ʻĀina Education Partnerships Manager

I. Summary of Position

The `Āina Education Partnerships Manager (Partnerships Manager) of Mālama Learning Center (MLC) creates, generates, and provides ʻāina based education opportunities for MLC that align with the efforts of partner organizations and agencies to create synergy and collaborative impact. The Partnerships Managerʻs work will involve considerable planning, coordination, and leadership. While MLCʻs focus is on engagement with West Oʻahu schools and community groups, the Partnerships Manager will also look beyond boundaries for systemic change. The Partnerships Manager leads MLCʻs programs involving teacher professional development, including PDE3 courses and the Wai Huihia Kumu Network, and plays a key role in developing the statewide ʻĀina Based Education Certification program. The Partnerships Manager will also coordinate MLCʻs “City Canopy Project” to expand opportunities to grow trees in and with Leeward Oʻahu communities.

The Partnerships Manager maintains and grows MLCʻs relationships with all Leeward Oʻahu public and private schools, including institutions of higher education. The Partnerships Manager will support ʻāina based education programs of MLC such as Ola Nā Kini and summer and intersession programs and will work in the field/nursery when appropriate. Fundraising through grant and contract writing and management as well as program reporting will be important responsibilities. While MLCʻs programs are different, they share an overall goal, which is to connect community members with concepts and actions connected to mālama ʻāina, such as natural resources management, native ecosystem restoration, invasive species control, wildfire prevention, tree planting, climate change mitigation and adaptation, Hawaiian cultural preservation, community stewardship, green jobs, and sustainable living.

The Partnerships Manager serves MLCʻs mission, which is to inspire communities to care for Hawaiʻi by perpetuating conservation, culture, and sustainability through education. Teamwork is essential for all at MLC, whether working with staff, interns, and volunteers, and the Partnerships Manager will participate as a collaborative member of the MLC team. And as working with the community is core to this position, the Partnerships Manager must be willing and able to network with ease. While specific work hours are flexible and may vary on a week-to-week basis, the Partnerships Manager will be expected to work on average 35 hours per week that may include at least one Saturday a month. As this and all MLC positions are largely funded by grants and contracts, its continuation will be dependent on the program’s success and results of fundraising efforts. The Partnerships Manager may supervise interns and volunteers and will report directly to MLC’s Executive Director. Employment benefits include medical and dental insurance, paid time off, flexible work schedule, and compatibility with hybrid work locations. The Partnerships Manager is also eligible to enroll in the Simple IRA retirement program.

II. Essential Functions

• Lead and manage the City Canopy Project that is supported by a contract with the City & County of Honolulu. This will involve program and partner coordination, planning, and reporting.

• Lead professional development opportunities for teachers, including PDE3 courses and the Wai Huihia Kumu Network for ʻāina based educators

• Support development of the statewide ʻĀina Based Education Certifcation program

• Support summer and intersession programs for students and teachers, which may include Mālama ʻĀina Field School, Hawaiʻi Green Collar Institute, and other experiential programs

• Analyze and track MLCʻs outreach with schools and teachers to assess systemic impact and program improvement

• Produce program reports and funding proposals

• Supervise interns and volunteers

• Update social media outreach with photographs and text

• Assist on Community Work Days and outreach events

• Perform other duties as assigned

III. Qualifications

Key Competencies

• leadership

• initiative

• reliability/trustworthiness

• planning and organizing

• work and time management

• problem solving

• integrity

• adaptability

• creativity

• teamwork and collaboration

• good judgment

• following instructions and attention to detail

• strong written and oral communication skills

• social/people skills

• ability to work well independently as well as in a team

• keeping an open mind to try new things, meet new people, and learn new skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Geography, or related field

• At least three years of experience conducting ʻĀina Based Education work with students and teachers

• At least two years of experience networking with Āina Based Education providers in Hawaiʻi

• Knowledge of basic natural resources management and agricultural principles relative to Hawaiʻi

• Experience creating engaging lesson plans and other curricula

• Experience designing visually appealing flyers, program brochures, and other materials

• Ability to do physical labor including carrying heavy objects up to 40 lbs and working in outdoor environments

• Proficiency in use of standard Microsoft Office software and Google docs

• Daily access to computer, internet and mobile phone

• Valid State of Hawaiʻi driver’s license and clean driving record

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate degree in natural resources or education

• Knowledge of Hawaiian language and culture

• Experience growing and outplanting native plants

• Experience using water quality monitoring equipment

• Identification of native Hawaiian and invasive species

• Experience working or living in Leeward Oʻahu communities

• Access to reliable vehicle for transportation

• Experience using GPS, GIS, and NRDS

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:

Pauline Sato, Executive Director

Mālama Learning Center