Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Canada France Hawaii Telescope Corporation (CFHT) operates a world-class 3.6-meter telescope at the summit of Maunakea in Hawaii. With state-of- the-art instruments working in the visible and NIR wavelength bands, CFHT consistently rates among the highest in the world in science impact.

CFHT is seeking a talented and diversified individual to serve as our new Director of Community Relations. The person in this role is responsible for managing and shaping CFHT's community relations. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the management team, the senior person in this position will navigate the complexities of building and cultivating strong relationships with Hawaiʻi's communities and promoting a culture of understanding and mutual stewardship between the Hawaiian and astronomical communities within and beyond CFHT. We envision a future where our scientific discoveries are deeply rooted in a respectful and reciprocal relationship with Hawaiʻi's communities.

The successful candidate for this position will have the following background:

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in Education, Public Relations, Science Communication, Sociology or related fields.
• Several years of leadership experience in a professional environment encompassing diverse communities, strategic communications and vision planning.
• Demonstrated experience in program and project development and management.
• Experience in education, communication and community engagement.
• Deep understanding and knowledge of Hawaiʻi's diverse communities and unique culture.

The primary duties of the role include:

• Fostering relationships with communities across the Island and State of Hawaiʻi. Strengthen CFHT's network of relationships and foster collaborations with these communities.
• Organize consultations to co-design and co-develop a community model for astronomy in Hawaiʻi in partnership with Maunakea Observatories (MKOs). Develop and implement short-, medium- and long-term actions.
• Foster relationships with astronomical communities across Hawaiʻi and around the world. Promote and communicate a culture of understanding and mutual stewardship, respecting the values and sensibilities of Hawaiʻi's communities.
• Strengthen the educational and workforce development program. Structure the CFHT outreach, education and workforce development programs with a STEM focus in close collaboration with local educational institutions, MKOs, and in alignment with Maunakea stewardship. Oversee program implementation with employees, educators, collaborators and consultants.
• Proactively participate in community events, represent CFHT and communicate the guiding principles, vision and goals of CFHT, MKOs, and in alignment with Maunakea stewardship. Advocate for, and share the achievements of, CFHT at scientific and industry conferences and gatherings.

Remuneration

CFHT offers a competitive compensation package based on experience and employment history.

Benefits, equality and diversity

CFHT is committed to the ideal of gender equity and diversity. We offer an exceptional benefits package, including but not limited to, 100% health coverage for the employee and their immediate family, including: medical, vision, and dental coverage and life insurance for the employee along with a very generous retirement package.

CFHT offers up to $40K per year per family in tuition assistance for K-12 dependents. We are a family friendly workplace, with a policy allowing children in the workplace at our Waimea headquarters.

Important dates

The position will be open until filled. For full consideration please apply via the attached website on or before June 13, 2025.

More Information:

All applicants must submit their application through our online portal at The full position description may be downloaded at this site.

CFHT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, CFHT does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.

CFHT is located on the island of Hawai'i (also known as 'The Big Island'), and the observatory is located on Maunakea. Maunakea is culturally significant to the Native Hawaiian people, and CFHT conducts all operations with the utmost respect for our historic and unique location. All CFHT employees are expected to treat Maunakea with respect and to acknowledge the privileged position they hold while being present on Maunakea.

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