Hawai'i Education and Engagement Specialist

Job Summary:
The Hawaiʻi Education and Engagement Specialist will cultivate and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including grassroot residents and Native Hawaiian communities, through TMT’s Education, Outreach, and Broader Impacts (EOBI) programs that reflect community voices. Serving as a liaison for TMT, this role will foster mutual understanding, promote respectful engagement, and ensure that community voices are heard and valued.

This position requires strong interpersonal skills, deep knowledge of Hawaiian culture and local society, and commitment to relationship-building. Proficiency in ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi is highly preferred, along with teaching experience. The Hawaiʻi Education and Engagement Specialist will coordinate initiatives that enhance TMT’s community partnership and administer EOBI programs that align with local communities’ needs and interests.

As a member of TMT’s EOBI team, this person will collaborate with local organizations, schools, and Mauneaka observatories to support the social, economic, educational, and well-being of the community, with a particular focus on Native Hawaiian communities.

Job Duties:

• Actively listen to and engage with diverse community members, fostering open and respectful dialogue
• Serve as a bridge between TMT and local community
• Develop and implement EOBI programs under the supervision of the EOBI manager
• Plan, coordinate, and promote community participation in TMT initiatives
• Support and implement astronomy events in partnership with Maunakea Observatories, UH, ‘Imiloa, and NOIRLab
• Create and cultivate relationships with Hawaiʻi residents, organizations, and cultural leaders
• Support and lead TMT’s outreach programs, ensuring alignment with community values
• Attend local events and meetings on behalf of TMT to gather feedback and identify opportunities for collaboration
• Evaluate and monitor engagement activities
• Monitor and report critical development, news, and community concerns related to TMT to the team

Key Attributes:

• Strong listening and interpersonal skills to build relationship with diverse community members
• Effective and culturally aware communicator
• Deep knowledge of Hawaiian culture, language, and societal dynamics
• Proven ability to connect with and navigate various community perspectives
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects
• Passionate about community engagement, education, and fostering collaboration in astronomy

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Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, sociology, social work or a related field, or at least six years of work experience in community engagement and teaching, particularly working with underserved communities
• Demonstrated ability to establish and nurture relationships with local organizations and residents
• Strong knowledge of Hawaiian culture, history, and familiarity with ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi
• Familiarity with astronomy and an interest in science education and outreach

The position is based in or near Hilo. Residence in or near the Hilo area is required.

TMT International Observatory is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.