Budget and Agreements Lead

***Internal Applicants Only***
External applications will not be considered at this time, mahalo.
Location: Honolulu, HI (Hybrid) Remote with approval

Reports to: Vice President of Programs

Classification: 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 Budget and Agreements Lead plays a vital role within Kupu's Programs Department, leading the team who serves as the primary points of contact for funding partners and host sites regarding budget and agreement management. This position leads in the development and modification of agreements and budgets, conducts thorough expense reviews and approvals, and ensures effective communication of budget status to department staff. The Budget and Agreements Lead contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of program operations by identifying areas for improvement and proposing new and innovative solutions.

• Conduct oneself with aloha and drive Kupu’s culture.
• Conduct oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu’s mission.
• Serves as a role model for Kupu’s culture, mission, and CHOSEN Values.

Primary Point of Contact

• Organizes a team of specialists who serve as the points of contact for funding partners and host sites on topics related to budget and agreement management, providing guidance and assistance as needed.

Agreement and Budget Execution and Modification

• Oversee the process of agreement and budget modification, facilitating required approvals in a timely manner.

Program Budget Development

• Lead in the development of annual and individual funding proposal budgets, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to accurately estimate costs and resources required.

Expense Review and Approval

• Oversee departmental expense reviews and approvals at a high frequency, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with budgetary guidelines.

Financial Status Communication

• Collaboratively with the Accounting department, communicate financial status both inter and intra-departmentally on a regular and as-requested basis, providing updates, insights, and recommendations for effective budget management.

Data File Management

• Ensure shared data files are kept current and accurate.
• Collaborate with other departments in increasing efficiencies in data management.

Award Review & Management

• Oversight of agreement management including both the financial and contractual obligations of agreements.
• Oversees budget allocations are tied to agreements and ensures adherence to spending guidelines, policies, and regulations.
• Ensures the department monitors and tracks award progress and requirements.

Team Supervision

• Provide clear direction and space for innovation for a team of Specialists responsible for carrying out the duties of the Budgets & Agreements team.

KPI Tracking

• Develop and measure team indicators of performance. Lead in data-informed planning and decision aimed at improving the overall team performance.

Reporting

• Oversee the development, review, and submission of reports tied to program agreements.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify areas for improvement within budget and agreement management processes and propose solutions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, a related field, or 5+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, contract administration, or financial analysis
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and identify trends
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay range: $70,000-$80,000 annually based on 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.)

Physical Requirements:

Due to the nature of Kupu’s programs, the physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position may involve occasional travel to attend meetings or events.
• Flexibility in work hours may be necessary to accommodate deadlines and project requirements.

*In accordance with Federal Law, Kupu is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability