Strategic Partnerships Coordinator

Strategic Partnerships Coordinator

The East-West Center (EWC) promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. The Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options. The Center also has an office in Washington, D.C., that provides accessibility to US, regional government stakeholders, and program partners with innovative training, analytical and dialogue exchange, and public diplomacy products to meet US policy priorities and expressed needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Coordinator to build and maintain partnerships with the University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi-based organizations, Pacific Island governments, regional institutions, international organizations, diaspora communities, and subject matter experts to support collaboration, knowledge exchange, and informed dialogue on issues affecting Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. The Coordinator supports these activities through program coordination, leadership initiatives, policy engagement, and official functions requiring professionalism, discretion, and a strong understanding of Pacific protocols.

Major Duties:

• Work with the Deputy Director to develop partnerships and expand PIDP's engagement with government agencies, regional organizations, international institutions, diaspora communities, NGOs, civil society, and educational organizations.
• Develop and implement leadership programs, educational initiatives, and training opportunities focused on Pacific regional affairs, governance, diplomacy, public policy, and emerging issues.
• Build and maintain partnerships with the University of Hawaiʻi System, academic institutions, research centers, scholars, and other experts to support education, research, and dialogue.
• Design curricula and coordinate programs for emerging leaders, youth, students, and professionals from Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.
• Support engagement with state agencies in support of Hawaiʻi's role in the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) and related regional activities.
• Assist with the implementation of PICL meetings, policy discussions, and official engagements involving Pacific leaders, government representatives, and regional organizations.
• Manage PIDP's alumni, fellows and interns in collaboration with other PIDP and EWC colleagues as needed to create opportunities to provide briefings, contribute expertise to publications and research initiatives, and participate in educational programs, conferences, and discussions. Cultivate an active PIDP alumni network to support and contribute to PIDP initiatives.
• Develop initiatives that strengthen Hawaiʻi's capacity as a center for Pacific expertise, leadership development, and policy dialogues that connect Hawaiʻi and Pacific Island communities, institutions, and experts.
• Collaborate with the PIDP team, researchers, and subject matter experts to develop policy briefs, publications, educational materials, and communications that support understanding of Pacific regional issues and promote PIPD's public diplomacy. Develop and coordinate policy-oriented research initiatives that encourage dialogue between Hawaiʻi and Pacific Island countries and address issues of regional importance.
• Support grant development, and oversee and develop PIDP partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other funding and collaboration opportunities. Prepare program reports, evaluations, briefing materials, correspondence, and other documents supporting PIDP initiatives.

This list of major duties is not exhaustive and may be supplemented on an occasional basis in accordance with the requirements of the job.

Required Qualifications:

• Education & Experience – Master's degree or higher in international relations, communications, education, public policy, Pacific Islands studies, political science, public administration, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in leadership development, higher education, international affairs, public policy, regional cooperation, or program management. Experience developing and delivering educational programs, leadership initiatives, curricula, workshops, or professional development activities. Experience working with universities, students, youth programs, emerging leaders, fellowship programs, or educational institutions. Experience working with Hawaiʻi-based institutions, government agencies, academic organizations, or regional partners; coordinating conferences, policy discussions, educational exchanges, or programs involving diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, communication, and diplomatic skills.
• Communication – Possesses strong written and verbal English communication skills and can effectively speak and interact with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities in person, on the phone, and in digital environments. Possesses experience in public speaking and in delivering a portfolio of relevant reports, research, or other types of communication and knowledge materials.
• Demonstrated Ability – To establish and maintain partnerships among government agencies, universities, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and regional organizations; to organize and carry out assignments by independently determining applicable regulations and procedures and appropriately applying policy and administrative directives; to apply sound judgment and analytical skills in making recommendations related to administrative matters; to maintain a high level of accuracy in working with numbers and other detailed matters; to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to work cooperatively and effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and at multiple levels or public, private, academic, and government organizations; to appropriately handle confidential material; to work effectively in a highly non-routine environment; to effectively handle numerous complex details; to set priorities and work under pressure; to adjust work operations within available resources; to anticipate and solve problem situations; to work independently; to navigate complex political dynamics achieve effective working relationships amongst competing political groups; and to adapt to changes and exercise initiative and good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations.
• Knowledge – Of office practices and recordkeeping procedures; of office machines and equipment including computers, printers, projectors, and other emerging technologies; high proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe, Acrobat Pro, or equivalent office computer applications; proficiency with Google suite, Microsoft 365, or other work sharing platforms; of meeting software such as Zoom and Skype. In-depth knowledge of major Pacific Island domestic and international policy, development, and social issues; of Pacific culture and its ways of operating; and in developing grant proposals and monitoring projects involving multiple units and agencies in the Pacific region. Demonstrated knowledge of Hawaiʻi's role in the Pacific, including its governmental, educational, cultural, and institutional relationships with Pacific Island countries and territories. Demonstrated understanding of Pacific cultures, protocols, and communities.
• Physical Requirements – Able to sit, walk or stand for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, operate standard office equipment, and use a phone; see and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids; read and understand rules and policies, labels, and instructions; and to hear, speak and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone.
• Travel Requirements – this position requires the candidate to be able and available for occasional in-state, national, and international travel to support program needs. The incumbent must be able to drive or arrange for alternative transportation as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Pacific regional institutions, governance structures, multilateral organizations, and international cooperation.
• Experience working with the Office of the Governor, Hawaiʻi state agencies, federal agencies, regional organizations, or international institutions.
• Experience working with multilateral organizations or international development programs, specifically Pacific regional organizations and institutions, including the Pacific Islands Forum, or Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific (CROP) agencies
• Experience developing and managing grants, cooperative agreements, or institutional partnerships.
• Experience using digital collaboration tools and communications technologies.

Salary and Benefits of Working at the East-West Center:

• Competitive Salary and Benefits
• The annual salary for this position starts at $101,518.65 per year with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with a very generous company match, and paid time off.
• Career Growth Opportunities
• We believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for career growth and development. You will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and advance your career within our organization.
• Supportive Work Environment
• We believe in fostering a supportive work environment where our employees feel valued and appreciated. We encourage open communication and collaboration and provide the tools and resources our employees need to succeed.

How to Apply:

• Tailor Your Resume and Write a Compelling Cover Letter
• Make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant experience and skills and provide examples of how you have demonstrated leadership in your previous roles. Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and provide a clear and concise summary of your qualifications and experience. Explain why you are interested in the role and how you can contribute to our team. Our initial assessment will be based on the information you submit in your application.
• Be Prepared for the Interview
• If you are invited for an interview, make sure that you are well prepared. Research our company and its role and be prepared to answer questions