Program Coordinator (Seminars and Journalism)

Are you looking for a rewarding career that can take you to new levels of success? If so, then we have the perfect job for you! Our Professional Development Program is currently seeking a Program Coordinator who will will develop, coordinate, execute, and manage programs within the Seminars and Journalism unit, as well as identify opportunities where new programs can be developed that enhance the East-West Center’s (EWC) strategic vision. This position will require the ideal candidate to possess appropriate knowledge of the journalism profession and previous work experience working with journalists.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR:

Program Management

• Manage the planning, development, budget, coordination, administration and implementation of on-going complex multinational Journalism activities (i.e., dialogues, field study, training, fellowships and reporting tours) as assigned. Responsibilities include developing the theme and travel destinations to multiple countries in individual programs after researching the relevant issues, on-the-ground resources, available coordinating partners, and budget needs and limitations; leading the team of program and fiscal officers, digital content managers, secretaries, program assistants and student assistants in conducting programs; recruiting participants; corresponding with participants prior to arrival; liaising with partners, co-sponsors and funding institutions in carrying out program activities; identifying speakers, panels and site visits in Honolulu and in cities in the Indo Pacific and the U.S.; scheduling speakers and activities; and completing program follow-up such as drafting reports for the EWC and funding partners; and maintaining contact with program partners, funders, participants, and alumni.
• Moderate and facilitate Journalism programs including reporting tours, dialogues, workshops and media conferences, and escort participants during study and reporting tours and field travel in Hawaii, the U.S., and the Indo Pacific region. Make independent, on-the-ground decisions and changes regarding program activities and in response to the needs of individual participants and the group. Responsible for the safety and welfare of participants as well as the success of the program.
• Take the lead in creating and developing new and complex multinational Journalism programs that support the EWC strategic vision; and collaborating as necessary with other EWC programs to develop such new programs.

Partnership and Funding Development

• Investigate new programmatic models, M&E protocols and communications strategies that include brainstorming ideas that incorporates new approaches to old problems; transforming ideas into workable solutions; analyzing existing programs to identify areas ripe for improvement or enhancement; and evaluating the success of innovations and adjusting the pace or continuation of those efforts accordingly.
• Conduct comparative research of other organizations, track trends and liaise with other EWC staff to consistently improve programmatic offerings, monitoring and evaluation and communications. Think critically and strategically to develop process improvements, best practices and protocols that increase the efficiency and impact of Seminars and Journalism activities.

Innovation Management

• Research new funding sources and develop new partnerships that increase external funding for Journalism activities from government sources, corporations, and foundations. This may involve the initiation and fostering of relationships with new points of contact.
• Manage relationships with partners, co-sponsors, and funding organizations in developing programs, budgets, working agreements, in-kind partnerships, sponsorship packages, memorandums of understanding and contracts; write agreements and final narrative reports for funding agencies, partners, and co-sponsors.
• Provide support for and improve upon M&E and data-gathering processes, as well as design and implement consistent practices and sustainability efforts that ensures funding and effectively demonstrates the impact of unit programs.
• Represent the Seminars and Journalism team as needed for public-facing presentations, including new partnership and funding pitches as well as informational talks.

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

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS NEEDED FOR THE ROLE

To be considered for this role, you will need to have the following qualifications and skills:

Education & Experience – Possesses a bachelor’s degree in a program-related field and at least five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in journalism or designing, planning and executing both domestic and multinational programs and activities in journalism (or with journalists), or other specialties related to professional development; or a combination of post-high school education and directly related experience which totals ten (10) years which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position. Experience must include direct work with the journalism profession with acquired knowledge and understanding of the media landscape and journalist’s expectations.

Demonstrated Ability – To organize, prioritize and coordinate work involving a wide variety of tasks; to take initiative and work independently and cooperatively in following through on assignments; to assume responsibility for whole areas of work and integrate information from relevant sources; to gather and/or prepare background materials; to work and deal effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds; to work under the pressure of deadlines and competing demands; to acquire and maintain knowledge of and appropriately apply various policies and procedures; to establish and maintain accurate files and records; to adapt to changes and exercise good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations; to perform effectively in a non-routine work environment; to work effectively as a  team member; and to appropriately handle confidential information; to work creatively within a set budget and use innovation to find ways of more effectively managing resources.

Knowledge - Of office practices and procedures; of correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage; and of office machines and equipment; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional and other equivalent applications.  

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.

Travel – Possesses a valid driver’s license and clean traffic abstract as the position may be required to drive a company vehicle for business purposes. The incumbent must be able and available for occasional in-state, national, and international travel to support program needs.

Physical Requirements – Daily movements include sitting; standing; reaching, bending, and grasping. The position will occasionally walk, crouch, or kneel. The incumbent must be able to use their 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. The employee must occasionally lift, move, and/or transport objects and equipment that could weigh up to 25 pounds.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Previous experience as a working journalist. Familiarity with digital media and multimedia storytelling techniques. Knowledge of issues facing the Indo Pacific region, including challenges facing media.  

SALARY AND BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE EAST-WEST CENTER

When you join our team, you will have the opportunity to work for a company 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 $82,371.96 with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with a generous company match, paid holidays, as well as paid vacation and sick leave.

• Career Growth Opportunities

We believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for career growth and development. As you settle into your role, 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 this position, 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, worth 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 position.