Firewise Communities Program Manager for Maui

Title: Firewise Communities Program Manager for Maui
Location: Maui, Hawaiʻi
Compensation: $30-$34 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)

Details
Full-time
● 40 hours per week
● Work setup includes 60-70% virtual (work from home) and 30-40% in-person events and activities
● Must be available for pre-scheduled work events on weekends and evenings
● Frequent on-island travel and occasional inter-island travel

Benefits
● Employed-sponsored HMSA health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
● 10 days of paid vacation leave per year for the first 2 years (hours accrue based on actual hours worked and increase based on length of tenure)
● 9 days of paid holiday per year
● 5 days of paid sick leave per year
● Retirement plan eligibility after the first 12 months (with a 3% employer match)
● $100 work-from-home stipend per month

Overview
The Firewise Communities Program Manager for Maui County will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Firewise USA® Program and related initiatives aimed at enhancing community wildfire preparedness and resilience. This role requires a dynamic individual with a passion for community engagement, wildfire mitigation, and program management.

About Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization
Founded in 2000, HWMO is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving as the state’s primary hub of wildfire information, resources, programming, and technical assistance. With a vision toward wildfire-ready and wildfire-prepared people and places, we support programs and partnerships that are proactive, collaborative in nature, and based off of the best available science. Our current initiatives encompass a wide array of activities, including public education and outreach, landscape-scale risk-reduction collaboratives and projects, community empowerment through our Firewise Communities Program & Network, risk assessment and planning, and policy engagement. We collaborate closely with fire and forestry agencies and community partners to achieve our mission.

Responsibilities

1. Program Leadership:
a. Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Firewise Communities Program & Network.
b. Develop and implement initiatives to promote community participation in wildfire mitigation activities.
c. Ensure program activities align with the goals and objectives of the organization and funding requirements.

2. Community Engagement:
a. Cultivate relationships with community leaders, residents, homeowner associations, and local agencies to promote Firewise principles and practices.
b. Organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and training sessions on wildfire preparedness and mitigation strategies.
c. Collaborate with stakeholders to perform community hazard assessments and develop customized wildfire action plans for participating communities.

3. Education and Outreach:
a. Develop educational materials and resources to increase awareness of wildfire risks and mitigation measures among Firewise program participants.
b. Conduct Firewise outreach activities through various channels, including social media, websites, newsletters, and local events.
c. Deliver presentations and training sessions to educate Firewise residents about creating defensible space, home hardening, and wildfire evacuation planning.

4. Program Coordination:
a. Coordinate the application and certification process for communities seeking Firewise USA® recognition.
b. Provide technical assistance and support to Firewise communities in implementing mitigation projects and activities.
c. Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, track progress, and collect data for reporting and analysis.

5. Partnership Development:
a. Collaborate with local fire departments, emergency management agencies, conservation organizations, and other partners to leverage resources and support community wildfire initiatives.
b. Identify funding opportunities and assist communities in securing grants or other financial resources for wildfire mitigation projects.
c. Foster a collaborative network of Firewise communities to share best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to wildfire resilience.
 

Qualifications
● Maui residents preferred
● Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, forestry, community development, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
● Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program management, community engagement, or wildfire mitigation.
● Experience working with volunteers is preferred.
● Coalition building experience around community issues is preferred.
● Strong organizational skills; ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines is required.
● Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse audiences.
● Ability to work independently and as a team, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
● Excellent computer skills and experience with Google programs is required.
● Experience working with many different agencies and partners around a public issue is preferred.
● Willingness to work some evenings and weekends is required.

Note: This position requires a commitment to community outreach, partnership development, and wildfire risk reduction. The Firewise Communities Program Manager will play a vital role in building community resilience and fostering a culture of wildfire preparedness.

Non-Discrimination Policy
Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is HWMO’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual preference, parental status, or disability. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

To Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio or work samples to directors@hawaiiwildfire.org by 5:00pm HST on March 22, 2024. Include "Wildfire Resilient Landscapes Program Manager'' in the subject line. The ideal start date is May 1, 2024. For questions about this job description, you may email us by Noon HST on March 22. No phone calls please.