Program Assistant

MAUI HULIAU FOUNDATION; Hawaii; Remote; USD 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization in Maui is seeking a full-time Program Assistant to support youth and community programs. This role involves teaching environmental education, coordinating summer programs, and assisting with outreach efforts. The ideal candidate will have experience working with teenagers and knowledge of Hawaiian culture. The position offers flexible hours and a starting salary of $47,000/year, with benefits including medical, dental, and paid time off.

Benefits

Full medical and dental benefits

Paid time off

Retirement plan with employer match

Flexible work hours

Two weeks of paid vacation

10 floating holiday/sick days annually

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience working with teenagers in Hawaiʻi.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian culture and language.

Responsibilities

• Teach environmental education and filmmaking programs.
• Support youth-led environmental projects and community outreach.
• Assist with program planning, delivery, and reporting.

Skills

Environmental Education

Filmmaking

Event Management

Social Media Management

Outreach

Education

Degree in Environmental Studies

Degree in Hawaiian Studies

Degree in Filmmaking

Tools

Email Tools

Spreadsheet Tools

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Position opening begins July 1st, 2025 (flexible start date between June and August)

Maui Huliau Foundation is seeking a full-time Program Assistant to support our youth and community programs. This position includes full medical and dental benefits, paid time off, retirement, and parental leave.* Starting pay is $47,000/year (or hourly equivalent), with potential for a higher starting salary based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. There is room for growth in both responsibilities and compensation. Employees enjoy flexible work hours and receive two weeks of paid vacation plus 10 floating holiday/sick days annually, with PTO increasing with years worked. A 3% employer match on a SIMPLE IRA account is also available.

*Part-time or hourly applicants may be considered.

Position Overview:

The Program Assistant will help plan and deliver our five main programs: Environmental Filmmaking Club, Leadership Council, Climate Literacy Project, Huliau Green Events, and our Kūkulu Pilina professional development and ʻāina-based programs. You will also assist in coordinating and leading our summer programs, as well as supporting our fundraising events and outreach efforts. This role supports the Executive Director and Program Managers in all aspects of program planning, delivery, and reporting. The responsibilities will vary based on program needs and the skills and interests of the selected candidate.

Primary Responsibilities:

Teach environmental education and filmmaking programs in classrooms, virtually, and outdoors; collaborate with science teachers to customize and deliver climate change curriculum; lead field trips and service projects; support youth-led environmental projects; assist in zero waste education and landfill diversion at events; support waste reduction initiatives and school-based zero waste efforts; contribute to curriculum development, scheduling, and outcome tracking; assist with community outreach, fundraising, and administrative tasks.

Work hours are flexible and will be discussed during the interview. The role requires occasional weekend work (approximately 1–3 days per month).

Preferred Qualifications:

While we are open to training the right candidate passionate about our mission, our ideal applicant will have some of the following:

• At least two years of experience working with teenagers in Hawaiʻi
• Knowledge of Hawaiian culture and language
• Experience in filmmaking
• A degree in environmental studies, Hawaiian studies, or filmmaking
• Experience in grant writing, fundraising, or nonprofit management
• Social media and website management skills
• Event management and waste management experience
• Proficiency in email, phone, and spreadsheet tools
• Outreach and education experience
• Strong self-motivation and ability to work independently in a project-based environment

Please note: Applicants looking to relocate from outside of Hawaiʻi will not be considered, as familiarity with the Maui community is essential.

Founded in 2010, Maui Huliau Foundation’s mission is to promote environmental literacy and leadership among Maui’s youth. We serve students ages 12–18 from public and private schools on Maui through hands-on programs in filmmaking, leadership, zero waste education, and climate literacy. Our small team of four staff engages youth in real-life projects with community partners, empowering them to become stewards of our islands.

We do not have a central office—most administrative work is done remotely on a flexible schedule. Our Green Events program takes place at various sites across the island, often on weekends. Youth programs are held at schools, outdoor locations like farms and beaches, and partner sites.

Our work is highly project-based and collaborative, with schedules that vary week to week. This position is ideal for a self-motivated individual who enjoys creative project management, working with youth, engaging with the community, and a dynamic work environment. If you prefer a traditional 9-to-5 schedule and routine tasks, this position may not be the right fit. Some youth programs use a hybrid model, with about 25% virtual sessions and the rest outdoors.

We welcome questions during the interview process.