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OHA: Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Employment Opportunities

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is undergoing a reorganization that prioritizes our beneficiaries, their needs, and the communities we serve. This includes a restructuring of staff and services. OHA is currently recruiting executive leaders, managers and other professional staff to serve the lāhui.

Employment Benefits

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. To apply for any of the posted positions in the jobs listing below, download, complete and submit an application. Submit your completed application and resume to:

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
560 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite 200
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817
Attention: Human Resources

Or submit via email: careers@oha.org

In addition to the opportunity to work toward the betterment of the Native Hawaiian community, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs offers competitive compensation and excellent employee benefits. As a quasi-state agency, OHA provides the following state benefits:

  • Holidays: OHA observes 13 paid holidays per year and 14 during an election year
  • Vacation: You may earn 14 hours/month for a total of 21 days/year and may accumulate up to a maximum of 90 days.
  • Sick Leave: You may earn 14 hours/month for a total of 21 days/year with unlimited accumulation. Unused sick leave may increase your retirement benefits.
  • Other Leaves: Time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, death in the family, military duty, and Blood Bank donation.
  • Health Care Insurance: A wide range of health care plans is offered to eligible employees and their families. The State pays for part of the premiums for these plans, which include Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental. There is no waiting period for your initial enrollment which means immediate coverage.
  • Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees can increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
  • Deferred Compensation Plan: Participating employees may decrease their taxable income by deferring an amount from their gross salary into this plan before payroll taxes are withheld.
  • Retirement Plan: Generally, all employees hired after June 30, 2012 are required to enroll in the Hybrid Plan. Employees with at least 10 years of service and who have reached 65 years of age, or have 30 years of service and are 60 years old, may retire and receive benefits.
  • Life Insurance: Term life insurance coverage is available to eligible employees at no cost. The State pays the full monthly premium for this benefit.
  • Paid Family Leave: Up to 12 weeks for qualified leave during a 12-month rolling period.

Job Listings

NATIVE HAWAIIAN DATA SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR

Closing Date: April 30, 2026, at 4:30pm HST

$72,372 to $91,620 per year. Starting salary may be between the minimum and maximum salary range provided, based on qualifications.

The Native Hawaiian Data System Administrator, under the direction of the Research Systems Manager (“Manager”), manages and maintains the Native Hawaiian Data Book including: system functionality and maintenance (e.g., identify, design, implementation, training, performance, contract and contractor management, documentation); development and implementation of data collection, storage, maintenance and management processes; development and implementation of system utilization processes (e.g., system access, security, user management, help desk, training, request management and completion), operational and progress reporting; and community engagement (e.g., projects, collaborations, presentations); ensuring the long term, strategic value of the research system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. System Functionality and Maintenance
    1. Identifies, designs, implements, assesses and maintains necessary system functionality(ies).
    2. Manages and adjusts, as needed, system functionality for optimal system performance.
    3. Manages contract(s) and contractor(s) as needed.
    4. Documents and updates design, operations and maintenance information and activities, consistent with organization system documentation format.
    5. Works with organization information technology staff to ensure the system is supported, protected and optimized ensuring the long term, strategic value of the research system.
    6. Trains (e.g., information technology, end users) on system functionality and related maintenance activities.
    7. Develops, implements, and updates related policies and procedures to guide all aspects of database operations and management.
    8. Maintains and updates knowledge and skills needed to continue long term, strategic value of the research system.
  2. Data Collection, Storage, Maintenance and Management
    1. Compile and analyze comprehensive demographic data from federal, state, and local sources (e.g., census, surveys, and administrative records).
    2. Identifies, designs, implements and maintains necessary data collection, storage, maintenance and management processes.
    3. Identifies and negotiates various data collection, storage, maintenance and management methods (e.g., acquisition, partnership, subscription), as needed and directed.
    4. Compiles and analyzes existing data, historical records and documents, publications, and presentations.
    5. Produces related outputs of compilation and analysis activities (e.g., tables, graphs or reports) utilizing statistical software, database tools, and data visualization platforms.
    6. Curates, maintains, and manages data (e.g., demographic, census, statistics) for use in web applications, research projects, ad hoc requests, special assignments, etc.
    7. Monitors demographic changes and updates (e.g., tracking trends in population characteristics and updates from various government and community data sources).
    8. Designs and develops new database products and/or functionality (e.g., data visualization products) as needed or directed.
    9. Analyzes and prepares metadata, reports, documents and bulletins on data procurement and database usage as directed.
  3. System Utilization
    1. Develops, implements, and documents system utilization processes (e.g., system access, security, user management, help desk, training, request management and completion).
    2. Conducts comparative and/or statistical analysis of existing research to address new questions, as needed and directed.
    3. Prepares, compiles, extracts and analyzes data, and develops reports on database usage, uploads, and collection accessioning as needed and directed.
    4. Adheres to all federal and state regulations and guidelines on research protocol, intellectually property rights, confidentiality, ethics, and professionalism.
    5. Oversees user roles, permissions, and access control based on organizational policies and cultural protocols.
  4. Community Engagement
    1. Participates in community engagement opportunities (e.g., projects, collaborations, presentations, webinars) to share information and function of the geospatial system, in collaboration with internal and community stakeholders.
    2. Provides specialized technical assistance, training, information services, including presentations, workshops, and consultation as directed for the database, including management and/or operations of knowledge and/or service centers.
    3. Ensures that dissemination, presentation, and/or publication of, statistics, data analysis, and data products adhere to applicable standards of research and cultural ethics, specifically web-based publications.
  5. General Administration
    1. Reviews Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Professional Service applications to secure data management resources under the direction of the Manager.
    2. Participates in the implementation of OHA’s Strategic Plan projects and operational activities, including, program work plans, operational budgets, programs, policies, and ad hoc requests as directed.
    3. Prepares presentations for the Manager, the Director, Research and Evaluation Division (“Director”), the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and/or the organization, as directed.
    4. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with OHA staff, individuals, agency representatives, and community groups in research systems and contract monitoring matters
  6. Fully supports in action, language, behavior and performance the priorities, decisions, and directives of the Manager, Director, COO and/or the CEO.
  7. Regular attendance on a daily basis is required for this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

