Program Director (State Wide)

Program Director
Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi
Honolulu, HI (Kukui Center)
Full-Time | Exempt

About Us
Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi (KHTH) was founded on a simple but powerful truth: no keiki should have to navigate grief alone. Rooted in aloha, kuleana, and the belief that healing happens in relationship, we bring together children, teens, and their ʻohana who have been impacted by loss and trauma.

For over 20 years, we have created safe, culturally grounded spaces where keiki can share their stories, build connection, and begin to heal—through peer support groups, ʻāina-based mentoring, crisis response, and community training. Today, the need is greater than ever. Too many keiki across Hawaiʻi are grieving in silence. Our mission is to change that—by growing our reach into every community and every school across the pae ʻāina.

Position Overview
The Program Director is a vital leader in carrying this mission forward. This role is both strategic and deeply relational—guiding programs that hold space for healing while building the systems and partnerships needed to reach keiki statewide.

For the first time since our founding, we are seeking a new leader for this role. This is a rare opportunity to step into legacy and help shape the next chapter of Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi—expanding access, deepening impact, and ensuring that every keiki, in every community, has a place to belong and be supported.

Key Responsibilities

Mission-Driven Program Leadership

• Lead and grow programs that provide safe, healing spaces for keiki and ʻohana, including:

Healing Young Hearts peer support groups in schools and communities
ʻĀina-Based Mentoring Programs (Surf for the Soul, Poi for the Soul, Seeds of Love, Community and Culture)
Grief and Trauma Training for schools and community partners
Crisis response and support services

• Ensure all programs are grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and ʻike kūpuna
• Drive expansion into schools and communities statewide so that no keiki is left without support

Team Leadership and Culture

• Lead, mentor, and uplift a team committed to this work
• Foster a culture of mālama—caring for both the community and one another
• Support staff wellness in recognition of the emotional depth of grief work

Community Building and Partnerships

• Build and mālama strong relationships with schools, organizations, and community leaders
• Serve as a trusted presence for keiki, ʻohana, and partners navigating grief and trauma
• Expand partnerships to bring programs into more schools and communities across Hawaiʻi

Program Operations and Impact

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of all programming with excellence and care
• Ensure accountability to funders and community through data, outcomes, and storytelling
• Continuously strengthen programs to deepen impact and responsiveness to community needs

Direct Service and Presence

• Stay connected to the heart of the work by facilitating groups, trainings, and mentoring experiences
• Communicate with keiki and ʻohana with compassion, respect, and cultural awareness
• Respond to crisis situations with calm, trauma-informed leadership

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in team and community initiatives that strengthen collective impact
• Drive KHTH Mobile Safe Spaces to bring healing directly into communities
• Perform other duties aligned with the mission

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) required; LCSW preferred or in progress
• Minimum 5 years of experience working directly with children and youth
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience
• Deep understanding of grief, trauma-informed care, and cultural responsiveness
• Strong connection to community-centered values and relationship-building
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance required
• Ability to pass a background check

Schedule and Location

• Full-time, exempt position
• Based in Honolulu (Kukui Center) with statewide travel as needed
• Occasional evenings and weekends required

Compensation and Benefits

• Medical and Dental coverage
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid holidays (13 annually)
• Paid time off (14 days after 90-day probation period)
• Onsite parking

Why Join Us
This is more than a job—it is a kuleana. As Program Director, you will help lead a movement to ensure that no keiki in Hawaiʻi grieves alone. You will help expand healing spaces into every school, every community, and every island—strengthening connection, building resilience, and honoring the stories of our keiki and ʻohana.

The need is urgent. The opportunity is now.

Apply Today
If you are called to this work—if you believe in the power of connection, culture, and community to heal—we invite you to apply.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Honolulu, HI 96817

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000