Job Details

Location : Honolulu, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Temporary
Job Number: 2026-00193
Department: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation System
Opening Date: 02/03/2026
Closing Date: 2/18/2026 11:59 PM Hawaii
Position Number:: 0096751T
Description
Title: Program Specialist

Position Number: 0096751T

Hiring Unit: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI)

Date Posted: February 3, 2026

Closing Date: February 18, 2026

Band: Pay Band A (PBA) / Pay Band B (PBB)

Salary:

Additional Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: This is a multi-level recruitment, advertising both a PBA and PBB position. Please see the applications instructions for further information.

Duties and Responsibilities - Pay Band A Position (PBA)
(NOTE: ** denotes Essential Functions)

• **Supports the planning and coordination of development programs in alignment with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) initiatives.
• **Assists OVPRI and the Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC) in developing and executing programming, including coordinating meetings and events, managing correspondence.
• **Working with OVPRI and OIC staff on procurement actions.
• **Coordinates and manages the logistics and development of programs for OIC and OVPRI, including designing timelines and processes to ensure successful program goals and outcomes.
• **Supports the internal and external partners for OIC and OVPRI programs by assisting in managing timelines, program goals, and facilitating cross-disciplinary collaborations and workshop events.
• **Assists in creating and designing content and marketing material for OIC and OVPRI programs and initiatives.
• **Assists in maintaining, and fostering collaborative relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• **Researches and evaluates organizations and businesses for potential collaboration and partnership opportunities.
• **Assists with outreach and engagement efforts related to program activities and events.
• **Assists the team in designing strategic program plans to support operational and program needs.
• **Assists with the analysis and preparation of reports and papers to support program objectives.
• **Assists in managing and maintaining program files for accurate documentation and operational efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities - Pay Band B Position (PBB)

• **Coordinates and executes the development programs in direct support of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) initiatives.
• **Implements and contributes to OVPRI and the Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC) programming, including managing the operations for meetings and specific events, and procurement actions.
• **Manages the logistics and development of OIC and OVPRI programs,including developing and monitoring timelines and processes to meet program goals and outcomes.
• **Collaborates with and serves a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders for OIC and OVPRI programs, including developing and upholding project timelines, tracking program goals, and arranging cross-disciplinary collaborations and workshop events.
• **Creates and designs content and marketing material for OIC and OVPRI programs and initiatives, ensuring standards and branding consistency.
• **Establishes, maintains, and fosters relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• **Conducts targeted research on organizations and businesses for potential collaboration and partnership opportunities, formulating and presenting detailed recommendations to management.
• **Directs and administers outreach and engagement efforts related to program activities and events.
• **Contributes significantly to strategic program planning, collaborating with the team to design and refine plans based on operational needs and data analysis.
• **Analyzes complex program data to prepare reports and papers to clearly present inferences and conclusions that support program goals.
• **Monitors, manages, and maintains program files for accurate documentation and operational efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications - PBA

Education and Professional Work Experience

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Business Administration, Communications, or a related field and at least one (1) year of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for program and/or project management; or equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of program or project administration demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with program or project administration.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of program administration.
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications - PBA

• Demonstrated ability to successfully coordinate multiple assignments and/or tasks with the ability to focus on key goals and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to draft correspondence and interact professionally with internal teams and external stakeholders

Desirable Qualifications - PBA

• Demonstrated experience in supporting and managing a program encompassing both planning and execution.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to projects aligned with grant objectives and deliverables.
• Experience working with faculty, researchers and students in an academic setting.
• Familiarity with Hawai'i's innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Experience working with the University of Hawai'i (UH) or other higher education institutions.
• Familiarity with the University of Hawaii (UH) and the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i (RCUH) policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of private and federal grant programs and funding sources.
• Experience with strategic planning and coordinating complex projects across teams and timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and confidently use new digital tools and platforms, including Google Workspace Applications, Zoom, Canva, Airtable, Slack, and other project management systems.

Minimum Qualifications - PBB

Education and Professional Work Experience

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Business Administration, Communications or related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for program and/or project management; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of program management as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with federal grant programs and its funding sources.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
• If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications - PBB

• Demonstrated ability to successfully coordinate multiple assignments and or tasks with the ability to focus on key goals and metrics to success.
• Considerable experience working with faculty, researchers and students in an academic setting.
• Demonstrated working knowledge in program coordination, planning, and hosting of events.

Desirable Qualifications - PBB

• Demonstrated experience in the management and oversight of program planning and execution.
• Proven experience in achieving and documenting grant outcomes and reporting requirements.
• Working knowledge of Hawai'i's innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, including key stakeholders and trends.
• Experience working with the University of Hawai'i (UH) or other higher education institutions.
• Familiarity with the University of Hawaii (UH) and the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i (RCUH) policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of private and federal grant programs and funding sources.
• Proven experience in contributing to organizational strategic planning and managing complex project coordination efforts.
• Proficiency in supporting and executing various phases of the grant lifecycle, from proposal development through final reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and confidently adapt new digital tools and platforms, including Google Workspace Applications, Microsoft Office Applications, Zoom, Canva, Airtable, Slack, and other project management systems.

To Apply:

Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and upload required documents. Required documents include: (1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications; (2) resume; (3) the names and contact information of at least three professional references; and (4) transcripts showing degree and coursework to date appropriate to the position (original official transcripts will be required at the time of hire).

NOTE: Please create a new account if this is your first time applying for a position using NEOGOV.
Inquiries:
Chad Walton;
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
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