University of Hawaii System
Associate Extension Agent (Position #0085866T)
University of Hawaii System, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, 96814
Position: Associate Extension Agent
Position Title: Associate Director for Strategic Communications and Engagement
Position Number: 0085866T
Department: University of Hawai‘i
School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
Sea Grant College Program
Geographic Location: O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
Date Posted: December 18, 2025
Closing Date: January 5, 2026
Monthly Type: 11 Month
Tenure Track: Non Tenure
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (100% FTE)
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: Renewal contingent upon availability of funds and satisfactory performance of duties.
Duties and Responsibilities The responsibilities and primary functions of the position include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Communications Leadership
Serve as program lead for Hawai'i Sea Grant communications, providing vision, strategy, and oversight for all internal and external communications.
Develop, implement, and regularly update a comprehensive Hawai'i Sea Grant strategic communications plan aligned with program priorities, NOAA Sea Grant requirements, and UH Manoa goals.
Ensure consistent, accurate, and compelling messaging that reflects Hawai'i Sea Grant’s values, impacts, and commitments to community-driven, place-based work.
Program-Wide Messaging and Storytelling
Translate complex scientific research, extension outcomes, and education initiatives into clear, engaging, and culturally resonant communications for diverse audiences.
Lead development of impact stories, success narratives, and visual content that highlight community partnerships, Indigenous knowledge, student engagement, and applied research outcomes.
Elevate the voices and perspectives of community partners, practitioners, faculty, and students in Sea Grant communications.
Communications Platforms and Media Relations
Oversee and coordinate all Hawai'i Sea Grant communications platforms, including websites, newsletters, reports, social media, media releases, and outreach materials.
Serve as a key liaison for media and public communications, working with UH communications offices and external partners as appropriate.
Ensure communications products meet accessibility, equity, and inclusion best practices.
Engagement and Capacity Building
Collaborate with extension, research, and education personnel to integrate effective communication and engagement strategies across all programs and initiatives.
Develop tools, templates, and guidance to build staff and faculty capacity in science communication, community, and public outreach.
Provide training, mentorship, and consultation to Sea Grant personnel on effective, ethical, and reciprocal engagement practices.
Evaluation, Reporting, and Compliance
Develop and apply qualitative and quantitative metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communications and engagement efforts.
Contribute to required state, university, and federal reports by leading communications-related reporting and impact documentation.
Ensure alignment with NOAA Sea Grant communication expectations and national network initiatives.
Partnerships and Representation
Represent or delegate as needed, representation for Hawai'i Sea Grant in regional and national Sea Grant communication and engagement networks, working groups, and professional forums.
Support development of collaborative initiatives and proposals that advance communications, engagement, and broader impacts.
Contribute to interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects that require integrated communication and outreach leadership.
Service and Administration
Serve as the primary supervisor for faculty, staff, and students within the communications team.
Perform annual programmatic evaluation and provide workplan development guidance of all faculty and staff together with the director’s office leadership team.
Participate in Hawai'i Sea Grant faculty and staff meetings and contribute to program planning and governance.
Prepare annual work plans and performance documentation consistent with faculty expectations.
Perform other related duties as assigned in support of Hawai'i Sea Grant’s mission.
Minimum Qualifications
A Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in social science of human dimensions, communications, physical or natural sciences, marine sciences, marine policy, or related field or related field, whichever is appropriate.
At least four (4) years’ experience as Extension faculty member or its equivalency in related fields in next lower rank.
Strong ability to lead and develop leadership in Cooperative Extension.
Proven administrative ability to conduct a well‑organized program in Cooperative Extension or Sea Grant Extension program, and to work harmoniously with the agents of other counties in an integrated Cooperative Extension program and with related public agencies.
Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.
At least five (5) years of experience in community engagement.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the 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.
Demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Knowledge and understanding of a wide range of developing and emerging concepts, principles and methodologies associated with communications and engagement initiatives.
Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to foster teamwork that builds and maintains a climate of trust and inspires commitment and partnership from others to achieve goals and objectives.
Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal, communication and presentation skills with the ability to motivate and positively influence in a multi‑cultural and multi‑ethnic environment, by building effective partnerships and relationships with communities, staff, faculty, and students to achieve established goals.
Demonstrated ability to interact with people in ways that enhance understanding, respect, cooperation, collaboration and problem solving.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing, implementing and managing successful strategic communications and engagement activities.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with data collection, management and analysis.
Knowledge of federal, state and UH equal opportunity/affirmative action policies, laws and related compliance requirements regarding nondiscrimination in all areas covered by law and policy.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Desirable Qualifications
PhD from a college or university of recognized standing, with work in social science of human dimensions, communications, physical or natural sciences, marine sciences, marine policy, or related field.
Significant expertise and a deep understanding of the graduate student experience and sensitivity to student needs and concerns.
Demonstrated ability to understand problems from a broad interactive perspective and use reasoning to discern underlying principles and issues when problem solving, and apply creative thinking to resolve problems in new and unprecedented approaches.
Demonstrated successful proposal development and budget management.
Demonstrated knowledge of the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program.
To Apply Submit the following online through NEOGOV: 1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications; 2) current curriculum vitae; 3) names and contact information (phone and e‑mail) of three (3) professional references; and 4) official transcripts (copies acceptable for application, but if selected, originals required at time of hire). All application materials must be submitted by the closing date. Failure to submit all application materials by the closing date shall deem an application incomplete and will not be considered.
