(Casual Hire) Program Coordinator

University of Hawaii • Honolulu, HI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Coordinator (PC) is the central administrative role for DESCARTES, a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) program focused on core AI research and preparing the next generation of workers for an AI-infused workplace. The PC supports program components involving graduate students, faculty, curriculum, and implementation, adapting to changing needs as the program evolves. Approximately 60 students are expected to participate as trainees over the grant’s lifetime.

The position primarily provides administrative implementation of program goals in collaboration with NRT faculty and identifies strategies for carrying out those goals within University of Hawai’i regulations. The PC develops connections across the University to help the collaboration function smoothly and advance grant goals. The role is based at the College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, in Manoa, and is not remote. It is a temporary, part-time casual hire appointment for up to 19 hours per week at $29 per hour. The initial appointment is one year, subject to satisfactory progress in periodic reviews. Following a satisfactory evaluation at the end of that year, the employee may be invited to continue through the NRT project term, expected to end in July 2028 or 2029, with possible pay revisions subject to budget constraints.

The work involves diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty from multiple UH colleges, and participants from other NRT institutes. The program aims to transform education in response to potential changes in the workforce arising from AI. Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees, such as paid leave and holidays. Casual Hire appointments may last up to 89 days for full-time employees and up to one calendar year for part-time employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university in business, engineering, economics, computer science, or a related field; exceptional undergraduates may also be considered if proficient in AI tools and agents.
• One year of professional experience in research and education program administration, grant writing, economic development, or other professional research or instruction.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail, writing skills, and time management.
• Comfort and willingness to learn basic software and tools, including AI tools and agents.
• Interest and ability to understand ongoing research at an executive level.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple deadlines and tasks.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree from a recognized college or university in business, engineering, economics, computer science, or a related field.
• Experience and interest in teaching, research, and training programs in STEM.
• Experience preparing competitive grants and project proposals, preparing budgets, and negotiating contracts and awards.
• Knowledge of and experience with state and federal funding agencies and procedures.
• Familiarity with methods, principles, and techniques used in student recruitment and program assessment, including marketing methods, assessment and evaluation, and survey research.
• Evidence of past success working with research-oriented faculty in program development and implementation.
• Familiarity with AI tools, desktop publishing, database management, and web content management.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for NRT activities and goals, including grant-specific fiscal support.
• Work with faculty, students, and administrative personnel to assess, record, document, and disseminate research and teaching activities, and showcase them for open houses, public dissemination, and reporting.
• Organize events and activities related to the NRT grant’s operations, publicity, and dissemination.
• Assist with grant-related recruitment, including producing, publishing, and advertising graduate student brochures.
• Travel to or remotely attend NRT annual meetings and PC meetings, representing the program in the PC capacity.
• Provide administrative support for new proposals developed from the program.
• Coordinate with other stakeholders on social media outreach.
• Work with administrative and fiscal staff to ensure compliance with UH regulations.
• Assist as needed with reimbursements, procurements, payments, applications, and requests related to NRT operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level