Waimea
Full Time // Requisition ID: 1022
Location: Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island
To apply visit: http://koha.la/careercenter
Deadline: April 30, 2022
The Rural Economic Development Specialist is responsible for supporting economic development in Hawai‘i’s rural areas in ways that strengthen the ecological, cultural, economic, and social well-being of the whole community. This includes indigenous economic frameworks that recognize our communities not only comprise people, but also environmental kin, valuing outcomes of reciprocity and collective abundance. Based between The Kohala Center’s (TKC) Waimea office and service locations across Hawai‘i, this position executes TKC’s farm-to-table-to-soil strategies that include developing the next generation of viable mahi ‘ai as well as ‘āina-based rural and agricultural businesses. This specialist supports economic development by networking with and providing technical assistance to food system stakeholders and rural businesses in individual and collective settings. The specialist will support clients in identifying economic development opportunities, facilitating the design of action plans or projects, and accessing funding from public and private grant programs. In doing so, this position also holds kuleana for increasing food and community abundance through respectful economic exchanges that reinvest in ‘āina in North Hawai‘i and across the Hawaiian Islands.
Research and Development
Actively seek continuing and diverse avenues of financial support, including income-producing programs and partnering opportunities, for TKC’s farm-to-table-to-soil initiatives, and design and write grant proposals to continue program funding.
Conduct research with and for rural businesses, cooperatives, mahi ‘ai, and agricultural producers that informs economic development strategies and specialized assistance.
Support the research and integration of diverse cultural values and traditions, including Hawai‘i’s indigenous culture and language, into TKC’s farm and business development programs to connect and inspire those who work on and with the land to be better stewards of ‘āina.
Relationship Management
Create the conditions (e.g., professional development activities, trainings, workshops, conferences, one-on-one client meetings, etc.) alongside Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services (RCBDS) team members that welcome and orient diverse community members to ‘āina, gardens, farms and forest farms, ranches, ‘ai pono, Hawai‘i’s rural industries, and The Kohala Center.
Design and facilitate client-intake and technical assistance processes to ensure respectful engagement, accurate collection of client information, and timely response to inbound client communications.
Work with RCBDS Manager to identify and execute optimal strategies for year-round recruitment of learners, participants, small business owners, and staff into TKC’s strategic pathways that lead to viable natural resource livelihoods, including growing and producing local seed, produce, protein, fabric, and other products. Recruitment avenues include, but are not limited to, TKC’s Agricultural Resources Bulletin, social media accounts, website, flyers, and press releases.
Nurture existing and create new relationships, networks, and alliances to develop agriculture, nutrition, food security, and thriving working landscapes across Hawai‘i Island and the pae ‘āina, with a specific focus on North Hawai‘i and Kohala.
Administration/Operations
Provide general and customized technical assistance, business planning, and other capacity-building services to existing and emerging rural and cooperative small businesses.
Provide outreach and community education to inform rural businesses, cooperatives, mahi ‘ai, and agricultural producers about potential funding opportunities.
Recruit rural small businesses, agricultural producers, and cooperatives that are ready to seek funding and assist them in creating and submitting high-quality, competitive grant proposals.
Share knowledge and expertise to increase and shape understanding and practices that nurture working lands and people as part of Hawai‘i’s community-based food systems.
Provide and facilitate specialized education and training in small business development across diverse forums from the agriculture and food production industries, including with TKC’s staff and ecosystem teams.
Assist with agricultural industry development projects as assigned.
Additional duties as assigned by senior TKC staff.
Evaluation and Continuous Learning
Assess learnings from the varied conditions and indicators that lead to a state of pono in the context of kula agroecosystems and the impact of RCBDS work to inform development of hana mahi ‘ai and regenerative agricultural practices across TKC- and client-stewarded lands.
Assess customized and general technical assistance delivery mechanisms for continual quality improvement and community experiences.
Assist the RCBDS Manager with data collection, surveys, record keeping, outcomes and indicators reporting, story catching, kilo, and other forms of evaluation in ways that appreciate, energize, and strengthen community investments and impact.
Prepare written summaries on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis to satisfy internal and external evaluation efforts.
Assist in the development of processes, pathways, guides, and tools to support an assessment for learning process and the generational sharing of knowledge to a broad range of communities.
Improve knowledge and skills through participation in internal and external professional development activities.
Bachelor’s degree in economics, business/management, social sciences, or other related field required.
Minimum of three years documented experience in business, economic, and/or community development; grant proposal and/or technical writing; or other relevant business positions.
Experience working for/with Hawai‘i-based ‘āina stewardship, education, local agriculture, social service, and/or community-based organizations.
Valid and current State of Hawai‘i driver license.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills that build credibility and trust with diverse audiences.
Proven knowledge and skills involved in complex grant proposal preparation, with a track record of success in obtaining funding from USDA and/or comparable agencies and foundations.
Experience providing adult education and technical assistance in topics related to business management and/or applying business skills to the preparation of plans, financial projections, assessments, and other business documents.
Knowledge about agricultural businesses, food system value-chain development, indigenous economic and community-based food systems, and the agricultural sector in Hawai‘i.
Proven ability to interact positively with a broad spectrum of audiences, to lead classes and present lectures, and to represent TKC in professional gatherings.
Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
Ability to work positively in a fast-paced, ‘āina accountable, and collaborative organization.
Ability to maintain composure, breath, sensitivity, and flexibility during peak periods and challenging situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive information.
Ability to apply knowledge of Hawaiian and Pacific Island cultures and historical perspectives; alternatively, an international/global perspective along with an orientation toward diversity and inclusion is of benefit.
Pilina with Waimea, Kohala, Hawai‘i Island, and familiarity with ancestral Hawaiian knowledge strongly desired.
Beginning-level proficiency in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i.
Work is usually performed in the Waimea offices of TKC and at project sites in Kohala and Hāmākua. Work can also be conducted remotely (e.g., from home office), particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.
This position requires mobility and availability to occasionally work on evenings/weekends to attend events hosted by TKC and/or partners.
Incumbent must reside on Hawai‘i Island and have reliable transportation to travel to program sites around the island, as needed.
Inter-island travel and occasional out-of-state travel may be required for business matters, training, and career development.
Computer and standard office equipment.
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