UHCDC Program Specialist (pos #0081522T)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Specialist provides program support to advance the School of Architecture (SOA) and University of Hawaii Community Design Center (UHCDC) missions and goals and to support effective daily operations. The position works with center stakeholders to identify and advance strategic priorities, and provides leadership and project management for special projects and programs. It supports the Director and principal investigators (PIs) through project management and, as needed and supported by project contracts, design, programming, communications, and other technical functions. The Program Specialist develops written and graphic outreach and business-development materials; researches and develops assessment tools; collects and analyzes program and administrative data; and recommends program improvements. The role coordinates center data storage and sharing, equipment and software documentation, administrative records, events, and compliance with applicable University policies, procedures, agreements, and regulations. It may supervise and coordinate student assistants’ work and requires discretion when supporting the Director on sensitive matters. This is a temporary, part-time, 11-month position based at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Work outside normal hours—including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays—is required for special events. The position also requires travel to off-campus sites and other locations throughout Hawaii and the mainland for meetings and workshops.

Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in Environmental Design, Architecture, Planning, or a related field, plus three years of progressively responsible professional experience in project management and administration of architecture, environmental, or community-design-related programs; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in environmental, architectural, or community design.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, theories, and systems associated with program development.
Ability to resolve complex, wide-ranging problems using creative reasoning and logic to determine causes and effective, innovative, timely solutions.
Ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing and verbally, and to prepare reports and other materials.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders, team members, and individuals.
Ability to operate a personal computer and use word-processing and data-processing software, such as Microsoft Suite and Google Suite.
For supervisory work, ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Experience with communication and graphic-design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), web-design software such as Squarespace, or other software used for presentations, newsletters, social media, or communications.
Ability to translate complex information into clear, easy-to-understand visual and graphic presentations.
Ability to present effectively and engage with executive leadership, staff, external partners, and varied audiences.
Ability to maintain high professional standards.
Experience developing research, analysis, and design documents.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in discipline-relevant digital software applications, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud (including Illustrator), GIS, CAD/Revit, Rhinoceros, and Sketchup.
Experience with physical modelmaking using analog and digital tools.
Experience designing, developing, and conducting workshops or training.
Ability to work flexible hours to meet program and participant needs.
Ability to travel independently and in a timely manner to various locations; this may be met with a valid Hawaii Class 3 driver's license, a comparable driver's license, or another means of transportation that meets position needs.

Nice To Haves

Recognized standing in the field and evidence of professional maturity, demonstrated through project-management experience.
Ability to lead design outreach, education, and advocacy initiatives, such as through service to professional organizations or community-design work.
Experience administering project budgets and timelines.
Experience in environmental, architectural, or community design.
Experience administering programs in a university environment.
Experience marketing and promoting initiatives and educational programs.
Knowledge of UH and RCUH policies and procedures for administering state- or federally funded programs.
Experience in website design and maintenance.
Grant-writing, fundraising, or administration experience.

Responsibilities

Provide program support to advance SOA and UHCDC missions and goals and ensure effective daily operations.
Work with center stakeholders to identify and advance strategic priorities and initiatives, including leading and managing special projects and programs.
Recommend, communicate, and coordinate priorities across relevant parties; track pending items and follow up to move them forward.
Provide project-management support to the Director and PIs, including design, programming, communications, and other technical functions as needed and supported by project contracts.
Develop written and graphic outreach and business-development materials, including reports, newsletters, social media posts, website content, and posters.
Develop assessment tools such as entry and exit surveys, and collect and analyze data related to program operations and administrative functions in coordination with the Director and Administrative Officer.
Recommend program improvements and optimization.
Supervise student assistants as applicable, coordinate workflow, assign tasks, and review work on center-serving initiatives.
Coordinate center-wide data storage and sharing in accordance with University policies, collective bargaining agreements, and confidentiality requirements; ensure project data and products are securely maintained as required.
Participate in planning and executing events, visits, symposia, alumni events, and donor functions.
Support the Director on strategic, operational, and sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality.
Coordinate documentation and management of equipment and software in accordance with University policies and procedures.
Ensure general compliance with UH policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, SOA procedures, and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Create and maintain administrative records, including meeting minutes, administrative memos, and archival materials.
Work outside normal hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as directed for special events.
Travel to off-campus sites and other locations throughout Hawaii and the mainland for meetings and workshops as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.