  1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in quantitative social science field such as statistics, demography, or population studies, data science, computer science, Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian history or a related field.
  2. Three (3) years of general experience in statistical and data analysis, managing data and digital assets, research, information systems and/or database management.
    • A Master’s degree in a quantitative social science field such as statistics, demography, or population studies, data science, computer science, Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian history or a related field may be substituted for general experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  1. Must have working knowledge of:
    • Managing and working with large datasets, including database design, and data processing techniques
    • Accessing and utilizing U.S. Census Bureau data products
    • Digital preservation protocols, tools, and standards
    • Database design, development, management and maintenance
    • Data collection, analysis, management, and reporting
    • Software proficiency in SQL, SAS, SPSS, Stata, or other relevant applications
    • Hawaiian based community and government data organizations and practices
    • Governmental organization, programs and functions
    • Hawaiian history, including cultural, political, and social contexts, and application of this knowledge to inform research, education, program development, and community engagement with cultural sensitivity and accuracy.
  2. Must have demonstrated skills or ability to:
    • Plan, organize and manage projects
    • Explain complex concepts (e.g., functionality, needs) simply as needed for various stakeholder audiences;
    • Analyze and review deliverables and project results
    • Create, manage and maintain databases
    • Ensure accuracy and attention to detail when addressing metadata creation and digital preservation
    • Analyze complex digital materials and solve issues related to preservation, access and protocols
    • Establish, maintain and process budget and budget related items
    • Prepare oral and written reports and make presentations
    • Communicate effectively (in writing and orally) with various stakeholder groups including Board of Trustees, Administration, peers and co-workers, contractors, beneficiaries, legislators and the general public
    • Work collaboratively with other employees
    • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, external agencies and their representatives, beneficiaries and with the general public
    • Software proficiency in SQL, SAS, SPSS, Stata, or other relevant applications
    • Use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Canva

How To Apply

To apply for this position, Download, complete and submit this fillable application form along with a resume and cover letter to:

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
560 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite 200
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817
Attention: Human Resources

Or via email: careers@oha.org

POLICY AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER

$66,876 to $84,696 per year. Starting salary may be between the minimum and maximum salary range provided, based on qualifications.

The Policy and Records Management Officer is responsible for arranging, describing, preserving and providing access to OHA records with long-term, historical value; recommends and performs records reformatting, indexing, and delivery solutions for permanent and inactive records; and maintains record keeping systems, including a database catalog, as well as provides reference services to OHA Divisions/Programs and the general public.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Records Management
    1. Manages the OHA physical archives at on-site and off-site locations and the OHA library.
    2. Advises on the management of both public and sensitive documents and information, in both physical and electronic forms. This includes, but is not limited to:

