Youth Engagement Specialist; Music

Posted Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Informed by a deep understanding of the adolescent experience and grounded in Hawaiian culture, the new LC will provide Hawaiian youth with opportunities to connect to peers and mentors, receive supportive services, and discover pathways to passion, purpose, and prosperity. LC will be LT's signature youth development hub for culture, creativity, technology, and play, and will serve as a resource center where youth can connect to vital support and a vibrant community.

LC will be a safe space located in urban Honolulu where youth are inspired to pursue their dreams, including exploring pathways in the arts, sports, technology, and entrepreneurship while receiving wraparound support to help them reach their goals and become thriving adults. A primary function of LC will be to provide a space for young people to play, to learn, to find connection and inspiration, and to experience joy.

Under the direction of the ʻŌlino Pathways Team, the Youth Engagement Specialist – Music will support music-based programming, events, and creative projects primarily at the Lili ʻuokalani Center (LC), with occasional support at other program sites. The specialist will focus on engaging youth through music education, performance, and creative expression. The role may also involve light administrative duties and facility support.

• Collaborate with the ʻŌlino Pathways Team to support music-related activities and events, including songwriting, instrument instruction, vocal coaching, music production, and related workshops.
• Work directly with youth ages 12–24, fostering meaningful engagement through music and supporting their creative development.
• Assist in set-up and breakdown of music-related creative spaces, such as the sound studio, recording lab, lounge areas, and performance spaces.
• Help ensure safe and inclusive environments by supporting the opening, closing, and monitoring of program facilities.
• Support working relationships with artists, and partner organizations.
• Help plan and deliver music-focused events, workshops, and open houses that promote participation and community engagement.
• Provide transportation support for youth and staff, including driving LT vehicles as needed.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity by incorporating Hawaiian and other relevant cultural perspectives into music programming.

• Contributes to the Trust’s success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve team and organization results.
• Evening and weekend hours are required as needed.

• High school diploma or equivalent experience
• Capacity to perform frontline work in various settings (schools, public spaces, offices, distressed communities, etc.)
• Comfort with youth work, particularly engaging with vulnerable youth
• Benefits include professional development and a safe and caring environment to support personal growth
• Aloha: awareness and approach to the work with compassion, empathy, and kindness.
• ‘Imi Na’auao: a constant desire for seeking knowledge; lifelong learner.
• Po’okele: desire to perform in excellence.
• Wiwo’ole: maintain a courageous, brave, and fearless mindset.
• Pono: understand the appropriateness of time, place, reason, people, and tools
• Kuleana: bring a deep sense of responsibility and accountability
• Collaboration:
  
  Ability to interact effectively with youth, community partners, and multi-disciplinary teams. Knowledge of community resources and services
• Ethical Practice:
  Model the highest level of ethical behavior, integrity, and social responsibility Uphold and embody all LT values.
• Communication:
  Clearly convey and receive information and ideas. Engage the listener and invite response and feedback. Demonstrate strong written, oral, and listening skills.
• Cultural Competence:
  Respect and relate well to people from varied backgrounds and sensitive to group differences. Experience working with at-risk youth and ability to apply positive youth development principles to that work.
• Relationship Management:
  Experience working with staff at all levels in a collaborative environment; ability to promote and sustain positive…