Location: Honolulu, HI (Hybrid)
Reports to: Vice President of Operations
Type: Full Time, Exempt
Kupu’s Story

Kupu, which means “to sprout” or “to grow” in Hawaiian, has a two-fold mission: to preserve the land while empowering youth. The organization provides hands-on training in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education for young adults, with the goal of fostering our next generation of environmental and cultural stewards. Kupu’s work has been likened to the role of the kupukupu fern, which is one of the first plants to recultivate the land after a lava flow. The fern not only serves as a foundational species for rebuilding a healthy, native ecosystem, but it also symbolizes a place where knowledge can grow.Established in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai‘i. Kupu accomplishes this by partnering with conservation and sustainability focused agencies throughout the state and pacific in providing hands-on service opportunities which educate and mentor young adults and emerging professionals to become stewards of our communities and environment. Since 2007, Kupu has risen to meet the increasing demands of the green job sector by engaging over 3,000 youth in the areas of conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. Kupu affirms the Hawaiian notion of “ma ka hana ka ʻike” or “in working one learns.” This approach has led to the creation of hundreds of service-learning opportunities which assists in the development of Hawai’i’s emerging professionals in the green job sector while supporting over 150 conservation and sustainability organizations across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.

Kupu’s Mission

“To empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage integrity (pono) with Ke Akua, self, and others.” Kupu’s CHOSEN Values

C Character

H Humility

O ‘Ohana

S Service

E Excellence

N Nobility

Position Overview

The Financial Operations Manager provides oversight for the appropriate management of all program funding as well as guidance in program planning and decision-making as it relates to compliance and budgetary matters. The Financial Operations Managerfosters a culture of aloha, accountability, and overall excellence in managing the funds entrusted to Kupu that allows the organization to continue delivering on its mission.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Conduct oneself with aloha and drive Kupu’s culture.
• Conduct oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu’s Mission.
• Ensures appropriateness of program spending.
• Approves program expenditures, where appropriate, to ensure funds are spent in a timely manner, in compliance with the terms and conditions of the award, organizational policy, and other applicable regulations.
• Maintains a high level of understanding of all program grants and agreements.
• Provides strategic guidance to program managers relating to the appropriate and most efficient use of funds.
• Participates in regular program meetings to ensure that decision-making and service direction is in line with award and budget restrictions and other compliance related matters.
• Communicates regularly with the compliance department on compliance-related matters.
• Attends program finance meetings with program managers to record and ensure completion of program action items in a timely manner, as well as identify cross program fiscal related successes, challenges, and potential solutions.
• Supports managers in the preparation for discussions with funding partners to ensure information accuracy and a developed overall meeting strategy.
• Seeks opportunities and/or leads in the professional development of program managers resulting in the increase of skill sets such as budget development, analysis, and overall management.
• Identifies and develops solutions for staff, systems, policies and procedures, and other areas of the organization needing improvement to ensure great fiscal accountability specific to program spending.
• In collaboration with program managers, serves as the first line of problem resolution for issues relating to the spending of program funds.
• Assists program managers in developing budget modification plans and spending strategy to ensure awards are spent appropriately in a timely manner.
• Reviews annual program budgets during the budget development season.
• Supports in the development and modifications of budgets to ensure a genuine reflection of need and accuracy.
• Provides comprehensive updates relating to matters of program spending and compliance to senior leadership.
• Works collaboratively with VP of Programs to develop and implement new service initiatives.
• Supports the VP of Programs in the development of reports and plans intended for use at the executive and board level of the organization.
• Additional responsibilities as appropriate or as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and professionalism.
• Experience in managing multiple priorities.
• Good written and verbal skills
• Grant management experience
• Significant experience in managing many grants varying in complexity.
• Highly collaborative between multiple teams and stake holders
• Meet Kupu’s criminal history background check requirements.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and meet Kupu’s driving abstract requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in complex budget management
• Experience in the management of budgets totaling over $7 million.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay commensurate with experience.
• Employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• PTO
• Eligible for 401(k) plan after one year of service and 1,000 hours of service
• Lifestyle benefits (gym reimbursement, ticket discounts, etc.)

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to apply.

Note: This position description is representative of the types of duties and responsibilities. It is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this position.

Questions or inquiries about this position may be directed to: careers@kupuhawaii.org

• In accordance with Federal Law, Kupu does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.