Program director

Job Title: Program Director

Reports to: Executive DirectorEducation: Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) required; actively pursuing or current

clinical licensure (LCSW) preferred

Experience: Director-Level Employee

Position: Exempt, full timeSchedule: Full time, occasional evening & weekends may be required Location: Position based at the Kukui Center in Honolulu, HI, with statewide travel to

program locations as needed

About Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi:

Kids Hurt Too strengthens connections to the community by bringing together children, teens, and their parents who have been impacted by grief and trauma in safe and healing ways. Celebrating over twenty years of impact, Kids Hurt Too has provided group support and training services to thousands of children, youth, caregivers, and providers.

Job Description:

The Program Director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of all Kids Hurt Too programming, including:

• Healing Young Hearts peer support groups (school-based and community-based)
• ʻĀina-Based Mentoring Groups, including:
• Surf for the Soul
• Poi for the Soul
• Seeds of Love
• Community and Culture
• Grief and Trauma Training
• Crisis Management

For the first time since our founding, this role is open to a new leader. Historically stewarded by one of our founders, the Program Director position is essential to our mission and community impact. We are seeking a culturally grounded leader who can bring creativity, innovation, and operational excellence. This is a rare opportunity to guide the next era of programming while honoring Kids Hurt Too's roots.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all Kids Hurt Too programs.
• Ensure all program policies, procedures, and protocols integrate evidence-based best practices, cultural responsiveness, and current research in grief and trauma.
• Set program benchmarks for success in collaboration with the Executive Director and monitor progress through data tracking, feedback loops, and continuous improvement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all grant and funding requirements by tracking attendance, outputs, outcomes, and reporting timelines.
• Train, supervise, and mentor program staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Provide ongoing coaching and professional development to maintain high-quality, trauma-informed practice.
• Support staff wellness and team cohesion, recognizing the emotionally demanding nature of grief and trauma work.
• Oversee scheduling and coordination of all program activities, including peer support groups, ʻāina-based mentoring sessions, community trainings, and crisis response.
• Manage program calendars, locations, facilitators, transportation needs, supplies, and risk management protocols.
• Develop and maintain MOUs with partners to support program implementation, data sharing, and operational clarity.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for schools, youth-serving organizations, community partners, and referring agencies.
• Establish and nurture new partnerships that expand program reach and accessibility.
• Meet with schools and community sites to assess fit, plan logistics, and coordinate safe and supportive implementation.
• Facilitate peer support groups, ʻāina-based mentoring activities, and community training sessions, as well as delegate these responsibilities to trained staff, interns, or volunteers.
• Communicate thoughtfully and compassionately with parents, caregivers, and youth regarding scheduling, program updates, and individual support needs.
• Respond to urgent situations with trauma-informed care and appropriate escalation protocols.
• Participate in team meetings, cross-program coordination, and community-wide initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Drive KHTH Mobile Safe Spaces

Job Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) required; actively pursuing or current

clinical licensure (LCSW) preferred

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in direct service with children and youth
• Minimum of 2+ years of supervisory experience
• Deep understanding of culture, grief, trauma-informed care, and the unique needs of children and families experiencing loss
• Passion for working collaboratively in a community-centered environment
• Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse personalities and build strong, trusting relationships
• Strong knowledge of electronic software and proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suites
• Experience and ability to lead, train, and support staff, interns, and volunteers
• Excellent communication skills, including comfort in a public-facing role with families, partners, and stakeholders
• Valid Driver's License and Auto Insurance required
• Background check is mandatory
• Ability to drive KHTH Mobile Safe Space vehicles

Physical Requirement:

• Ability to sit at a desk and use a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting of light office items and program supplies up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to operate general office equipment such as computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, phone system, etc.
• Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to use office equipment and handle paperwork.
• Visual acuity to read printed and electronic documents and computer screens.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Hearing and speaking abilities for in-person, phone, and video conversations.

Benefits:

• Company offers full Medical and Dental
• Mileage reimbursement
• Seven (7) annual holidays with pay
• Employees receive Fourteen (14) paid days off per twelve (12) months after a 90-day probation period
• Onsite parking is provided.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75, $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person