Program Associate; Ranch

Job Purpose

The Program Associate supports the delivery of high‑quality, inclusive, and culturally responsive programming across multiple LT Ranch pathways. While this role has a primary emphasis on the Creative Arts pathway (including ceramics and visual arts), the Program Associate also provides general program support to other pathways as needed. This entry‑level position assists with program preparation, kamalei support, logistics, and daily operations, including evening and residential programming, with up to 12 week‑long camps per year.

The role helps ensure a safe, well‑coordinated, and nurturing program environment.

LT Ranch is a nature‑based program of Liliʻuokalani Trust that provides immersive, healing‑centered experiences for Native Hawaiian kamalei through ʻāina, animals, and art pathways. Located in Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island, the Ranch offers residential and after school programs designed to strengthen emotional well‑being, cultural identity, and personal growth within a safe, supportive environment. Programs are intentionally structured to help youth build resilience, develop meaningful connections, and awaken their inherent potential through guided, experiential learning rooted in Hawaiian values.

• Supports the Creative Arts pathway through studio preparation, materials organization, and assistance with hands‑on activities, including ceramics, visual arts, mixed media, and related disciplines.
• Provides general program support across additional Ranch pathways as needed, assisting program leads with setup, facilitation, and kamalei engagement.
• Helps prepare spaces, materials, and supplies for a variety of program activities, adapting support based on daily program needs.
• Offers encouragement and guidance to kamalei across pathways, supporting confidence‑building, participation, and positive group experiences.

• Assists with daily program logistics, including transitions between activities, youth supervision, and maintaining safe, organized program environments.
• Provides support during residential evening programs, including supervision, activity support, and schedule transitions.
• Assists with transportation needs, including driving kamalei, staff, and supplies as required for program activities and huakaʻi.
• Supports meal service and coordination as needed, including setup, cleanup, and supervision during mealtimes.

• Provides general administrative support, including data entry, documentation, form uploads, and basic program tracking.
• Assists with inventory, ordering, and organization of program supplies across pathways.
• Participates in weekly program meetings and contributes to planning, coordination, and communication efforts.
• Supports program staff with setup, cleanup, and logistical needs for events, activities, and special programs.

• Contributes to the Trust’s success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve team and organization results.
• Contributes to providing a safe environment for teammates and beneficiaries which includes communicating to Manager any concerns regarding facilities and vehicles.
• Provides transportation for organization related business, such as driving staff, beneficiaries and/or families to assigned destinations.
• Participates in continuing education and training opportunities for professional development.
• Must offer schedule flexibility with holiday, evening, and weekend hours.
• Ability to travel as needed for Trust business.
• Supports with referrals to Mālama Line.

• High School Diploma or Associates Degree.
• Demonstrated interest in creative, cultural, or experiential youth programs, with openness to supporting multiple program pathways.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a creative and kamalei-centered environment. Capability to meet deadlines and manage schedules effectively. Strong communication skills.
• Flexibility and time management skills as camps involve evening hours support. Flexibility to handle changing priorities and situations.
• Ex…