Inquiries Darren Lerner; 808-956-7031; lerner@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i 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 https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment 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.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/ , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i 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 https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Title: Associate Director for Strategic Communications and Engagement
Position Number: 0085866T
Department: University of Hawai‘i
School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
Sea Grant College Program
Geographic Location: O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
Date Posted: December 18, 2025
Closing Date: January 5, 2026
Monthly Type: 11 Month
Tenure Track: Non Tenure
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (100% FTE)
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: Renewal contingent upon availability of funds and satisfactory performance of duties.
Duties and Responsibilities The responsibilities and primary functions of the position include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Communications Leadership
Serve as program lead for Hawai'i Sea Grant communications, providing vision, strategy, and oversight for all internal and external communications.
Develop, implement, and regularly update a comprehensive Hawai'i Sea Grant strategic communications plan aligned with program priorities, NOAA Sea Grant requirements, and UH Manoa goals.
Ensure consistent, accurate, and compelling messaging that reflects Hawai'i Sea Grant’s values, impacts, and commitments to community-driven, place-based work.
Program-Wide Messaging and Storytelling
Translate complex scientific research, extension outcomes, and education initiatives into clear, engaging, and culturally resonant communications for diverse audiences.
Lead development of impact stories, success narratives, and visual content that highlight community partnerships, Indigenous knowledge, student engagement, and applied research outcomes.
Elevate the voices and perspectives of community partners, practitioners, faculty, and students in Sea Grant communications.
Communications Platforms and Media Relations
Oversee and coordinate all Hawai'i Sea Grant communications platforms, including websites, newsletters, reports, social media, media releases, and outreach materials.
Serve as a key liaison for media and public communications, working with UH communications offices and external partners as appropriate.
Ensure communications products meet accessibility, equity, and inclusion best practices.
Engagement and Capacity Building
Collaborate with extension, research, and education personnel to integrate effective communication and engagement strategies across all programs and initiatives.
Develop tools, templates, and guidance to build staff and faculty capacity in science communication, community, and public outreach.
Provide training, mentorship, and consultation to Sea Grant personnel on effective, ethical, and reciprocal engagement practices.
Evaluation, Reporting, and Compliance
Develop and apply qualitative and quantitative metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communications and engagement efforts.
Contribute to required state, university, and federal reports by leading communications-related reporting and impact documentation.
Ensure alignment with NOAA Sea Grant communication expectations and national network initiatives.
Partnerships and Representation
Represent or delegate as needed, representation for Hawai'i Sea Grant in regional and national Sea Grant communication and engagement networks, working groups, and professional forums.
Support development of collaborative initiatives and proposals that advance communications, engagement, and broader impacts.
Contribute to interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects that require integrated communication and outreach leadership.
Service and Administration
Serve as the primary supervisor for faculty, staff, and students within the communications team.
Perform annual programmatic evaluation and provide workplan development guidance of all faculty and staff together with the director’s office leadership team.
Participate in Hawai'i Sea Grant faculty and staff meetings and contribute to program planning and governance.
Prepare annual work plans and performance documentation consistent with faculty expectations.
Perform other related duties as assigned in support of Hawai'i Sea Grant’s mission.
Minimum Qualifications
A Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in social science of human dimensions, communications, physical or natural sciences, marine sciences, marine policy, or related field or related field, whichever is appropriate.
At least four (4) years’ experience as Extension faculty member or its equivalency in related fields in next lower rank.
Strong ability to lead and develop leadership in Cooperative Extension.
Proven administrative ability to conduct a well‑organized program in Cooperative Extension or Sea Grant Extension program, and to work harmoniously with the agents of other counties in an integrated Cooperative Extension program and with related public agencies.
Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.
At least five (5) years of experience in community engagement.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the 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.
Demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Knowledge and understanding of a wide range of developing and emerging concepts, principles and methodologies associated with communications and engagement initiatives.
Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to foster teamwork that builds and maintains a climate of trust and inspires commitment and partnership from others to achieve goals and objectives.
Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal, communication and presentation skills with the ability to motivate and positively influence in a multi‑cultural and multi‑ethnic environment, by building effective partnerships and relationships with communities, staff, faculty, and students to achieve established goals.
Demonstrated ability to interact with people in ways that enhance understanding, respect, cooperation, collaboration and problem solving.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing, implementing and managing successful strategic communications and engagement activities.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with data collection, management and analysis.
Knowledge of federal, state and UH equal opportunity/affirmative action policies, laws and related compliance requirements regarding nondiscrimination in all areas covered by law and policy.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Desirable Qualifications
PhD from a college or university of recognized standing, with work in social science of human dimensions, communications, physical or natural sciences, marine sciences, marine policy, or related field.
Significant expertise and a deep understanding of the graduate student experience and sensitivity to student needs and concerns.
Demonstrated ability to understand problems from a broad interactive perspective and use reasoning to discern underlying principles and issues when problem solving, and apply creative thinking to resolve problems in new and unprecedented approaches.
Demonstrated successful proposal development and budget management.
Demonstrated knowledge of the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program.
To Apply Submit the following online through NEOGOV: 1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications; 2) current curriculum vitae; 3) names and contact information (phone and e‑mail) of three (3) professional references; and 4) official transcripts (copies acceptable for application, but if selected, originals required at time of hire). All application materials must be submitted by the closing date. Failure to submit all application materials by the closing date shall deem an application incomplete and will not be considered.
Inquiries Darren Lerner; 808-956-7031; lerner@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i 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 https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment 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.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/ , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i 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 https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
#J-18808-Ljbffr