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Founded in 1968, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program is part of a national network of 33 programs that promote better understanding, conservation and use of coastal resources. It works to identify Hawai'i’s resource management issues and guide scientific research.

Job Title: Business Development Lead 

Hiring Organization: Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island

Location: Hilo, Hawaiʻi

Employment Type: Temporary (4-6 months), Part-Time, (19 hrs/week), On-Site
Compensation: $30/hr + Commission of $50-$200 per signed contract

Timing: For immediate start

Position Overview:
Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island is seeking an experienced Business Development Lead to lead the enrollment of food establishments to participate in the Hoʻi Returnable Dish Program. This role will support the launch of this new initiative over the next 4-6 months, focusing on bringing local food establishments into the program and building early momentum.

This is a hands-on role for someone who can quickly understand the program and market, set clear priorities, and move opportunities from introduction to signed participation agreements. You’ll work closely with project partners while building strong relationships with local businesses. Familiarity with, or the ability to quickly build, trusted connections within the Hilo business community will be key to success in this role.

Project Overview:

Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island, The County of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, and national nonprofit Perpetual have built the foundation for an immersive Reusable Foodware System in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. The Reuse Service Provider has been selected and contracted through a Hawaiʻi County RFP process service provider to operate and manage the system, and will be announced publicly in the near future.

Over the past two years, project partners have collaborated with the community to co-design an accessible and equitable system that serves all stakeholders. This effort has involved engaging more than 1,600 community members, 130 businesses, 7 K-12 schools, and 38 stakeholders and potential partners—building strong momentum and support for the initiative. The name and brand of the upcoming system is “Hoʻi” which means “to return.”

The next phase will focus on system set-up and preparing for launch: acquiring key equipment and supplies, coordinating installation, enrollment of businesses and organizations to participate in the Hoʻi program, and preparing the community for the exciting launch of this new program. Partners expect this collaborative effort to launch the system in June 2026. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead food establishment outreach and onboarding activities
• Identify, contact, and meet with restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and other food businesses/institutions (e.g., schools, residential facilities with cafeterias, etc.) in Hilo to introduce the Hoʻi Returnable Dish Program.
• Clearly explain the value of the program, how it works, and what participation involves.
• Guide interested businesses from initial conversation through signed agreements.
• Maintain a steady pipeline of outreach and onboarding activity throughout the contract period, serving as a friendly, reliable point of contact for businesses considering or joining the program.
• Develop trusted relationships with local business owners, managers, and community partners in service of supporting strong onboarding for the program.
• Support participating businesses through launch
• Onboarding new businesses and ensuring they feel prepared and confident to participate.
• Gather feedback from participating businesses and share insights with the project team.
• Track progress and report to team regularly 
• Use Zoho (CRM tool) to maintain accurate records of outreach, meetings, and onboarding progress, and provide regular updates to the project team.
• Help refine outreach materials, messaging, and onboarding tools based on what works in the field.
• Help build momentum for the program
• Identify common questions or barriers and help develop solutions.
• Share success stories and lessons learned to improve outreach and onboarding efforts.
• Contribute ideas to strengthen participation and long-term program success.
• Other tasks as they arise.
  
  Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in sales, business development, partnerships, or community outreach.
• Proven ability to build trust quickly and move opportunities from first conversation to signed agreement.
• Comfortable conducting in-person outreach, meetings, and presentations with local businesses.
• Strong communication skills and ability to clearly explain a new program and its value.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple conversations, follow-ups, and timelines at once.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and stay motivated in a short-term, fast-moving project environment.
• Valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred:

• Experience working with restaurants, hospitality, food service, or small local businesses.
• Familiarity with the Hilo business community or experience working on Hawaiʻi Island.
• Experience launching or supporting new programs, pilots, or community initiatives.
• Familiarity with sustainability, zero-waste, or circular economy programs.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.
• Proficiency in CRM / sales management tools.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong “getting things done” attitude.
• Driven, detail-oriented, and highly reliable.
• Practical and solutions-oriented when challenges arise.
• Passionate about environmental sustainability and waste reduction.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $30/hr plus Commission
• Direct commission per closed contract: $50-$200 per contract based on size of contract.
• Opportunity to play a pivotal role in Hawaiʻi’s transition to a circular, zero-waste foodware system.

To Apply
Please send your resume and 1-2 paragraphs about why you are interested in this position with the subject line “Application for Business Development Lead” to zwhi@zerowastehi.org. Please apply by February 28th for priority consideration.