Program Manager

University of HawaiiHilo, HI
Onsite

About The Position

Serves as the Institute for Astronomy’s (IfA) Workforce Development (WFD) Coordinator. Develop and implement a comprehensive k-Career workforce development and education plan for STEM and other disciplines in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders at the University of Hawai‘i (UH), University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (UHH), Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE), Maunakea Observatories (MKO), community partners, business sector, etc. Establish and maintain relationships with public, private & charter schools, teachers & administrators to plan, develop, and deploy activities encouraging the growth of STEM in local schools and to develop the pipeline of Hawai‘i students into the UH astronomy and observatory related fields, including the UH Space Science & Engineering Initiative (SSEI). Align IfA workforce development with Hawai‘i Work-Based Learning Continuum for Career, College, and Community Readiness, including career awareness activities, career fairs, work-based learning, and other emerging workforce development best practices. Develop new/innovative activities and partnerships on throughout the state with a goal of increasing the impact of the IfA as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning. Lead coordination of signature IfA outreach programs on Hawaii Island including the annual AstroDays. Helps coordinate IfA participation in various IfA programs throughout Hawai‘i. Represents IfA in Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee public relations meetings. Assist with online presence of IfA including website and social media. Coordinate and lead Maunakea summit tours for IfA educational and VIP visits. Directs and manages the MKO Internship Coordinator on behalf of IfA, coordinating the placement and management of interns within IfA. Coordinate IfA workforce development activities with UHH and other related facilities across Hawai‘i. Support student research opportunities across IfA as requested by program organizers. Responsible for developing a network within the community to determine workforce development and STEM education opportunities that exist in various organizations and establish mutually beneficial partnerships. Establish and maintain relationships with educational institutions, Hawai‘i State agencies, and other organizations to promote WFD and STEM education programs within the Hawai‘i Island community and state. Interface and develop ties to community and government organizations such as Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Hawaii Community Foundation, Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), etc. Create opportunities for IfA to work with these groups. Build relationships between UHH College of Natural Science programs (Physics and Astronomy, Pre-Engineering), SSEI, and IfA to support recruitment and retention of students into UH astronomy programs. In concert with IfA director, IfA outreach coordinator, and University of Hawai‘i Foundation (UHF), engage in fundraising, grant-seeking, and identifying potential funders & donors. Assist with donor website and preparation and submission of proposals. Develop educational and workforce development components for PI grant applications and support execution of program.

Requirements

  • Possession of a baccalaureate degree in physical or natural sciences, engineering, education or related field and 4 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities in one or more of the all of the following areas: STEM education initiatives, workforce development, partnership development, or fundraising and grant development; 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 science education/public outreach 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 science education/public outreach.
  • 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 and apply word processing software.
  • If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
  • Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays for outreach activities and events.
  • Willingness and ability to work at high altitudes (up to14,000 feet).
  • Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner, such as inter-island travel.
  • Ability to work directly with scientists and administrators.
  • Possession of basic website and social media skills.

Nice To Haves

  • Experience facilitating and leading discussions with diverse groups to develop workforce initiatives and engage community stakeholders.
  • Experience managing statewide projects that includes Neighbor Islands and O‘ahu.
  • Knowledge of emergent trends and innovations in workforce development, career and technical education and/or training.
  • Understanding of astronomy and observatory workforce needs in Hawai‘i.
  • Understanding of the University of Hawaii and its administrative structure and policy.
  • Commitment to, knowledge of, and/or experience with the mission and purpose of the University of Hawai'i to position it as a leading indigenous-serving higher education institution.

Responsibilities

  • Serves as the Institute for Astronomy’s (IfA) Workforce Development (WFD) Coordinator.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive k-Career workforce development and education plan for STEM and other disciplines in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with public, private & charter schools, teachers & administrators to plan, develop, and deploy activities encouraging the growth of STEM in local schools and to develop the pipeline of Hawai‘i students into the UH astronomy and observatory related fields.
  • Align IfA workforce development with Hawai‘i Work-Based Learning Continuum for Career, College, and Community Readiness.
  • Develop new/innovative activities and partnerships on throughout the state with a goal of increasing the impact of the IfA as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.
  • Lead coordination of signature IfA outreach programs on Hawaii Island including the annual AstroDays.
  • Helps coordinate IfA participation in various IfA programs throughout Hawai‘i.
  • Represents IfA in Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee public relations meetings.
  • Assist with online presence of IfA including website and social media.
  • Coordinate and lead Maunakea summit tours for IfA educational and VIP visits.
  • Directs and manages the MKO Internship Coordinator on behalf of IfA, coordinating the placement and management of interns within IfA.
  • Coordinate IfA workforce development activities with UHH and other related facilities across Hawai‘i.
  • Support student research opportunities across IfA as requested by program organizers.
  • Responsible for developing a network within the community to determine workforce development and STEM education opportunities that exist in various organizations and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with educational institutions, Hawai‘i State agencies, and other organizations to promote WFD and STEM education programs within the Hawai‘i Island community and state.
  • Interface and develop ties to community and government organizations such as Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Hawaii Community Foundation, Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), etc.
  • Create opportunities for IfA to work with these groups.
  • Build relationships between UHH College of Natural Science programs (Physics and Astronomy, Pre-Engineering), SSEI, and IfA to support recruitment and retention of students into UH astronomy programs.
  • Engage in fundraising, grant-seeking, and identifying potential funders & donors.
  • Assist with donor website and preparation and submission of proposals.
  • Develop educational and workforce development components for PI grant applications and support execution of program.

Benefits

  • Appointments are annually renewable subject to satisfactory performance, program needs, and continued funding.
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