Employment Opportunities

$122,232 to $150,072 per year. Starting salary may be between the minimum and maximum salary range provided, based on qualifications.

The Board Legal Counsel is the chief legal advisor to the Board of Trustees (“BOT”) Chairperson, the Board of Trustees, and the Chief of Staff of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Board Legal Counsel is responsible for protecting OHA’s legal and fiduciary interests as well as providing direct legal support to the BOT. This role ensures organizational compliance with all applicable state, federal, and trust laws, and supports the Board of Trustees (BOT) in fulfilling its constitutional and statutory duties under HRS §10-5.

As a key member of the Board of Trustees’ team, the Board Legal Counsel helps advance OHA’s mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians through ethical governance, risk mitigation, legal stewardship of trust resources, and compliance oversight. Key areas of support include governance and compliance matters, procurement and contract oversight, board policies and procedures, conflict of interest safeguards, and the review and development of legal memoranda, standard operating procedures, and other board related documents. Additionally, the Board Legal Counsel advises the BOT on OHA’s escheat rights, related kuleana and land matters, and supports the Chairperson in their role as OHA’s Chief Procurement Officer, Head of Purchasing Agency, and Senior Executive Board Member as a Co-Trustee of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

At the direction of the Chairperson, the Board Legal Counsel may further coordinate with OHA’s Corporate Counsel or external legal advisors, as appropriate, to ensure alignment with broader legal strategies and risk mitigation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Legal Services for OHA
   1. Reviews and advises on proposed Board actions to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and OHA policies and procedures.
   2. Drafts legal opinions and advisory memoranda addressing policy, operations, governance, and other administrative functions affecting OHA, the BOT, and staff at the request of the Chairperson, BOT, or Chief of Staff.
   3. Reviews and revises OHA contracts, leases, and other transactional documents and instruments subject to the Chairperson or the BOT’s review and/or approval, and which impose obligations, responsibilities, encumbrances, liens, or releases that safeguard the agency’s legal and financial interests.
   4. Conducts legal training for the BOT and Board staff on applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards relevant to their work duties and responsibilities.
2. Legal Services to the Board of Trustees
   1. Provides legal counsel and guidance to the BOT Chairperson, Chairpersons of Standing Committees, Ad Hoc Committees, or Permitted Interaction Groups, BOT, and Chief of Staff on matters involving compliance, risk, and legal interpretation, including the Board’s oversight, fiduciary duties, strategic governance, and trust obligations.
   2. Renders legal advice, counsel, and guidance on applicable laws, rules, regulations, court decisions, and legal documents that may affect agency or board operations, including but not limited to state and federal laws impacting Native Hawaiian self-determination, beneficiary rights, and OHA’s statutory and fiduciary obligations as a public trust agency.
   3. Develops, and implements programs and projects that enhance the legal services provided to the Chairperson, BOT, and Chief of Staff, helping to protect and advance the agency’s legal and financial interests.
   4. Supports the Board in developing and implementing legal strategies on high-level policy issues, such as ceded lands, the public land trust, Native Hawaiian entitlements, beneficiary services and funding, and agency accountability.
   5. Reviews and assesses claims and potential litigation in coordination with the Chief of Staff and/or Corporate Counsel Office, as appropriate. Advises the Chairperson and BOT on legal strategies, including whether to pursue litigation or settlement, with careful consideration of fiduciary impact and organizational risk.
   6. Provides legal guidance on complex, confidential, or politically sensitive matters that affect the Board’s oversight and decision-making responsibilities.
   7. Assists the BOT Chairperson, Chairpersons of Standing Committees, Ad Hoc Committees, Permitted Interaction Groups, BOT, and Chief of Staff with special projects and confidential assignments requiring legal insight and discretion.
   8. Supports Standing Committee Chairs and their Aides, the Chief of Staff, and the Board Secretary by reviewing agendas and minutes for BOT and committee meetings, ensuring procedural and legal accuracy.
   9. Evaluates legal risks and promotes a culture of compliance, integrity, and proactive legal stewardship at the Board level.
   10. Continuously monitors the quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of internal and external legal services secured by and delivered specifically to the Board, in coordination with the Chief of Staff, as distinct from legal services retained by the agency for operational or programmatic purposes, unless otherwise requested by the Chairperson, BOT, or General Counsel. Ensures that all such services align with OHA’s mission, fiduciary responsibilities, and commitment to legal and ethical excellence.
3. Consistently upholds the priorities, decisions, and directives of the Chairperson in alignment with the Hawaiʻi Rules of Professional Conduct.
4. Regular in person attendance is required although this position is hybrid-eligible in accordance with OHA’s Telework policy and subject to the discretion and approval of the Board Chairperson.
5. This position requires residency on the Island of Oʻahu.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned by the Chairperson.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

