Associate Extension Agent; Position

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.

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.

• A Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in social science of human…