Professional Development Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Director of Strategy & Operations, Professional Development Center

Job Type: Full Time

Experience Level: Experienced

Hanahau‘oli School seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial leader to guide the next chapter of the Professional Development Center (PDC). The PDC offers a wide range of educative experiences—aligned with the school’s progressive philosophy and tradition—for educators, researchers, scholars, parents, and community members—with the mission of developing school communities that promote a better future society for today’s children.

This role is ideal for a strategic thinker and collaborative builder—someone who sees opportunity and brings it to fruition, someone who is energized by translating big ideas into sustainable, mission-driven impact.

As one of the key leaders of the PDC, you will collaborate to steward a bold vision while shaping the strategy, systems, and partnerships that bring it to life. You will balance high-level thinking with hands‑on execution, ensuring that the PDC continues to evolve as a dynamic, innovative engine within the school and the broader educational community.

At the heart of this role is the opportunity to turn vision into reality. You will define clear goals, success metrics, and workstreams that align with the PDC’s mission and public purpose, using data and insight to guide decisions along the way. You will oversee PDC staff and contracts, foster a culture of trust and excellence, and communicate openly and transparently with the Head of School, the Director of the PDC, the PDC Coordinator, and the PDC Committee of the Board of Trustees. Discretion, integrity, and sound judgment are essential as you lead this work.

This role is deeply outward‑facing and relational. In close partnership with the Head of School, and the PDC and Advancement Directors, you will design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy—one that includes cultivating major donors, foundations, and corporate partners; writing compelling grant proposals; and stewarding funders through thoughtful reporting and engagement.

You will oversee the PDC scholarship fund, support signature events and initiatives, and serve as an ambassador for both the PDC and Hanahau‘oli School. Whether at internal meetings or external community gatherings, you will build strategic relationships that expand the PDC’s reach, resources, and impact. You will also guide the PDC’s communications and marketing strategy, ensuring a clear, compelling narrative aligned with the school’s brand and priorities.

Entrepreneurial leadership is critical here. You will collaborate with the Head of School, the PDC Director, and the Director of Finance to set budget goals, oversee the annual budgeting process, and monitor the PDC’s financial health. You will analyze key operating metrics and translate them into strategic insights and recommendations.

You will also lead the ongoing optimization of PDC operations—diversifying income streams, developing new products and programs, and identifying opportunities for growth. Many initiatives will cut across offices and roles, requiring you to convene teams, manage complexity, and drive projects from concept to execution.

This is not a siloed role. You will be an active, visible presence in the life of Hanahau‘oli School—supporting school leadership, attending events, spending time in classrooms, and contributing meaningfully to the school’s climate and culture. You will pitch in where needed, including school duties and event support, modeling collaboration and shared responsibility.

The ideal candidate brings a bachelor’s, master’s, or advanced degree in business, finance, nonprofit management, education, or a related field, along with at least five years of leadership experience (nonprofit preferred, though other relevant experience will be considered).

You will have a demonstrated track record in:

• Fundraising and donor stewardship
• Budget development and financial oversight
• Grant writing and management
• Product or program development (nonprofit or for-profit)
• Working effectively with diverse constituencies, including faculty, administrators, parents, students, board members, and consultants

You are a strong communicator and relationship‑builder with a solid foundation in fundraising, finance, and project management. You are highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to juggle multiple priorities without losing sight of the bigger picture. You work well independently and collaboratively, seek and learn from feedback, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional growth.

You model integrity, respect, and curiosity. You are comfortable with technology—including Google Suite and Microsoft Office tools—and eager to learn new systems. Flexibility is important, as the role may require evening or weekend work depending on PDC programming.

The position is open until filled. Hanahau‘oli School is an equal opportunity employer.