      • BOT and Standing Committee minutes, including the timely posting to the OHA Web site.
      • Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) requests, tracking and responses, reporting record retention information to the OIP via web site, and other administrative actions.
      • Compliance with Hawai‘i Revised Statutes Chapter 487J, 487N and 487R including, monitoring, reporting, and security breach response.
    3. Applies appropriate judgment, discretion and adherence to a professional code of ethics e.g., Society of American Archivists (SAA) and Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) in all information managed.
    4. Designs, updates, maintains and ensures compliance with OHA’s general records retention schedule. This work considers audit compliance, federal and state law compliance and the operational needs of agency programs and projects.
    5. Coordinates the implementation of records storage and indexing solutions. Participates in the developing of system work sites, electronic libraries, and other information access systems.
    6. Creates, updates, and maintains inventories of active and inactive record storage areas in a physical and electronic environment. This includes, but is not limited to, definitions or record types, metadata, listing of catalogs and other components required to efficiently store, retrieve, and dispose of records, both physically and electronically.
    7. Assists OHA divisions and programs in implementing, maintaining, and performing periodic reviews to ensure records are reformatted and backed-up when appropriate e.g., digital imaging; may also prepare records for reformatting, including creation of targets, in accordance with Records Management Unit, International Standards Organization (ISO) and Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) guidelines.
    8. Regularly works with records custodians. Performs quality control and compliance reviews and provides formal findings, recommendations or work- around solutions to the Corporate Counsel office.
    9. Works with program staff to coordinate the scheduling of physical and electronic records disposition; recommends active and inactive records storage periods in accordance with state, local and other statutes, including collaborating with appropriate internal or external parties.
    10. Processes records according to archival principles and standards e.g., Dublin Core Metadata Initiative, Society of American Archivists (SAA), and creates finding aids and indexes for internal and external use.
    11. Preserves records by identifying endangered materials and level of conservation work needed; provides basic repair and preventive preservation for paper records. Collaborates with internal and external parties to define the historical significance of records and other materials.
    12. Designs and presents trainings on records storage, security, and management for OHA Trustees and staff.
    13. Assists with researching, planning, developing, and implementing short and long-range goals for the physical archives and records center in coordination with each division and/or program and other internal and/or external parties. This includes compliance with OHA business and work plans.
    14. Drafts policies and procedures related to records management for review by General Counsel and approval by the Administrator.
    15. Assists the Corporate Counsel’s office with contributing data for the program budget, and researching new purchases and other costs, including involvement with procurement, purchasing, and payment processes.
  2. Policy Framework
    1. Maintains OHA’s Policy Framework, including policy and procedures inventory, electronic site and documents; establishes formats and communicates reminders and updated renewal schedule; and assists divisions and programs with new policies and procedures.
  3. Other Technical Duties
    1. Provides reference services to internal and external audiences by providing access, finding aids, and providing instruction on the proper handling of materials appropriate to the individual researcher’s needs. This position may be required to respond in person, by phone, e-mail or fax, and may also refer researchers to other resources.
    2. Researches new technologies, automation and new software and hardware for physical archives and records center, as needed.
    3. Regular attendance on a daily basis is required for this position.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned by Associate General Counsel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

  1. Education. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in archives management, library science, or a related field. Master of Arts in Library or Information Science is preferred. Four (4) years of work experience in records management, to include the designing and updating records management schedules and systems, may be substituted for the specialized bachelor’s degree requirement; provided that the candidate must have obtained a bachelor’s degree in another field.
  2. Work Experience. Three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience in archives or records management programs or projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  1. Must have working knowledge of:
    • Contemporary records management and archival principles and practices
    • Rules, regulations and laws relating to archives/records center and public records
    • Descriptive cataloging principles
  2. Must have demonstrated skills or ability to:
    • Analyze and solve complex problems pertaining to archival methods and procedures;
    • Plan, organize, and carry out a broad range of technical support services relating to information systems and records management;
    • Work efficiently and effectively in a dynamic and evolving environment;
    • Analyze an information network and recommend changes and improvements to ensure reliable and consistent service to users;
    • Present facts clearly both orally and in writing;
    • Deal tactfully and effectively and establish and maintain working relationships with other employees, external agencies and their representatives, and with the general public;
    • Review and prepare reports requiring judgment as to the nature of the problem and potential solutions; and
    • Speak simply and directly in conveying information on various technical and administrative aspects of the program.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, Download, complete and submit this fillable application form along with a resume and cover letter to:

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
560 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite 200
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817
Attention: Human Resources

Or via email: careers@oha.org

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) employees must be permanent Hawaii residents. Out-of-state applicants who are offered employment with OHA will need to relocate to Hawaii and establish permanent residency.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

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