Budget and Agreements Specialist

Kupu’s Story

Kupu, which means “to sprout” or “to grow” in Hawaiian, has a two-fold mission: to preserve the land while empowering youth. The organization provides hands-on training in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education for young adults, with the goal of fostering our next generation of environmental and cultural stewards. Kupu’s work has been likened to the role of the kupukupu fern, which is one of the first plants to recultivate the land after a lava flow. The fern not only serves as a foundational species for rebuilding a healthy, native ecosystem, but it also symbolizes a place where knowledge can grow.

Established in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai‘i.  Kupu accomplishes this by partnering with conservation and sustainability focused agencies throughout the state and pacific in providing hands-on service opportunities which educate and mentor young adults and emerging professionals to become stewards of our communities and environment.  Since 2007, Kupu has risen to meet the increasing demands of the green job sector by engaging over 3,000 youth in the areas of conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. Kupu affirms the Hawaiian notion of “ma ka hana ka ʻike” or “in working one learns.”  This approach has led to the creation of hundreds of service-learning opportunities which assists in the development of Hawai’i’s emerging professionals in the green job sector while supporting over 150 conservation and sustainability organizations across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Region.

Kupu’s Mission

“To empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage integrity (pono) with Ke Akua, self, and others”

Position Overview

The Budget and Agreements Specialist is a full-time, exempt, primarily on-site role which provides essential support for Kupu's Programs, focusing on the efficient management of budgets and contracts for program initiatives. Reporting to the Budget and Agreements Lead, this role is responsible for assisting in budget planning, contract administration, expense tracking, and financial reporting. The Budget and Agreements Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring that financial processes are conducted accurately, and that department staff receive timely budget insights.

• Conduct oneself with aloha and drive Kupu’s culture.
• Conduct oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu’s mission.
• Serves as a role model for Kupu’s culture, mission, and CHOSEN Values.

Agreement Review and Management Support

• Assist the Budget and Agreements Lead in agreement review, processing, and tracking; preparing and modifying agreements and budgets
• Monitoring and tracking award progress
• Inputting or communicating agreement information to necessary departments
• Ensuring compliance with Kupu’s policies and funding partner requirements

Budget Development Assistance

• Collaborate with the Budget and Agreements team and relevant stakeholders to support the development of program budgets, contributing accurate cost estimates for project proposals and funding applications.

Expense Review

• Conduct departmental expense reviews and approvals at a high frequency, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with budgetary guidelines.

Financial Data Communication and Budget Updates

• Prepare budget status reports, summaries, and updates for department staff, providing insights and supporting informed decision-making.

Data File Management

• Maintain organized records of agreements, budgets, and expenses, ensuring thorough documentation for reporting and audit purposes.
• Maintain data files for a variety of operations such as but not limited to payroll and invoicing.

Process Improvement Support

• Assist in identifying areas for improvement in budget and contract management processes and support the implementation of recommended solutions.

Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders regarding budget and contract inquiries, providing accurate and timely information.

Position Qualifications (MQs):

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience in budget management or contract administration.
• Demonstrated experience with financial analysis and expense management.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, with proficiency in interpreting financial data.
• Effective communication skills for working with both internal teams and external partners.
• Proficiency in financial software, Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay range: $50,000 - $60,000 annually, based on experience
• Employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• PTO
• Eligible for 401(k) plan after one year of service and 1,000 hours of service
• Lifestyle benefits (gym reimbursement, ticket discounts, etc.)

Physical Requirements:

Due to the nature of Kupu’s programs, the physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (up to 6–8 hours per day).
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking, hearing, reading, and writing in English, to exchange accurate information with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability to view and analyze information on a computer screen, including detailed data, spreadsheets, and written documents.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within an office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry light items (e.g., files, documents, or office supplies) typically up to 10–15 pounds.
• Ability to maintain regular, predictable attendance and sustain focus and attention to detail for extended periods.
• Work is primarily performed in an indoor office or remote office environment with standard office equipment.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings or events.
• Flexibility in work hours may be necessary to meet deadlines and project requirements.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

*In accordance with Federal Law, Kupu is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability