Pacific & Asian Affairs Council Study Tours & WorldQuest Competition Director

August 22, 2023 Jobs

Deadline: Rolling

The Pacific & Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) is on the lookout for a dedicated individual ready to chart unparalleled educational experiences for Hawaiʻi’s high school students, bridging cultures and fostering citizen diplomacy. PAAC is a mission-driven, Hawaiʻi-based, nonprofit organization that provides global education opportunities open to all Hawaiʻi high school students. PAAC’s High School Global Education Program (HSGEP) is composed of a broad array of non-traditional, experiential learning that engages students and excites them about global issues and the world. Some of the most life-changing pieces of the HSGEP are PAAC’s Study Tours to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. PAAC awards scholarships to make participation possible. Another keystone event is the Academic WorldQuest Competition which tests students’ international IQ and keeps them up to date on the most pressing global issues of our time. The ideal candidate for this position will believe deeply in the power of international travel and have the ability to design unique experiences that are educational, transformative, and inspiring for Hawaiʻi youth. The candidate should be a problem solver, natural educator, collaborative team player, and able to manage time and multiple responsibilities.

Job Information

Full Time (40 hours per week)

The position is based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi and requires travel abroad for one to three weeks at a time, possibly multiple times per year. Occasional work on weekends and evenings are required (when many PAAC events take place). The position may require occasional travel on Oʻahu, throughout the state, and domestically. PAAC implements a flex-time policy and abides by State of Hawaiʻi Wage and Hour Law for compensatory time.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Base salary for this position is $50,000 – $60,000 and will be determined by experience. As PAAC continues to grow, we also hope to grow salaries accordingly.
  • Health insurance will be covered by PAAC after four consecutive weeks of employment. PAAC provides a SIMPLE IRA matching program after six months of employment.
  • An annual parking pass is provided for use at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s lower campus parking structure. An equivalent transportation budget can be provided in lieu of a parking pass.
  • Paid leave of absence: PAAC observes all federal and state holidays; Employees are eligible for 20 vacation days per year and 20 sick days per year.

Responsibilities

Lead Areas: Study Tours, Academic WorldQuest Competition

Study Tours:

  • Arrange multiple study tours during the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s school breaks to destinations in the Asia-Pacific region including, but not limited to: China, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Tahiti, and Vietnam
  • Arrange all administrative aspects of travel, including transport, visas, accommodations, itinerary, pricing, insurance, risk management procedures, and budgeting
  • Develop learning objectives and curriculum for use before, during and after each study tour that support PAAC’s mission and are relevant and appropriate to each destination. Arrange site visits and meetings in-country to further place-based learning objectives (e.g., U.S. embassies, community organizations, schools, etc.).
  • Serve as primary chaperone and logistical/safety coordinator for study tours. Prepare and orient other chaperones. Serve as the primary point of contact for all study tours, even when not chaperoning.
  • Conduct pre-trip orientations for parents and participants and develop content for pre-trip study materials for all study tours, including Student Readers. Develop content and coordinate logistics for all pre-trip orientations. If necessary, arrange separate orientation sessions for neighbor-island students and parents. 
  • Handle preparation and distribution of applications in print, online, and other formats. Review applications, screen candidates, and oversee selection of study tour participants. Develop promotional materials and media for each study tour and encourage participation via outreach.
  • Evaluate and disburse scholarships for participants on PAAC study tours in accordance with budgetary and funding constraints. Promote and assist in the selection of scholarship recipients for non-PAAC study abroad programs where PAAC high school students may be eligible, such as Punahou School’s Wo International Center’s programs.
  • Cultivate and manage relationships with key partners and contacts, existing and new, overseas and in Hawai’i, to keep abreast of new travel and educational opportunities as well as developments that may impact safety and logistics during study tours
  • Manage post-travel activities, including reporting, follow-up projects, and keeping in touch with alumni
  • Annually review study tour logistics, safety, curricula, partnerships, and learning objectives to ensure they align with PAAC’s mission statement, ethics, and have a positive impact on local communities and partners
  • If beneficial, coordinate virtual exchanges between PAAC students and partner schools overseas to supplement and complement the PAAC study tour program

Academic WorldQuest Competition

  • Coordinate the statewide Academic WorldQuest Competition, including creating competition content, managing event logistics, budget management, event promotion, program evaluation/assessment, and liaising with the National Competition administrators at the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA)
  • Work with other staff to support supplemental elements of the competition such as the Coaches Program

Support Areas/Other: Outreach, After School Global Studies Class management, Thought partnership and support of all other HSGEP activities

  • Conduct outreach to promote PAAC at high schools statewide to cultivate new and maintain existing relationships with school administration and faculty
  • Manage After School Global Studies Class by organizing teacher orientation and overseeing distribution and receipt of required documents (e.g. teacher contracts, student enrollment forms, evaluations, etc.)
  • Be a thought partner to co-develop other HSGEP activities, including PAAC Club activities, Global Vision Summit, Student Showcase, etc.
  • Support all other HSGEP activities by staffing events, leading workshops (as assigned), set-up and break-down of events, etc.
  • Support other PAAC events, including but not limited to fundraising events (e.g. Annual Dinner), teacher workshops, and community events
  • Update website copy and support writing of newsletter articles related to Travel Program and Academic WorldQuest Competition
  • Complete other projects or assignments requested by the Executive Director

Qualifications

Education: Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Education, International Affairs, or Asian or Pacific Studies.

Required Skills

  • Self-motivated, organized, adaptable, collaborative team-player
  • Responsible, logical problem solver, risk manager
  • Strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and able to manage time and multiple tasks efficiently
  • Experience with group travel and travel coordination
  • Two years of professional experience in education, international affairs, and/or travel-related work
  • Computer proficiency, including use of Google Suite applications (e.g., Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.), and online video conferencing platforms such as Zoom. Ability to gain proficiency in online software applications.

Preferred Skills

  • Teaching experience, including curriculum development
  • Experience in high school youth/leadership program facilitation
  • At least one year living overseas (Asian or Pacific Island nation preferred)
  • Travel experience in the Asia-Pacific region
  • Proficiency in a foreign language (Asian or Pacific Island nation)
  • Knowledge of Hawaiʻi school systems and contemporary issues in Hawaiʻi

How to Apply

All applications must include a resume and cover letter to be considered. Please send to: ed@paachawaii.org. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis until the space is filled. For more information, visit the LinkedIn.