Programs Assistant

Location: Honolulu, HI (Hybrid Schedule)

Reports to: Vice President of Programs

Type: Full Time

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.

Established in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai‘i.  Kupu accomplishes this by partnering with conservation and sustainability focused agencies throughout the state and pacific in providing hands-on service opportunities which educate and mentor young adults and emerging professionals to become stewards of our communities and environment.  Since 2007, Kupu has risen to meet the increasing demands of the green job sector by engaging over 3,000 youth in the areas of conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. 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

Position Overview

The Program Assistant will work closely with the Vice President of Programs and the program team to provide essential administrative support, track key performance indicators, and contribute to the smooth operation of all organization programs. This role will involve collaborating with various teams within the organization and assisting in achieving our mission.

• Conduct oneself with aloha and drive Kupu’s culture.
• Conduct oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu’s mission.
• Serves as a role model for Kupu’s culture, mission, and CHOSEN Values.
• Provide administrative support to the Vice President of Programs and the program teams.
• Support all organization programs at varying levels based on need, which may include data entry, document preparation, scheduling, and communication with program participants and partners.
• Assist in the execution of department initiatives and projects, including planning, coordination, and follow-up.
• Help track and maintain department key performance indicators, collecting and organizing relevant data.
• Create and maintain program-related documents, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure program materials and resources are up to date.
• Assist in event planning and coordination for program-related activities.
• Respond to program-related inquiries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of program reports, presentations, and other communications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of work experience in a non-profit organization.
• Possess a valid Driver’s License and reliable mode of transportation to travel to project sites and meetings.
• 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.
• 2+ years of work experience in a non-profit organization.
• 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.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay commensurate with experience
• Employer Paid Health Benefits
• PTO
• 401(k) plan (eligible after one year and 1,000 hours of service)
• Other lifestyle benefits (travel, entertainment, gym reimbursement

*In accordance with Federal Law, Kupu is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability

Employment Type: Full Time

Remote Type: Work From Home Flexibility