Strategic Partnerships Coordinator

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 US, regional government stakeholders, and program partners with innovative training, analytical and dialogue exchange, and public diplomacy products to meet US policy priorities and expressed needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Coordinator to build and maintain partnerships with the University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi-based organizations, Pacific Island governments, regional institutions, international organizations, diaspora communities, and subject matter experts to support collaboration, knowledge exchange, and informed dialogue on issues affecting Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. As Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) and a Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agency, PIDP engages regularly with senior government officials, regional organizations, and international partners.

The Coordinator supports these activities through program coordination, leadership initiatives, policy engagement, and official functions requiring professionalism, discretion, and a strong understanding of Pacific protocols.

• Work with the Deputy Director to develop partnerships and expand PIDP’s engagement with government agencies, regional organizations, international institutions, diaspora communities, NGOs, civil society, and educational organizations.
• Develop and implement leadership programs, educational initiatives, and training opportunities focused on Pacific regional affairs, governance, diplomacy, public policy, and emerging issues.
• Build and maintain partnerships with the University of Hawaiʻi System, academic institutions, research centers, scholars, and other experts to support education, research, and dialogue.
• Design curricula and coordinate programs for emerging leaders, youth, students, and professionals from Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.
• Support engagement with state agencies in support of Hawaiʻi’s role in the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) and related regional activities.
• Assist with the implementation of PICL meetings, policy discussions, and official engagements involving Pacific leaders, government representatives, and regional organizations.
• Manage PIDP’s alumni, fellows and interns in collaboration with other PIDP and EWC colleagues as needed to create opportunities to provide briefings, contribute expertise to publications and research initiatives, and participate in educational programs, conferences, and discussions. Cultivate an active PIDP alumni network to support and contribute to PIDP initiatives.
• Develop initiatives that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s capacity as a center for Pacific expertise, leadership development, and policy dialogues that connect Hawaiʻi and Pacific Island communities, institutions, and experts.
• Collaborate with the PIDP team, researchers, and subject matter experts to develop policy briefs, publications, educational materials, and communications that support understanding of Pacific regional issues and promote PIPD’s public diplomacy. Develop and coordinate policy-oriented research initiatives that encourage dialogue between Hawaiʻi and Pacific Island countries and address issues of regional importance.
• Support grant development, and oversee and develop PIDP partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other funding and collaboration opportunities. Prepare program reports, evaluations, briefing materials,…