Program Specialist (0096751T)

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:salary schedules and placement information

Additional Salary Information:Commensurate with education and experience

Full Time/Part Time:Full Time

Temporary/Permanent:Temporary

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

• **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.

• **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 programsincluding 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.

• 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.

• 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 Hawaiis innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• Experience working with the University of Hawaii (UH) or other higher education institutions.

• Familiarity with the University of Hawaii (UH) and the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (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.

• 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 Hawaiis innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem including key stakeholders and trends.

• Experience working with the University of Hawaii (UH) or other higher education institutions.

• Familiarity with the University of Hawaii (UH) and the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (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:

The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information visit: is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions criminal history record checks.

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In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawaii complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information please refer to the following link: