(Casual Hire) Program Coordinator

University of Hawaii • Honolulu, HI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Coordinator is the central administrative role for DESCARTES, a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) award focused on core AI research and preparing the next generation of workers for an AI-infused workplace. The coordinator supports program components involving graduate students, faculty, curriculum, and implementation, adapting to changing needs as the program evolves. The role primarily implements program goals with NRT faculty and identifies ways to carry them out within University of Hawai‘i regulations, while building relationships across the university to support the grant’s work. Approximately 60 students will participate as trainees at different points during the grant.

The position is a temporary, part-time casual hire appointment for 19 hours per week, at $29 per hour. It is not a remote-working position. The appointment runs from December 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. The role offers a respectful and stimulating environment involving students, faculty across multiple UH colleges, and participants from other NRT institutes.

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.
• Attend or remotely participate in NRT annual meetings and program coordinator meetings, representing the program in the coordinator role.
• Provide administrative support for new proposals developed from the program.
• Coordinate with stakeholders on social media outreach.
• Work with administrative and fiscal staff to ensure compliance with University of Hawai‘i regulations.
• Assist with reimbursements, procurements, payments, applications, and requests related to NRT operations as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time