Educational Specialist (0097391T & 0097622T, CTAHR/GoFarm HI)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Educational Specialist will provide business guidance and technical assistance to established and aspiring farmers as part of GoFarm Hawai`i (GFH). This role involves applying expert judgment to tailor support for diverse client needs, including financial planning, market access, and operational challenges. The specialist will conduct business and market research, leveraging resources from CTAHR and other entities to develop business and marketing plans. They will also develop and implement agribusiness curriculum and tools for educational workshops, both in-person and virtual. The position requires identifying and developing innovative solutions to support farm business viability, managing multiple projects independently, and demonstrating a high level of initiative and self-motivation with minimal supervision. Coordination of workshops, events, and sessions, cultivation of relationships with producers and stakeholders, tracking client outcomes, and supporting the grant development process are also key responsibilities. The role involves close collaboration with the GFH team and providing support to program management.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Business, Marketing, Management, Agriculture or related field and 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for business operation, management, training program management, or advising; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of agriculture 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 business operations and management.
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, and Google Suite products.
Strong record of self-directed work and experience operating autonomously in a dynamic, multi-project environment.
Demonstrated ability to apply sound judgment in analyzing business needs and advising diverse stakeholders.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to make timely, informed, and effective decisions.
Demonstrated initiative and self-direction in managing responsibilities and proactively identifying opportunities for improvement.
Demonstrated ability to manage work priorities and projects.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of farm business operations and management in Hawaii.
Knowledge of marketing and sales of agricultural products in Hawaii.
Demonstrated ability to lead, plan, organize, and support multiple projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to develop and conduct creative and effective educational experiences and content.
Established network of Hawaii-serving agricultural organizations and Hawaii-based producers.
Experience with writing and managing federal grants.
Demonstrated experience in client consulting or advising roles requiring independent judgment and decision-making.
Experience with developing and analyzing business plans, financial projections and cash flows, marketing and sales strategy.
Experience with developing presentations and presenting to the public or teaching adult learners.
Experience with social media and outreach and/or marketing and brand development.
Knowledge of business processes and practices including management, finance, and marketing.

Responsibilities

Provides business guidance and technical assistance to both established and aspiring farmers in as part of GoFarm Hawai`i (GFH), applying expert judgment to tailor support based on diverse client needs, including financial planning, market access, and operational challenges.
Conducts business and market research while leveraging available resources from CTAHR and elsewhere to develop business and marketing plans and recommendations.
Develops and implements agribusiness curriculum and tools for educational workshops (including in-person and virtual classroom instruction).
Identifies and develops innovative solutions to support farm business viability, drawing from market trends, funding opportunities, and client insights.
Independently manages multiple projects and deliverables simultaneously.
Demonstrates a high level of initiative and self-motivation in identifying needs, creating solutions, and advancing program goals with minimal supervision.
Coordinates and manages workshops, events, and sessions.
Cultivates trusted relationships with producers, stakeholders, and community partners to ensure the relevance and long-term impact of business support services.
Tracks client outcomes and uses data to inform program improvements and demonstrate impact.
Supports the grant development process, including through the generation of new project ideas, and assists with proposal preparation and reporting.
Works closely with GFH team to effectively and efficiently design and complete program activities.
Provides support to program management with any ongoing GFH operations.
Other duties as assigned.