Program Coordinator I - Aina Pathway (Keahuolu)

Liliʻuokalani Trust•Kailua-Kona, HI

About The Position

The Program Coordinator I for the ʻĀina Pathway supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of ʻāina-based, culturally grounded youth development programs at Keahuolū. The role combines direct engagement with kamalei and families with program operations, including planning, logistics, data collection and reporting, documentation, partnership development, and continuous quality improvement. Programming promotes positive youth development, social-emotional learning, leadership, and ʻohana well-being, and is integrated with Keahuolū’s wraparound support services. Working as an extension of the Natural Resources team, the coordinator translates the team’s restoration strategy, Annual Work Plan, and seasonal schedules into meaningful youth experiences across Keahuolū’s ecological zones. Activities may include seed collection, propagation, outplanting, invasive species removal, ecological monitoring, and other hands-on mālama ʻāina and cultural practices. The role helps kamalei develop practical skills, self-identity, connection to place, and a sense of kuleana, while ensuring their participation contributes to restoration outcomes. The coordinator works with the Natural Resources team, Keahuolū Leadership, fellow Pathway Coordinators, organizational colleagues, and community partners to provide safe, accessible, engaging experiences shaped by youth interests, strengths, and emerging needs. The position represents Liliʻuokalani Trust and Keahuolū in community settings and contributes to the organization’s mission and its vision of supporting kamalei in discovering pathways to passion, purpose, and prosperity. The position reports to the Manager, Keahuolū Programs. It is full-time and exempt. Occasional travel across Hawaiʻi Island, inter-island, and out of state may be required. The role requires outdoor work in varied weather and terrain, and light physical activity, including lifting up to 25 pounds. Employment is subject to LT policies and procedures, and the job description may change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Psychology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Hawaiian Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two to five years of experience working with youth or in community programs.
Demonstrated commitment to working with Native Hawaiian communities and youth.
Extensive experience in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Youth Development (PYD), leadership, development programming, and working with diverse populations.
Demonstrated ability to design programs, manage operations, and evaluate effectiveness.
Strong communication, facilitation, data management, and organizational skills.
High accuracy when handling paperwork and data entry.
Ability to lead group activities and maintain safe, engaging environments.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Ability to collaborate effectively in team settings.
Valid driver’s license, clean traffic abstract, and access to a privately owned automobile with valid no-fault insurance.
TB clearance required.
First Aid and CPR/AED Certification required.
Criminal history background check required as part of the pre-employment process.
Ability to travel occasionally across the island, inter-island, and out of state as required.
Ability to perform light physical work, including climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in sun and/or rain, on uneven surfaces and varied terrain.
Ability to collaborate with youth, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams and knowledge of community resources and services.
Ability to model ethical behavior, integrity, and social responsibility and uphold LT values.
Strong written, oral, and listening skills; ability to communicate clearly, engage listeners, and invite feedback.
Ability to respect and relate well to people from varied backgrounds and be sensitive to group differences.
Experience working with staff at all levels in a collaborative environment and ability to foster positive workplace relationships.
Ability to work under pressure and remain calm and controlled in challenging situations.
Understanding and appreciation of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s story and legacy and Hawaiian culture, and respect for Hawaiian values, history, and culture in work with children, families, and communities.
Commitment to continuous learning and improvement, effective communication, critical thinking and problem solving, innovation, relationship-building, teamwork, and capacity-building.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Hawaiian ecosystems and native plant and animal species.
Experience in ʻāina-based education, conservation, or restoration field work.

Responsibilities

Lead and work with the Natural Resources team to plan, coordinate, implement, and continuously improve the Keahuolū ʻĀina Pathway.
Develop responsive programming informed by youth voice, participant interests, community needs, organizational priorities, and natural resource management plans.
Align pathway activities with the Natural Resources Annual Work Plan and seasonal propagation cycle so youth participation supports restoration priorities.
Create and maintain pathway schedules, activity plans, curriculum frameworks, workshops, events, and engagement opportunities.
Ensure programs reflect positive youth development, social-emotional learning, cultural grounding, and Keahuolū’s vision.
Collaborate with Keahuolū Leadership and fellow Pathway Coordinators to integrate and align pathway offerings.
Meet regularly with the Natural Resources team to co-plan activities, share schedules, and coordinate field sites and resources.
Work alongside the Natural Resources team in stewardship activities, including nursery work, invasive species removal, outplanting, and monitoring.
Co-design and facilitate ʻāina-based learning across Keahuolū’s ecological zones, drawing on Natural Resources staff expertise.
Create opportunities for kamalei to participate in ecological monitoring, data collection, analysis, and storytelling through data.
Coordinate community volunteer workdays and ʻāina-based events involving kamalei, ʻohana, and community members.
Connect kamalei with natural resource and conservation career pathways through partner agencies, organizations, cultural practitioners, and universities.
Build and maintain trusting relationships with kamalei, ʻohana, community members, and partners.
Facilitate activities, workshops, and events that provide safe, welcoming, and engaging experiences and foster youth voice, leadership, belonging, and positive identity.
Support outreach, recruitment, retention, and ongoing engagement.
Represent Liliʻuokalani Trust and Keahuolū at community events, partnership meetings, and outreach opportunities.
Coordinate daily pathway operations, including logistics, facilities, supplies, equipment, vendors, transportation, and activity preparation.
Develop and monitor pathway budgets and expenditures according to organizational guidelines.
Coordinate guest practitioners, volunteers, contractors, and community partners supporting programming.
Maintain safe environments and comply with program standards, safety protocols, and organizational procedures.
Support participant enrollment, attendance, and general program operations.
Maintain accurate and timely enrollment, attendance, participation, and outcome data; ensure quality and integrity of documentation, reporting, and data entry.
Implement evaluation tools and feedback processes with Keahuolū Leadership and LT’s Impact & Evaluation team.
Analyze participation trends, evaluation findings, and youth feedback to inform program improvements.
Prepare reports, summaries, and data-informed recommendations about pathway performance and impact.
Collect youth participation, volunteer hours, and stewardship activity data for natural resource reporting and shared accounts of ecological and youth outcomes.
Collaborate with Natural Resources, Keahuolū Leadership, fellow coordinators, LT teammates, and community partners to strengthen pathway offerings and wraparound supports.
Build and maintain strategic community partnerships that expand opportunities, resources, and experiences for kamalei and ʻohana.
Maintain awareness of youth interests, industry trends, and relevant best practices; participate in Communities of Practice, professional development, and organizational initiatives.
Drive staff, beneficiaries, and/or families to assigned destinations for organization-related business.
Foster education, job training, and professional development opportunities for the team.
Provide program coverage and ongoing support for Keahuolū staff as needed.
Accept new assignments, help team members, learn new skills, and collaborate toward the Trust’s strategic goals.