Senior Leadership Development Specialist

For over 50 years, the East-West Center has been working with and cultivating leaders from diverse fields across the region by linking high-level content with experiential learning and emphasizing practical application of ideas. The Leadership Program, part of the larger Professional Development team, hosts capacity-building programs for participants from multiple nations, cultures, and professional sectors who want to co-create the future as self-reflective, resilient agents. Using experiential, place-based learning with a focus on equity, these cohorts of leaders practice new strategies in nurturing environments.

Our team is seeking an on-site Senior Leadership Development Specialist to manage, design, deliver, and advance our catalog of leadership development programming within the East-West Center. This position will work collaboratively with other program staff members and key stakeholders to coordinate and facilitate a customized range of learning and development offerings to address the needs of the target audience and ensure curriculum is relevant to the Asia-Pacific region’s leadership development opportunities and needs.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Program Design and Development

• Designs, develops and organizes customized program curricula for cohort-based learning that encompasses:
  • Major regional issues and trends driving change in the Asia-Pacific including climate change, the growth of artificial intelligence, and equitable access to opportunity.
  • Leadership strategies and capacities necessary for navigating complex, uncertain environments, including critical and strategic thinking, design thinking, foresight, creativity, teamwork and team building, and conflict resolution.
  • Personal leadership development for adult learning that includes presence, agency, communication, collaboration, cultural humility, and reflective practices.
• Investigates and integrates diverse learning methods (e.g., peer-to-peer learning, workshops, case studies, site visits, role playing, discussions, reflection, and mentoring) into curricular activities that strengthen engagement and foster leadership reflection and growth for program participants.
• Conducts local and regional scanning and analysis with respect to emerging leadership issues, pedagogical approaches, and opportunities for field visits. Gains and maintains knowledge of Hawai‘i’s cultural and environmental uniqueness to foster openness to multiple perspectives on leadership and the future.

Program Coordination

• Consult and coordinate services with relevant field experts and community partners to enhance and expand on instructional content.
• Organizes and leads study tour travel and field study activities. Organizes and facilitates diverse meetings and visits and ensures learning is applied effectively and program goals are achieved.
• Oversees and leads program agenda; ensures participants attend and engage in formal activities, group and individual assignments, and virtual engagements.
• Cultivates and strengthens relationships with key stakeholders to strengthen programming partnerships as well as donor and alumni engagement for the programs’ continued success and sustainability.
• Conducts post-program reporting and follow-up, including reports to funders and donors, outputs for EWC stakeholders, and thank yous.

Program Facilitation and Delivery

• Facilitates learning sessions, workshops, and groups discussions that promote the sharing of perspectives and conceptualize new ideas of leadership collaboration, leadership reflection, and the exploration and practical application of leadership concepts.
• Executes hands-on, collaborative learning experiences that enhance leadership capacities and help participants address challenges within their professional and regional contexts.
• Mentors and supports participants throughout their program experience, helping them navigate their personal journeys and applying program insights to real-world challenges.
• Supports and maintains a healthy and constructive workspace and environment that allows participants to engage in a safe and positive manner with one another and with the broader community.
• Establishes monitoring and evaluation for all curriculum and educational activities with tangible data points that can evaluate the program’s effectiveness and satisfaction. Incorporates feedback and continuous improvement to ensure the program remains aligned with emerging leadership trends and regional priorities. Shares evaluation reports on participant learning, program achievements, and necessary improvements.

Unit General Support

• Contributes to development of new programs and writes proposals to fund existing or new leadership program activities.
• Participates in Center-wide committees and contributes expertise to staff development as assigned.

This list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented on an occasional basis in accordance with the requirements of the job.

SUPERVISION: This position works under the general supervision of the Leadership Program Senior Manager. Assignments are made in terms of broad goals and deliverables and work may be reviewed for fulfillment of objectives and conformance with departmental policy and practice. The incumbent demonstrates a high degree of autonomous judgment, discretion, and resourcefulness in resolving complex and/or intricate issues and problems and resolves them in a timely and efficient manner.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education & Experience –

Possesses a master’s degree and at least four (4) years of program facilitation or teaching experience in leadership or professional development in U.S. or Asia-Pacific contexts (in the region and/or with participants from the region); or a combination of post-high school education, training, and directly-related experience which totals, at minimum, 11 years demonstrating the ability to successfully perform the duties of the position. Work experience should demonstrate a skilled capacity to design, deliver, monitor, and evaluate leadership and professional development programs; understands appropriate cultural competencies with individuals and groups from the United States and the Asia-Pacific, as well as mixed groups with diverse representations and social identities; and accomplishments in designing and delivering leadership development programs, particularly in immersive, residential, or cross-cultural settings. Experience in coaching, peer coaching, and mentoring, with the ability to guide participants in personal leadership journeys. Possesses excellent project management skills, with experience coordinating residential or immersive leadership programs, including logistics, participant engagement, and collaboration with external partners.

