Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Project Coordinator

Job Title: Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Project Coordinator

Annual Salary: $51,440

Employment Classification: Contract-funded position through June 2028

Benefits: 90% employer paid medical, dental, vision insurance, PTO, and retirement plan

Hours: M-F, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and may include evening and weekend hours. Onsite with some remote work as assigned by supervisors.

Samoa Pacific Development Corporation: https://www.samoapdx.org/

- Samoa Pacific Development Corporation (SPDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the Samoan and Pacific Islander community in Oregon through educational and economic resources and cultural empowerment.

Position Summary

- If you are interested in being a part of the exciting work of building an emerging non-profit that serves the Samoan and Pacific Islander community in Portland metro, Medford, The Dalles and other communities in the state of Oregon, this job may be of interest to you. SPDC is looking for a self-motivated, compassionate, results-driven, and culturally responsive team player to join our staff and contribute to the dynamic work of building and serving the Samoan and Pacific Islander community. The Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NH/PI) Project Coordinator will collaborate closely with SPDC’s Education Team and partners to lead, develop and implement a program aimed at addressing systemic barriers that contribute to educational disparities impacting Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. This role focuses on developing initiatives to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment for NH/PI students in both urban and rural settings, aligned with the nonprofit's mission to advance equity and empowerment within NH/PI communities.

The successful candidate will also contribute to imparting systemic change by advocating for social justice, equity, and resources to address systemic neglect that has perpetuated social disparities across generations of Pacific Islanders in Oregon. Interested applicants who have program coordination and partnership building experience and have worked with Samoans and Pacific Islander communities and stakeholders are encouraged to apply.

Program Overview

- SPDC’s Inclusive Network Supporting Pacific Islander Resilience and Empowerment (INSPIRE) initiative is designed to achieve significant and lasting improvements in the educational outcomes of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) students in Oregon. Serving high school students within diverse communities in the Portland metro area and Medford, INSPIRE will directly address key barriers outlined in the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Student Success Plan (SSP), ensuring that NH/PI students are better equipped to succeed academically and transition smoothly into higher education and beyond.

The mission of the INSPIRE initiative is to create a sustainable, culturally responsive support system that enhances educational outcomes and promotes long-term academic success for NH/PI high school students in Oregon. Aligned with the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander SSP,INSPIRE addresses specific challenges faced by NH/PI students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and implementation of program plan and activities for the NH/PI Project: Comprehensive Planning and Partnership Development, with support from staff and input from partners.
• Identify academic and cultural challenges faced by NH/PI students, ensuring strategies are data-informed and culturally relevant.
• Engage key stakeholders, including schools like Roosevelt HS, Franklin HS, and institutions such as Portland State University (PSU) and Portland Community College (PCC), and community organizations like the Pacific Islander Student Alliance (PISA).
• Develop culturally responsive curricula and intervention models that align with SSP strategies, enhancing academic engagement and addressing disciplinary disparities. Develop a 3-year plan. Develop an Annual High School PI Heritage Day in collaboration with other High Schools.
• Establish baseline data on student performance and implement quarterly reviews to ensure alignment with SSP objectives.
• Creates a welcoming and inclusive environment to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
• Designs program activities that support and meet the project’s objectives and outcomes.
• Serve as the main point of contact for requests for program information and resources.
• Coordinates the project evaluation team, which is responsible for developing tools and methods to assess the project’s success.
• Manages the project’s data, records, resources and prepares program reports using AirTable and Google Drive.
• Coordinates and supports outreach, and planning of program events alongside other staff.
• Assists with administrative tasks related to the project, including invoicing, vendors, and record keeping.
• Acts as liaison with community partners and represents the organizations at events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the authorized supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant area from an accredited institution; at least 2 years of experience in program development and management; OR a high school diploma with at least 3-5 years experience in community programs or project or grant management.
• Must reside in Portland metro area: Multnomah, Jackson, Clackamas or Washington counties
• Must have a valid drivers license and vehicle
• Experience working with Pacific Islander high school students
• Comfortable speaking and interacting with key stakeholders, community leaders and members.
• Familiar with the challenges and experiences of the Pacific Islander community in Oregon.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and provide recommendations.
• Commitment to SPDC’s mission, vision, and values; grounded in Pacific Islander cultural values while working to advance equity, social justice, and systems changes.
• Good communication skills: writing and speaking in English and in various formats.
• Organized, ability to prioritize work assignments to meet deadlines, ability to adapt to changing circumstances, capable of self-direction, and embraces the challenges of working for a new and emerging nonprofit.
• Proficiency with computer technology, Microsoft Suite, Google Drive, social media, and willingness to learn other software applications as required.
• Professional, responsible and culturally responsive.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual in Samoan or another Pacific Islander language and English, both verbal and written communication of various formats.
• Familiar with research on the challenges facing the Pacific Islanders students and communities in the U.S.
• Knowledge of best practices in diversity, equity and inclusion work.
• Experience in education and community work, project and grant management, and strategic planning.

To APPLY submit Resume and Cover Letter to:

Meroma Leifi at meroma@samoapdx.org

Questions: adminis@samoapdx.org or meroma@samoapdx.org

Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Temporary

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, OR 97218

Salary : $51,440