Assistant Program Manager - Conservation

Location: Honolulu, HI (hybrid - remote 4, in person 1)

Kupu’s Story

Kupu, which means “to sprout” or “to grow” in Hawaiian, has a two-fold mission: to preserve the land while empowering youth. The organization provides hands-on training in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education for young adults, with the goal of fostering our next generation of environmental and cultural stewards. Kupu’s work has been likened to the role of the kupukupu fern, which is one of the first plants to recultivate the land after a lava flow. The fern not only serves as a foundational species for rebuilding a healthy, native ecosystem, but it also symbolizes a place where knowledge can grow. Kupu affirms the Hawaiian notion of “ma ka hana ka ʻike” or “in working one learns.” This approach has led to the creation of hundreds of service-learning opportunities which assists in the development of Hawai’i’s emerging professionals in the green job sector while supporting over 150 conservation and sustainability organizations across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.

Kupu’s Mission

“To empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage integrity (pono) with Ke Akua, self, and others”

Kupu’s CHOSEN Values

C         Character

H         Humility

O         ‘Ohana

S          Service

E         Excellence

N         Nobility

• Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP)
• Perform all position functions and responsibilities with a heart of service towards program stakeholders (members, host sites, etc.)
• Provide necessary support and leadership in fulfilling program functions and responsibilities
• Assist community development through skills training, job and internship placement, civic engagement, and career pathway development

                           Reports to: CLDP Program Manager

The Assistant Program Manager is responsible for assisting the Program Manager in overseeing all aspects of the Program. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Overall Program Planning and Delivery: Assist the Program Manager (PM) and Program Coordinators (PC) with planning and delivery of the Conservation Leadership Development Program – both existing as well as with any new program development.
• Take lead in planning, executing, and facilitating all member trainings of the program – Member and Host Site Orientations, Member Trainings/Workshops, Service Projects, etc.
• Have intentional foresight in overall planning, preparation, and logistics of delivering the program
• Determine and refine program logistics, program measurables, individual roles and responsibilities
• Assist in the review, analysis and collection of data – take lead on preparing reports and assist with monitoring grant/contract deliverables
• Assist in seeking new partners and vetting partner host sites
• Assist in the effective communication of program goals and initiatives
• Document contacts, reports, curriculum, program materials, training agendas, meeting notes, etc. and save to central/shared Kupu files or database throughout the year
• Create, recreate, and maintain systems to help program flow efficiently and effectively
• Manage program inventory orders and requests

Staff Supervision

• Provide coaching, guidance and professional development for the Program Coordinators
• Monitor day-to-day follow up tasks, projects, and tasks with the Program Coordinators and Manager
• Supervision of Program Coordinators’ role of managing members and host sites
• Conduct and facilitate program meetings that encompass program enhancement, team building opportunities and development training. Including but not limited to weekly meetings, quarterly team retreat, and resets
• Conduct and facilitate bi-annually or as needed performance evaluations for Program Coordinators
• Work alongside Kupu HR Assistant Manager and HR company for case management resolutions and/or guidance
• Assist Program Coordinators in member disciplinary process
• Support the Program Manager in creating and managing budgets
• Support the Program Manager in ensuring program operations are running smoothly and effciently
• Train new staff on program processes, procedures, duties, and any other relevant areas
• Work alongside Recruitment Specialist in recruitment efforts during peak seasons and throughout the program term.

Team Work

• Uphold an eganging atmosphere which requires teamwork, authenticity, feedback, accountability and produces results
• Engage Program Coordinators in carrying out program goals, benchmarks and new initiatives under leadership of Program Manager and Director
• Drive for clarity and closure in decisions with program staff

Professional and Organizational Development

• Assist in managing Kupu’s database in working towards achieving department goals
• Assist Program Manager with program partners to identify program needs and opportunities
• Work collaboratively with other Kupu departments and colleagues to accomplish organizational goals
• Help promote all Kupu’s programs through community outreach, events, and media opportunities

Kupu Wide Project Management

• Understand, comply, and execute with External Evaluation process
• Understand and comply with AmeriCorps regulations
• Execute and delegate program Alumni initiatives
• Oversee and maintain Kupu Pathways within the program
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

• Conduct oneself with aloha and to drive Kupu’s culture at all times
• Conduct oneself with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in all matters
• Meet Kupu’s background check including criminal history, reference check, and driver’s abstract requirement
• Possess a valid Driver’s License
• Available full-time Monday through Friday, as well as for possible weekends and evenings
• High level skill set in the use of Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel) & other web-based programs
• Strong administrative skills necessary to organize, prioritize, oneself and others
• Experience in managing projects or events while working as a team player
• 1-2 years’ experience in managing interns or seasonal staff
• Familiar with Hawaiian cultural protocol, and practice
• 3+ years of Hawai’i based work experience, including some field-based conservation work or volunteer experience.
• Extremely detail-oriented and thorough
• Comfortable in organizing training for large groups and willing to speak in front of large groups
• Able to remain objective, positive, open-minded, and flexible in a fast growing, and ever-changing environment
• Able to show good judgment, ability to focus, and problem-solving skills
• Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal relationship skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience or interest in environmental conservation as well as youth development programs
• Experience in a non-profit setting
• Experience in teaching Hawaiian cultural protocol and traditions

• Able to work extended hours on steep, rugged terrain at varying elevations; under extreme hot and cold weather conditions
• Able to hike long distances carrying a 20 lb. backpack
• Able to lift 30+ lbs., and operate basic hand tools (machetes, shovels, picks, etc.)
• Able to work and camp in remote locations with minimal facilities 

Compensation and Benefits

• Commensurate with experience
• Health benefits
• Paid time off
• Eligible for 401(k) plan after one year of service and 1,000 hours of service
• Other employee benefits

Employment Type: Full Time