Program Specialist (0097080T, CTAHR/Dean's Office)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This position represents the University and CTAHR in internal and external legislative activity efforts. The Program Specialist manages legislative activities for CTAHR, the County, and the State, including analyzing pending legislation and its potential impact. The role acts on behalf of the Dean, serving as the lead on legislative reports and working groups, and represents the CTAHR Dean at meetings with faculty, government leaders, and stakeholders. The Specialist leads the development of legislative testimony and prepares CTAHR Administration for legislative hearings. This role also administers and facilitates statewide advocacy efforts related to CTAHR and is responsible for government affairs strategies that advance CTAHR's mission and goals with local, regional, state, and federal elected officials. The position establishes and maintains contact with legislators, legislative committees, elected officials, and intergovernmental relations. Additionally, the Specialist manages CTAHR's relationships with community stakeholders and interested constituents, keeps abreast of legislative bills for the House and Senate, attends relevant hearings and floor sessions, and stays updated on hearing notices. Other duties as assigned are also part of this role.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in business, agriculture or related field and 5 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for special projects related to agricultural research and cooperative extension and/or State of Hawai`i legislative process; 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 special projects related to agricultural research and cooperative extension and/or State of Hawai`i legislative processes 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 agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, and/or State of Hawai`i Legislature.
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.
Demonstrated experience in community networking, engagement and outreach, and agriculture stakeholder groups and individuals.

Nice To Haves

Broad knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, and programs of the University of Hawai`i, the U.S. Land Grant tradition, ethics of higher education, the economy of the State and the contributions that CTAHR can make through the developments of its tropical agriculture and human resources programs both within the State and internationally.

Responsibilities

Represents the University and CTAHR in both internal and external legislative activity efforts.
Manages CTAHR's, the County's, and the State's legislative activities efforts, including analysis and review of pending legislation, priorities, and issues and the potential impact on CTAHR.
Acts on the Dean's behalf and serves as the lead on legislative reports, working groups, etc.
Represents the CTAHR Dean at legislative meetings with faculty, government leaders and stakeholders.
Leads the urgent and immediate development of legislative testimony for CTAHR Briefs and prepares CTAHR Administration for legislative hearings.
Administers and facilitates advocacy efforts statewide related to CTAHR, consistent to its administration policy to pass key initiatives.
Responsible for government affairs strategies that advances the CTAHR's mission and goals with local, regional, state and federal elected officials.
Establishes and maintains contact and interaction with legislators, legislative committees, elected officials, and various intergovernmental relations.
Manages CTAHR's relationships with community stakeholders and interested constituents (Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Hawaii Cattlemen Council, Hawaii Coffee Association, etc.), as appropriate, in line with CTAHR's mission and goals.
Keeps abreast of legislative bills for the House and Senate.
Attends relevant hearings and floor sessions.
Keeps up to date on current and upcoming hearings and hearing notices.
Other duties as assigned.