Deputy Director, PIDP

The East-West Center (EWC) promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options. The Center’s 21-acre Honolulu campus, adjacent to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, includes conference facilities, three residence halls, and an office building that houses research, program, and administrative activities. The Center also has an office in Washington, D.C., that provides accessibility to US, regional government stakeholders, and program partners with innovative training, analytical and dialogue exchange, and public diplomacy products to meet US policy priorities and expressed needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) serves as Secretariat for the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) and the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agency. Our PIDP team is seeking an on-site Deputy Director for a limited, one-year appointment (with possibility of extension). This position will lead the initiatives of PIDP that connect Pacific Island priorities with potential investment opportunities from the American private sector, while enhancing the Center’s visibility and engagement across the Pacific region.

MAJOR DUTIES:

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

• Outreach and Partnerships: Build and sustain relationships with Pacific Island governments, organizations, and communities to identify shared priorities in areas such as climate resilience, digital transformation, tourism, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
• Investment Research: Conduct and oversee research on Pacific Island markets, emerging sectors, and local economic needs to identify potential matches with American private-sector investment and partnership opportunities.
• Strategic Engagement: As appropriate, represent the Center in high-level dialogues, forums, and regional networks to promote collaboration between U.S. and Pacific Island stakeholders.
• Program Development: Support the design and implementation of programs and initiatives that foster inclusive economic growth and capacity building in the Pacific Islands.
• Communications and Outreach: Collaborate with the Communication and External Relations (CER) team to amplify the Center’s Pacific Islands–focused initiatives and share success stories that highlight impact and partnership.
• Institutional Leadership: Assist the Director and Center leadership in strategic planning, budget management, resource development, and coordination across the Center’s programs to ensure alignment with institutional goals and Indo-Pacific priorities.

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

• Guides and leads their assigned unit, modeling appropriate behaviors and professional standards of conduct to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports the Center’s mission, objectives, and values.
• Supervises work and performance of designated staff. Sets work priorities, provides guidance, and directs workflow to ensure work is timely and accurate. Organizes work schedules and manages requests for time off in an appropriate and timely manner. Ensures work assignments fall within each position’s work scope and adhere to collective bargaining agreements.

• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely, constructive, transparent, and unbiased. Provides coaching for performance improvement and guidance for career development.
• Approves and initiates various recruitment, onboarding, retention, and offboarding tasks for both programmatic units.
• Ensures staff is coached and trained to use key operational systems. Retains catalog of operational procedures and resources to assure training is informative, consistent, and effective.
• Interacts effectively and diplomatically in all areas of employee relations, always projecting a professional image while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality. Collaborates with HR in resolving employee concerns or complaints, performance issues, and/or addressing inappropriate behavior.
• Attends supervisor training(s) as required.

This list of major duties 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 Director of the Pacific Island Development Program (PIDP), or the acting Director. In the absence of both, reports to the President of the East-West Center. The incumbent has wide latitude for judgment in meeting program objectives and keeps the supervisor informed of significant changes and anticipated problems, with recommendations for resolution. Work is reviewed in terms of attaining desired performance outcomes and overall leadership effectiveness.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education & Experience – A post-graduate degree and at least seven (7) years of relevant experience in regional engagement, economic research, or investment facilitation, preferably within the Indo-Pacific region. Demonstrated experience building partnerships across sectors — including government, business, academia, and civil society. Strong analytical, communication, and diplomatic skills. At least two (2) years of supervisory experience demonstrating the ability to motivate, resolve conflict, plan, organize and delegate the work of others in a unionized work environment.

Communication – Possesses strong written and verbal English communication skills and can effectively speak and interact with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities in person, on the phone, and in digital environments. Possesses experience in public speaking and in delivering a portfolio of relevant reports, research, or other types of communication and knowledge materials.

Demonstrated Ability – Able to organize and carry out assignments by independently determining applicable regulations and procedures and appropriately applying policy and administrative directives; to apply sound judgment and analytical skills in making recommendations related to administrative matters; to maintain a high level of accuracy in working with numbers and other detailed matters; to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to work cooperatively and effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and at multiple levels or public, private, academic, and government organizations; to appropriately handle confidential material; to work effectively in a highly non-routine environment; to effectively handle numerous complex details; to set priorities and work under pressure; to adjust work operations within available resources; to anticipate and solve problem situations; to work independently; to navigate complex political dynamics achieve effective working relationships amongst competing political groups; and to adapt to changes and exercise initiative and good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations.

Knowledge - Of office practices and recordkeeping procedures; of office machines and equipment including computers, printers, projectors, and other emerging technologies; high proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe, Acrobat Pro, or equivalent office computer applications; proficiency with Google suite, Microsoft 365, or other work sharing platforms; of meeting software such as Zoom and Skype. In-depth knowledge of major Pacific Island domestic and international policy, development, and social issues; of Pacific culture and its ways of operating; and in developing grant proposals and monitoring projects involving multiple units and agencies in the Pacific region.

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.

Travel Requirements – this position requires the candidate to be able and available for occasional in-state, national, and international travel to support program needs. The incumbent must be able to drive or arrange for alternative transportation as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience connecting private-sector partners to regional development opportunities.
• Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy and economic engagement in the Pacific.
• Commitment to inclusive, community-centered approaches that respect local knowledge and leadership.

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 $119,525.73 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 (with appropriate contact information) in your Application

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 adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and education. The Center does not discriminate in its admissions practices, in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age, sex, gender, disability and/or handicap, race (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles), creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, veteran status, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, status as a domestic violence victim, arrest status, or membership in any other class protected by state or federal laws, now or in the future, in any phase of its admissions, financial aid, educational, or in any aspect of its employment practices.