, do not include any photos, Social Security Numbers, or dates of birth in your packet. Only the most recent application will be reviewed, and all submitted materials become the property of the University of Hawai'i. Please ensure all documents are complete and legible to be considered by the search committee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Inquiries:

Rachelle Robley ; rrobley@hawaii.edu EEO, Clery Act, ADA The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/ Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/ , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request:

The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/ Employer University of Hawaii Website http://workatuh.hawaii.edu