Educational Specialist (Visitor Experience Coordinator) (pos#0097584T)

Description

Title: Educational Specialist (Visitor Experience Coordinator)

Position Number: 0097584T

Hiring Unit: Imiloa Astronomy Center

Location: UH Hilo

Date Posted: April 16, 2026

Closing Date: April 30, 2026

Band: B

Salary : salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: Appointment to begin approximately May 2026, pending position clearance and availability of funding.

Position Overview

The University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) is a public liberal arts and sciences university on the Island of Hawaii, recognized for its integration of cultural immersion and place-based research that leverages the islands extraordinary geological, biological, and cultural diversity. A comprehensive, regional campus within the ten-campus University of Hawaii system, UH Hilo offers high-quality undergraduate and select postgraduate education, with distinctive strengths in areas such as marine science, geology, astronomy, and Hawaiian language revitalization, while advancing research, scholarship, and creative activity that support community needs, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge systems, and workforce development priorities for the State of Hawaii.

The Imiloa Astronomy Center's Visitor Experience Department serves as a dynamic hub for science and culture-based learning, delivering innovative programming that inspires curiosity, strengthens community connections, and supports educational pathways across Hawaii. This department leads the development, coordination, and implementation of a wide range of visitor learning experiences - from on-site programs and school partnerships to culture-based STEM initiatives, ensuring that Imiloa's mission to blend science and Hawaiian culture is reflected throughout all educational offerings. This department also procures a diverse range of educational products for the Imiloa Store.

The Education Specialist (Visitor Experience Coordinator) plays an essential role in advancing Imiloa's educational mission through collaborative guest services, public program delivery, and the cultivation of meaningful learning experiences for visitors and community members. Working closely with team members, cultural practitioners, and partner organizations, the specialist supports Imiloa programs and community events with high quality guest services fostering culturally grounded learning environments, and contributing to the growth of sustainable, high-quality educational programming that uplifts visitors and strengthens the broader community. The position will supervise multiple staff and student hires and oversee management of the Imiloa educational store.

Duties and Responsibilities

(*denotes essential functions)

In partnership with management team and directors, the Visitor Experience Coordinator will manage visitor experience landscape and all museum front end operations, including, but not limited to:

1. * Supervise, schedule, and evaluate student employees and other visitor experience staff.

2. *Plan, organize, coordinate, and facilitate visitor educational events, field trips, workshops, and activities that foster appreciation for Imiloa’s mission and programs.

3. * Function as on-site trainer and maintain high level of proficiency and stay apprised of updates and new features in museum management software.

4. * Maintain accurate and up-to-date visitor, membership, and sales records using current museum software.

5. * Generate reports on attendance, participation, visitor satisfaction, and retail performance to guide data-driven decisions.

6. * Collaborate with the Marketing and Education teams to ensure consistent, effective communication and branding across visitor experiences.

7. * Identify and select educational products, books, and merchandise for Imiloa's store that align with the center’s educational and cultural mission.

8. Collaborate with store and education staff to ensure products complement exhibits and learning goals.

9. Monitor sales trends, track inventory performance, and make data-informed recommendations for product updates or additions.

10. Develop and execute strategies to increase visitation and participation in Imiloa program and initiatives.

11. Conduct research on visitor demographics, interests, and satisfaction to inform program development and improve guest experiences.

12. Support the design and implementation of public and educational programs, including camps. Field trips, lectures, shows, outreach and special events.

13. Provide training and mentoring in customer service, cultural and scientific interpretation, safety, and operational procedures.

14. Promote a culture of professionalism, hospitality, excellence, and teamwork among all visitor-facing staff.

15. Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in education, business administration, marketing, natural sciences, Hawaiian studies communications or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for visitor services, public programming, community engagement, retail management, or related area; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
2. Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of membership management and educational engagement as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
3. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with higher education institutions and museum operations.
4. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
5. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software. Proficiency in VERSAI museum management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google suite, and POS systems.
8. For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
   Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
9. Strong organizational and project management abilities.
10. Experience working in a Hawaiian Language bilingual science and culture center.
11. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and implement educational or visitor programs and events.
12. Demonstrated understanding of Hawaiian culture, language, and natural history, and ability to integrate them into visitor experiences.
13. Experience curating or selecting educational retail products.
14. Experience training or supervising student employees.
15. Ability to analyze visitor data and develop strategies for engagement and growth.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Fluency in Hawaiian Language
2. Masters Degree in a related field
3. Five (5) years experience working in a museum/cultural center.

To Apply: Click on the “Apply” button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach each required document. A complete application must include:

1. Cover letter explaining how each minimum and desirable qualification is met
2. Current resume
3. The names and addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three [3] current professional references
4. Transcript(s) showing degrees and course work appropriate to the position (copies are acceptable; however, original official transcripts will be required prior to employment).

Please do not include any self-identifying photos. Please redact references to Social Security number and birth date on transcript copies. Copy of diplomas will NOT be accepted. Documents issued from an institution outside the United States of America require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from an agency having membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc., verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. Expense of the evaluation shall be borne by the applicant. All requested documents/information become the property of the University. All minimum qualifications must be met by the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Failure to submit all required documents and reference information shall deem an application to be incomplete.

Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

Inquiries: Martha Bouchard, marthabo@hawaii.edu

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/