Community Projects Manager

We’re Hiring!

Community Projects Manager

Location of Position: Kona, Hawai’i

Reports to: Associate Director, Hawai’i Community Conservation

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

o This is a part-time position.

o 32 hours per week

o Funded by a Congressional Earmark Grant through September 30, 2026.

• Regular onsite work is required.
• Days and hours of work can change based on the needs of the program.
• Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

o Working on Saturdays will often be required for community events.

• Occasional travel to satellite facilities and/or field work is for this position.

Compensation Range: $59,904.00 annual salary

Full Benefits:

• Holidays
• Sick Time
• Vacation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary

The Community Projects Manager will play a pivotal role in the planning, coordination, and execution of a Congressionally Directed Spending grant focused on developing a community-driven conservation campaign supporting the shared sustainability of endangered Hawaiian monk seals and humans in Hawai’i. The Community Projects Manager will join the existing Ke Kai Ola team, lead the engagement of local stakeholder groups, and manage a steering committee made up of local cultural advisors, academics, and other key stakeholders. They will act as project manager for the grant by managing all deliverables, including all external contract deliverables. They are responsible for compiling and distributing the resulting campaign communication tools to partners and stakeholders across the State of Hawai’i.

Essential Functions:

Community Engagement & Project Management: 70%

• Identify, engage, and foster positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders and community members on Hawai’i Island.
• Guide the identification and prioritization of target community-driven conservation challenges that will achieve the greatest impact supporting shared sustainability.
• Develop, schedule, communicate, and implement community and professional data collection events including, but not limited to, surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions.
• Ensure the development and execution of campaigns are aligned with the Center’s objectives, target audiences, and budgets.
• Drive the collaboration of cross-functional teams to create compelling marketing collateral that aligns with the tone and positioning of the Center’s mission and strategy in with a focus on protecting Hawaiian monk seals and the coastal environment.
• Track campaign performance, utilizing data and metrics to provide actionable insights and recommendations for campaign optimization.
• Summarize campaign results and coordinate reporting to all stakeholders.
• Coordinate distribution of project materials to all stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with external agencies, consultants, vendors, and partners to ensure timely and effective campaign execution.
• Build/foster collaboration with other organizations and parties for the advancement of marine mammal medicine and health.
• Guide site tours and participate in ongoing public, donor, and organizational functions and events as needed.
• Conduct post-campaign analysis to identify successes, challenges, and opportunities for future initiatives.

Leadership & Management: 15%

• Provides leadership in strengthening internal communications within the department, and with staff at all levels of the organization; create and promote a positive work environment.
• Manage the local stakeholder advisory team, coordinating advice and input into project process and outcomes.
• Support and prioritize the Center’s DEI objectives and integrate into the Center’s campaigns.
• Represent and promote the Center’s culture of conservation medicine and science to potential donors and grant opportunities.
• Provide support to other Hawai’i programs as needed.

Budget Management & Fundraising: 10%

• Lead grant and report writing with assistance from Institutional Giving and KKO leadership, including ensuring completion of grant objectives and reporting.
• Support grant budget, data collection, and reporting.
• Track assigned grant budget results to ensure alignment with key financial targets.
• Support development and execution of potential funding opportunities.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep knowledge of Hawaii’s natural resources and unique challenges.
• A strong understanding of communities on Hawai’i Island.
• Ability to foster positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders and community members (familiarity with Hawaiian communities, culture, and customs is highly desirable).
• Strong understanding of up-to-date behavior change science (preferred).
• Previous experience with grant administration and reporting (preferred).
• Ability to communicate effectively and to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Comfortable using videoconference technology (i.e., Zoom).
• Strong administrative, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Skills supporting the public or other groups in high-stress situations.
• Ability to receive and provide feedback openly and is proactive about reaching out to management as issues arise.
• Ability to keep a sense of calm composure and capability to conduct oneself in a professional manner while handling calls and in person situations involving stressful situations with sick and injured marine mammals while providing support to concerned members of the public.
• Demonstrated capability to conduct self in a calm and professional manner when dealing with the public, volunteers and/or difficult situations.
• Willingness to support and participate in The Marine Mammal Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
• Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
• Practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications and Experience

• This position requires a combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree; and at least 4 years of Hawaiian cultural knowledge and community engagement experience.
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability.
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This position operates in a professional office and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with access to other parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways.
• Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets.
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
• Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
• Involves smells associated with animals and the care of animals.
• Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk up to 5 miles during a shift in extreme weather conditions on a frequent basis.
• Ability to crouch down, move quickly, and work with large animals.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint.

OUR MISSION

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.

ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education.

For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume and provide a brief description about how your experience aligns with the role.

Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

In your cover letter, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.