Deputy Director

eastwestcenter; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 108,647 - 132,790; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings with generous match

Paid time off

Job summary

The East-West Center is seeking a Deputy Director to provide administrative and intellectual leadership. This full-time role involves coordinating program resources and managing funding proposals to align with the Center's mission.

Ideal candidates should have a Master's degree, five years of program management experience, and strong communication skills. The position offers an annual salary starting from $120,719.68 and includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement savings.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and at least five years of full-time experience managing program operations.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• At least two years of supervisory experience in a unionized work environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist Director in achieving program objectives through strategic planning.
• Coordinate execution of the Center’s priority projects with Visiting Fellows.
• Review all contracts and memorandums drafted within the unit.

Skills

Strong written and verbal English communication skills

Ability to interact with diverse backgrounds and abilities

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Education

Master’s degree

At least five years of program management experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Google Suite

Job description

About the East-West Center

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 U.S. regional government stakeholders and program partners.

Position Overview

Our Research team is currently seeking a Deputy Director who can provide exceptional administrative and intellectual leadership to the program. This position ensures all operational activities and funding proposals are compatible with the East-West Center’s mission and objectives, and assists in directing program resources and project planning.

Programmatic Leadership

• Assist Director in achieving program objectives by coordinating work among program units, allocating resources, and providing timely direction.
• Assist with the development, evaluation, and documentation of program activities and deliverable outcomes.
• Establish necessary standards and procedures to ensure priorities are met and Center policies are followed.
• Assist with strategic planning to ensure future Program needs and external requirements are met.
• Oversee program resources including equipment, computer support, telephone services, and other support services, managing property and space, supplies, and services needed for the Program.
• Assist Director in overseeing the resource information and research publications for the Program.
• Assist Director in seeking funding for the Research Program and its staff, identifying aligned projects, developing work plans, and collaborating across departments within the Center.
• Review all proposals for funding generated from the research staff and monitor the delivery of results to the funding agencies.
• Assist in budget planning for the Program, monitor spending, and reallocate funds appropriately to achieve program objectives while maintaining compliance with contracts, grants, and fiscal policies.
• Represent Director at designated meetings when VPRD is unavailable, including EWC management meetings.
• Provide weekly feedback regarding status to program initiatives, projects, events, goals, and workflows, identify roadblocks, and recommend remedies.
• Assist with external relations and communication with stakeholders in Hawaii, the U.S. Mainland, and the Asia‑Pacific region, handling hosted events as assigned.

Administrative Oversight

• Oversee performance of administrative tasks for the Program and its staff, ensuring adequate support for program activities.
• Identify actual or potential problem areas and trends, gather appropriate information, and recommend remedial action.
• Review all contracts and memorandums drafted within the unit and collaborate with the VPRD in drafting activity descriptions, justification narratives, and payment schedules.
• Coordinate execution of the Center’s priority projects with Visiting Fellows and other researchers, developing policies and procedures that facilitate their execution.
• Assist and support the work of the Research Program publications manager.
• Assist with preparation and coordination of grant proposals, reviewing and editing proposals for accuracy.
• Collaborate with Fiscal to ensure compliance with funding source requirements and with HR in processing appropriate documents.
• Participate in program meetings, including program retreats, for development and coordination.

Personnel Administration

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership to support a high‑performance work environment aligned with the Center’s mission.
• Supervise unit staff, setting work priorities, directing workflow, organizing schedules, and managing time‑off requests.
• Establish goals and criteria for the unit and staff, conduct performance evaluations, and provide coaching and guidance.
• Coordinate with Administrative Assistant, Director, and HR in recruitment, onboarding, retention, and offboarding tasks.
• Direct and oversee training of new staff.
• Interact diplomatically in all employee relations matters, maintaining confidentiality and professional image.
• Attend supervisor training as required.

The position may perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION: The position works under the general supervision of the Director of Research and is responsible for managing academic and program support staff.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree and at least five years of full‑time experience managing program operations, or equivalent education and ten years of progressive work experience.
• At least two years of supervisory experience in a unionized work environment.

Communication

• Strong written and verbal English communication skills; ability to interact with diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Demonstrated Ability

• Organize and carry out assignments by independently determining applicable regulations and procedures.
• Apply judgment and analytical skills in administrative recommendations.
• Maintain high accuracy with numbers and detailed matters.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Handle confidential material appropriately.
• Work effectively in a highly non‑routine environment and handle complex details.
• Set priorities, work under pressure, adapt to changes, and exercise initiative.

Knowledge

• Office practices and record‑keeping procedures.
• Office machines and equipment, including computers, printers, projectors, and emerging technologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Google Suite, Microsoft 365, and meeting software such as Zoom and Skype.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, walk, or stand for extended periods; dexterity to operate a keyboard and standard office equipment; vision requirements to read computer screens and printed matter; hearing and speech at normal levels.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional in‑state, domestic, and international travel to support program needs.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this position starts at $120,719.68 per year with health insurance, retirement savings with a generous match, and paid time off. Career growth opportunities, supportive work environment, and collaborative culture are also provided.

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.