Job Description
Position Overview This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring the successful implementation of the MALU Grantmaking Initiative, aligned with federal, state, and organizational goals. The position is responsible for strengthening the operational backbone of the MALU Grantmaking Initiative by helping to ensure excellence in grant management, accountability, and compliance. This role helps to serve as a support bridge across program, finance, compliance, and external stakeholders, building or maintaining structure, closing operational gaps, and ensuring that systems, processes, and people are aligned with Kupu’s mission, federal requirements, and program goals. The position will collaborate with internal teams and community-based organizations to drive the program's objectives in areas such as Expanded Tree Canopy, Community Awareness and Engagement, Career and Workforce Development. In addition, the candidate will bring flexibility, attention to detail, be willing to problem solve and improve processes, be objective in decision-making, and have strong integrity. Program Goals Kupu, in partnership with its broad network, will implement MALU Subawards to fulfill federal, state, and organizational urban and community forestry (UCF) goals. MALU Subawards will award local community-based organizations demonstrating proficiency in one or more of five areas. Expanded Tree Canopy: MALU will emphasize that subawardees implement strategic tree planting, augmenting and maintaining tree canopy, green infrastructure, and controlling pests, thus contributing to healthier communities, food security, enhancement of unique native biodiversity, and increased resiliency to climate change. Community Awareness and Engagement: Through multi-pronged public awareness and eduction campaigns, MALU will uplift the value of urban canopies and forest ecosystems as essential contributors to sustainability and resilience and inspire community involvement and support for tree planting and care. Career and Workforce Development: People from disadvantaged communities need access to training and meaningful career opportunities as much as government, non-profits, and businesses need a qualified and motivated workforce. MALU will help build a pipeline that satisfies both these needs through recruitment, training, and placement. Essential Functions and Responsibilities Conduct oneself with aloha and drive Kupu’s culture. Conduct oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu’s mission. Grant Management and Compliance Lead the compliance review and of MALU subrecipients, ensuring alignment with federal requirements, award terms and conditions and program goals. Assist in the subrecipient risk assessment process and risk monitoring, as appropriate. Contribute to and support the entire grant lifecycle, from proposal submission to closeout, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational regulations. Maintain comprehensive documentation to support compliance efforts (e.g. no cost extensions, internal memorandums, budget modifications, corrective action plans, etc.) Risk Management and Operational Integrity Assist in identifying and/or addressing potential risks to the program's success or compliance requirements, such as federal regulation issues, or legal liabilities. Develop strategies to mitigate risks by working collaboratively with Kupu Compliance and leadership. Evaluation and Monitoring Implement and manage a systematic evaluation and monitoring framework for subrecipient performance. Monitor subrecipient activities, goals, and obligations. Collaborate with consultant to ensure clear communication and feedback loops with subrecipients, particularly around payment timing/delays and expectations Provide constructive feedback to subrecipients based on evaluation and monitoring findings, identifying areas for improvement and best practices. Utilize evaluation/monitoring results to inform program enhancements, policy recommendations, and strategic decision-making. Work with consultant(s) on developing and carrying out monitoring and audit plans to ensure subrecipients adhere to program expectations and federal regulations. Identify and address any issues of non-compliance promptly and ensure proper documentation is maintained in an organized manner Training and Capacity Building Identify subrecipient knowledge or organizational structure gaps and training needs; work with Kupu consultant(s) to provide subrecipient support in the areas identified. Support the program in