Communication – Possesses strong written and verbal English communication skills for engaging with participants, colleagues, and guest speakers across diverse cultures in person, on the phone, and in digital environments.

Demonstrated Ability – to work effectively in multicultural settings, fostering inclusive and diverse leadership practices; to set priorities and work under the pressure of deadlines and competing demands; to organize, prioritize and coordinate work involving a wide variety of tasks; to take initiative and work independently and cooperatively in following through on assignments; to assume responsibility for whole areas of work and integrate information from relevant sources; to gather and/or prepare background materials; to provide feedback that supports participants’ development to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including participants, external partners, and community organizations; to perpetuate a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusionto work under the pressure of competing demands and meet required deadlines and outcomes; to establish and maintain accurate files and records; to adapt to changes and exercise good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations; to perform effectively in a non-routine work environment; to appropriately handle confidential information; to find appropriate ways of effectively managing resources; to function effectively within a group and foster collaboration; and to analyze operational situations and make appropriate recommendations.

Knowledge – Of office practices and procedures; of correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage; and of office machines and equipment; proficiency in computer programs (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional and other equivalent applications). Knowledge of online teaching and collaboration platforms using various virtual meeting programs (e.g. Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams). Technical knowledge in leadership theories, personal development, and collaboration strategies; and of personal leadership development, including identity formation, social-emotional learning, and emotional intelligence.

Physical Requirements – Able to sit, walk or stand for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, operate standard office equipment, and use a phone; see and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids; read and understand rules and policies, labels, and instructions; and to hear, speak and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone.

Work Schedule & Travel – Normal work is conducted from Monday-Friday during normal business hours, but some weekends and evenings may be required when residential programs are in session. The incumbent must also be able and available for occasional in-state, national, and international travel to support program needs (up to 30%).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A robust professional network in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in leadership and professional development sectors. 
• Experience with virtual leadership programs, including the use of online teaching and collaboration platforms. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE EAST-WEST CENTER

You will have the opportunity to join an organization that values its employees and provides a supportive work environment. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

Competitive Salary and Benefits – The annual salary for this position starts at $98,730.92 per year with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with a very generous company match, and paid time off.

Career Growth Opportunities – We believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for career growth and development. You will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and advance your career within our organization.

Supportive Work Environment – We believe in fostering a supportive work environment where our employees feel valued and appreciated. We encourage open communication and collaboration and provide the tools and resources our employees need to succeed.

HOW TO APPLY: If you’re interested in applying for the role, submit an electronic application at APPLY FOR THIS JOB NOW so that you can be immediately considered. Here are some tips to help you prepare you for our job application process:

• Tailor Your Resume and Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant experience and skills and provide examples of how you have demonstrated leadership in your previous roles. Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and provide a clear and concise summary of your qualifications and experience. Explain why you are interested in the role and how you can contribute to our team. Our initial assessment will be based on the information you submit in your application.

• Be Prepared for the Interview

If you are invited for an interview, make sure that you are well prepared. Research our company and its role and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and qualifications.

• Provide Three Professional References

Ensure that your references can attest to your skills, work ethic, and integrity. What these people reveal about you — both in terms of what they do and don’t say — can make a difference in whether you’ll be hired. So, it’s extremely important that you choose wisely when deciding who to use as a reference.

The East-West Center is a premier institution in the Indo-Pacific to convene, develop, and equip a network of leaders to solve challenges of common concern. Founded in 1960, the Center has been a leader in promoting understanding and cooperation between the United States and the Indo-Pacific region through its innovative programs and research initiatives.

The Center is dedicated to creating respectful and inclusive programming that values innovation and growth through collaborations across the organization and the region. With its cutting-edge research, educational programs, and vibrant community, the East-West Center has become a hub of academic excellence and cultural exchange. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply someone interested in making a difference for peoples and communities throughout Asia, the Pacific and the US, the East-West Center is the perfect place to explore and discover new perspectives.

As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including admissions and employment. This is a full-time, in-person role that requires the desired candidate to physically reside in Oahu, Hawaii.