HGG CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – ID# 226431

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

HGG CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – ID# 226431.

CLOSING DATE:  July 26, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES:  Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā 808-351-0943 (Oahu). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Hawai‘i Local 2030 Hub, located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE:  $8,333 - $12,500/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Oversees Hawaiʻi Green Growth’s day-to-day operations, financial management, human resources, organizational systems, and risk management. Reporting to and partnering closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), translates the Board- and CEO-approved 2026–2030 Strategic Plan into effective operational execution, ensuring HGG has the people, systems, resources, and organizational capacity needed to advance the Aloha+ Challenge, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Hawaiʻi's sustainability priorities. As the operational leader of Hawaiʻi's statewide collective-impact backbone organization for sustainability, oversees organizational infrastructure, financial stewardship, compliance, and continuous improvement, while strengthening HGG's ability to convene and support collective action among government, business, philanthropy, academia, and community partners. Serves as the principal operational liaison with key fiscal and institutional partners. Shares leadership with the CEO for organizational sustainability by implementing HGG's revenue strategy through institutional fundraising, grants and contracts management, budgeting, compliance, and funder stewardship. Oversees HGG's continued growth and maturation as a 501(c)3 organization by strengthening organizational systems, governance support, and operational excellence. Inputs, reviews, and approves HR Portal transactions, including eTimesheets on behalf of or in the absence of the PI with the PI’s concurrence.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:See Posting for Full Description

EDUCATION

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Sustainable Development, International Relations, Environmental Studies and Resource Management, or related field. (Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Sustainable Development, or a related field and an additional three (3) years of related experience may substitute for a Master’s Degree.).

EXPERIENCE

Five to seven (5-7) years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience with increasing responsibility for organizational operations, financial management, personnel leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational growth. Proven track record of delivering measurable outcomes across multiple sectors, including federal, state, and local government, nonprofit, and private-sector environments, with a demonstrated ability to personally secure six- and seven-figure grants, contracts, or major gifts. Demonstrated experience facilitating multi-stakeholder convenings, public meetings, and cross-sector dialogues that result in actionable outcomes. Demonstrated experience building and sustaining partnerships across government, business, nonprofit, and community sectors to advance shared goals.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, internal controls, grant/contract compliance, and audit processes. Knowledge of collective impact frameworks, backbone organizations, shared measurement systems, collaborative governance, and multi-sector partnership management. Knowledge of how to implement complex, multifaceted initiatives that require extensive coordination among business, philanthropic, civil society, community, academic, and government stakeholders at the local, State, Federal, and global levels. Knowledge of organizational, fiscal, HR, and administrative management, including operations oversight, budget development, financial projections and reporting, and risk management. Working understanding of rules and policies pertinent to personnel, safety, fiscal, and operational matters, including RCUH/UH administrative requirements. Knowledge of Hawaiʻi's legislative and regulatory environment, including state and county government processes, the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation, and public-private partnership frameworks. Knowledge of nonprofit governance, Board committee operations, and organizational policy development.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Proven major-gift and institutional-funder cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship skills, with experience setting and meeting fundraising revenue targets and diversifying a nonprofit's funding portfolio. Demonstrated senior leadership and personnel management skills, with the ability to motivate, support, and develop diverse teams. Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls design. Expertise in grant writing and managing grant/contract requirements. Strong aptitude for strategic thinking, systems-building, and process improvement, with the ability to thrive in adaptable, fast-paced work environments. Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, and outreach skills. Demonstrated ability to evaluate, implement, and optimize organizational technologies, including CRM platforms, HRIS systems, accounting software, project management platforms, grants management systems, AI-enabled productivity tools, and collaborative work environments. Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, scale growing nonprofit organizations, build organizational systems, and manage through periods of strategic growth. Demonstrated ability to facilitate collective impact partnerships and align diverse stakeholders around shared outcomes. Proven ability to present complex policy, financial, and organizational information to executive leadership, boards of directors, elected officials, and general public audiences with clarity and confidence. Demonstrated commitment to public accountability and mission-driven outcomes in service of community and environmental priorities. Demonstrated ability to build coalitions, networks, and partnerships from inception, including founding or co-founding community-based initiatives and organizations. Post Offer/Employment Condition:  Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months. 

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to support event logistics, which includes the ability to lift, carry, and set-up materials that weigh up to thirty (30) pounds.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, please send additional documents to [email protected]. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.

RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University ofHawai‘i.

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.