Senior Leadership Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

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. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, 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’s 21-acre Honolulu campus, adjacent to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, includes conference facilities, three residence halls, and an office building that houses research, program, and administrative activities. 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.

The Leadership Program, part of the larger Professional Development team, is currently seeking a Senior Leadership Development Specialist. This role is responsible for the design, coordination, facilitation, and implementation of cohort-based professional development programs while working collaboratively with program operations staff, colleagues, and key stakeholders. This position develops and delivers engaging learning experiences that are regionally relevant and aligned with organizational objectives and supports high-quality participant experiences through curriculum development, experiential learning design, partnership coordination, evaluation, and continuous program improvement.

MAJOR DUTIES: 

Program Design and Curriculum Development

• Designs, develops, and organizes customized curricula and learning experiences for cohort-based leadership capacity building programs.
• Develops program content related to major regional issues and trends shaping the Asia-Pacific region, including technology and digital transformation, innovation and entrepreneurship, food and energy security, artificial intelligence, and peace and security.
• Integrates leadership development approaches and practical skill-building activities that help participants navigate complex and rapidly changing environments.
• Incorporates reflective and collaborative learning practices that strengthen participant engagement, communication, problem-solving, and cross-cultural understanding.
• Identifies and integrates diverse educational approaches, including peer learning, workshops, case studies, site visits, simulations, mentoring, and dialogue-based activities.
• Research emerging regional issues, effective learning and leadership practices, and partnership opportunities to strengthen program relevance and participant experience.

Program Facilitation and Participant Engagement

• Facilitates workshops, discussions, and experiential activities that encourage collaboration, reflection, and practical application of program concepts.
• Guides and supports participants throughout the program experience, fostering engagement, peer learning, and application of program insights.
• Cultivates respectful and constructive learning environments that support cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.
• Adapts facilitation approaches and activities in response to participant needs, program goals, and evolving group dynamics.

Program Implementation and Partnership Coordination

• Leads implementation of program agendas and educational activities in collaboration with program operations and administrative staff.
• Identifies, recruits, and coordinates with guest experts, facilitators, community partners, and institutional stakeholders to support program objectives and participant engagement.
• Designs and leads study tours, field-based learning experiences, and site visits that connect program themes to regional and community contexts.
• Supports virtual and in-person program delivery, ensuring effective coordination and alignment with program objectives.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with alumni, partners, and stakeholders that support ongoing engagement and learning opportunities.

Evaluation, Reporting, and Program Advancement

• Develops and implements evaluation processes to assess participant experience, program effectiveness, and satisfaction.
• Incorporates participant and stakeholder feedback to strengthen program quality and relevance.
• Contributes to program reports, donor updates, participant summaries, and other communications related to program activities.
• Designs and develops new initiatives and contributes to proposal development and related program materials.

Institutional Contributions

• Participates in Center-wide committees, staff activities, and collaborative initiatives as assigned.
• Contributes to organizational learning, staff development, and related program activities.
• Reviews and assesses candidate applications and selects qualified participants for Center programs

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

SUPERVISION:

This position works under the general supervision of the Leadership Program Senior Manager. Assignments are made in terms of broad goals and deliverables, and work may be reviewed for fulfillment of objectives and conformance with departmental policy and practice. The incumbent demonstrates a high degree of autonomous judgment, discretion, and resourcefulness in resolving complex and/or intricate issues and problems and resolves them in a timely and efficient manner.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience – Possesses a master’s degree and at least four (4) years of program facilitation or teaching experience in leadership or professional development in U.S. or Asia-Pacific contexts (in the region and/or with participants from the region); or a combination of post-high school education, training, and directly-related experience which totals, at minimum, 11 years demonstrating the ability to successfully perform the duties of the position. Work experience should demonstrate a skilled capacity to design, deliver, monitor, and evaluate leadership and professional development programs; and possess appropriate cultural competencies with individuals and groups from the United States and the Asia-Pacific, as well as mixed groups with diverse representations and social identities.

Communication – Possesses strong written and verbal English communication skills for engaging with participants, colleagues, and guest speakers across diverse cultures. 

Demonstrated Ability – Proven experience designing and delivering leadership development programs, particularly in immersive, residential, or cross-cultural settings. Knowledge of leadership theories, personal development, and collaboration strategies. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural settings, fostering inclusive and diverse leadership practices. Strong cultural competency with individuals and groups from the U.S., Asia-Pacific, and diverse social identities. Experience in coaching, peer coaching, and mentoring, with the ability to guide participants in personal leadership journeys. Knowledge of personal leadership development practices and principles. Excellent project management skills, with experience coordinating residential or immersive leadership programs, including logistics, participant engagement, and collaboration with external partners. Familiarity with program design, delivery, and evaluation. Ability to set priorities and work under the pressure of deadlines and competing demands. Sensitivity and experience in providing evaluation and responses to written work. Ability to provide feedback that supports participants’ development. Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including participants, external partners, and community organizations.

Knowledge – Of office practices and procedures; of correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage; and of office machines and equipment; proficiency in computer programs (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional and other equivalent applications). Knowledge of online teaching and collaboration platforms using various virtual meeting programs (e.g. Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams).

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.

Work Schedule & Travel – Normal work is conducted from Monday-Friday during normal business hours, but some weekends and evenings may be required when residential programs are in session. The incumbent must also be able and available for occasional in-state, national, and international travel to support program needs (up to 30%).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A robust professional network in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in leadership and professional development sectors. 
• Experience with leading programs to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, design and development of action/business/project plans, and administration of small grants.
• Ability to design and lead virtual leadership programs, including the use of online teaching and collaboration platforms. 
• Experience designing and developing programs for grant proposals and working on U.S. government grants and cooperative agreements.

SALARY AND BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE EAST-WEST CENTER

You will have the opportunity to join an organization that values its employees and provides a supportive work environment. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

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: If you're interested in applying for the role, submit an electronic application at APPLY FOR THIS JOB NOW so that you can be immediately considered. Here are some tips to help you prepare you for our job application process:

• 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 about your experience and qualifications.

• Provide Three Professional References

Ensure that your references can attest to your skills, work ethic, and integrity. What these people reveal about you — both in terms of what they do and don’t say — can make a difference in whether you’ll be hired. So, it’s extremely important that you choose wisely when deciding who to use as a reference.

The East-West Center is a premier institution in the Indo-Pacific to convene, develop, and equip a network of leaders to solve challenges of common concern. Founded in 1960, the Center has been a leader in promoting understanding and cooperation between the United States and the Indo-Pacific region through its innovative programs and research initiatives.

The Center is dedicated to creating respectful and inclusive programming that values innovation and growth through collaborations across the organization and the region. With its cutting-edge research, educational programs, and vibrant community, the East-West Center has become a hub of academic excellence and cultural exchange. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply someone interested in making a difference for peoples and communities throughout Asia, the Pacific and the US, the East-West Center is the perfect place to explore and discover new perspectives.

As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including admissions and employment. This is a full-time, in-person role that requires the desired candidate to physically reside in Oahu, Hawaii.