1. Education. Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
2. Licensure. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Hawai‘i and a member in good standing with the Hawai‘i State Bar Association.
3. Legal Work Experience. Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible legal practice.
   • At least five (5) of those years must be in the State of Hawai‘i.
   • Legal experience must include the following:
     1. Contractual and Legal Document Expertise. Minimum of five (5) years drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, leases, agreements, legal instruments, and amendments.
     2. Leadership and Legal Team Management. Minimum of five (5) years supervising and evaluating attorneys and legal support staff. Experience must demonstrate leadership, organizational, and team development skills in a complex, multi-disciplinary environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Procurement Law. At least two (2) years of experience applying Hawai‘i procurement laws as set forth in HRS Chapters 103D and 103F.
2. Specialized Legal Expertise. Demonstrated legal experience in one or more of the following areas is highly preferred:
   • Trust law and fiduciary obligations
   • Native Hawaiian rights and legal advocacy
   • State of Hawai‘i legislative and budgetary processes
   • Civil litigation before State and/or Federal courts
   • Administrative law and proceedings before boards, commissions, or hearing officers
   • Public sector or nonprofit governance, including service as legal counsel to Boards of Directors or Trustees, Executive Leadership (CEO, VPs), with experience advising on legal, fiduciary, compliance, and governance matters
3. Public Accountability and Compliance. Experience interpreting and applying Hawai‘i’s Sunshine Law (HRS Chapter 92) and the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) (HRS Chapter 92F).
4. Cultural Competency and Mission Alignment.
   • Knowledge of Native Hawaiian culture, language, and history, and ability to apply this understanding in a legal and organizational context.
   • Familiarity with the Mana i Mauli Ola Strategic Plan or similar culturally grounded frameworks.
   • Demonstrated commitment to working with or supporting Native Hawaiian communities or mission-aligned, values-based organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Must have working knowledge of:
   • State and federal laws, statutes, regulations, policies, practices, and standards applicable to OHA’s mission and operations;
   • History of major legal issues, challenges, and decisions relevant to Native Hawaiian governance and OHA’s mission;
   • Legal research methods and resources for writing legal documents and developing legal opinions, pleadings, and strategy;
   • Legal processes, court proceedings, legal documents and instruments, and other related activities in order to effectively evaluate legal issues and cases and recommend effective courses of action in conformity with federal, state, and local laws relating to the functions of the agency;
   • Current status and recent developments in the laws that may have an impact on OHA, including: trust and fiduciary law, Native Hawaiian rights law and land tenure issues, employment law, records access and information practices (Chapters 92 and 92F, HRS), intellectual property, real property, collections, parliamentary procedures, contracts, procurement (Chapter 103D, HRS), Hawai‘i Administrative Procedures Act and administrative regulations (Chapter 91, HRS); and
   • Basic knowledge of Hawaiian language, place names, and resources, as many contracts and other legal documents contain Hawaiian words and names.
2. Must have demonstrated experience, skills or ability in:
   • Native Hawaiian rights law, land tenure issues, and public land trust analysis;
   • Advising and litigating matters involving Indigenous rights, government fiduciary responsibilities, or constitutional law;
   • Leading legal strategy in culturally rooted, values-based organizations;
   • Working with or for fiduciary organizations (e.g., public trusts, government agencies, or foundations);
   • Familiarity with Mana i Mauli Ola Strategic Plan and Hawaiian culture;
   • Ability to navigate sensitive political and cultural landscapes with diplomacy and legal considerations;
   • Navigate sensitive governance and fiduciary issues with professionalism and integrity.
   • Read and interpret complex written material;
   • Conduct complex legal research;
   • Write/edit pleadings, legal briefs, arguments, opinions, and position papers;
   • Negotiate favorable agreements;
   • Collaborate effectively with the Corporate Counsel Office and uphold high standards of legal ethics.
   • Make formal oral presentations and communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences including OHA staff, Board of Trustees, and OHA beneficiaries
   • Effectively participate in and contribute to organizational planning, policy development, and budget processes;
   • Effectively use computer software (including Microsoft Office products) to draft legal documents, manage workloads, and communicate with others; and
   • Complement the mission of OHA and the functions of the Corporate Counsel Office.

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

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

$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

$102,924 – $130,260 per year. Starting salary may be between the minimum and maximum salary range provided, based on qualifications.

FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: Director, Advocacy Division

About the Office of Hawaiian Affairs

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is a semi-autonomous state agency established to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians and to advocate for the betterment of conditions for Hawaiʻi’s indigenous people. OHA advances initiatives across land stewardship, health, housing, education, economic stability, cultural preservation, and governance.

OHA maintains a Washington, D.C. presence to ensure Native Hawaiian perspectives are represented within federal policymaking processes and to advance coordinated federal engagement aligned with organizational priorities.

Position Overview

The Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief serves as OHA’s senior federal policy representative and leads the organization’s engagement with Congress, federal agencies, and national policy partners. The position is responsible for developing and executing OHA’s federal advocacy strategy, advising executive leadership and trustees on federal developments, and ensuring consistent, credible institutional representation in Washington, D.C.

This role requires sound political judgment, strategic discipline, and the ability to operate effectively within complex governmental environments. The Bureau Chief oversees the Washington, D.C. office and manages a portfolio spanning legislative advocacy, regulatory engagement, and intergovernmental relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

Federal Strategy & Representation

• Develop and implement OHA’s federal advocacy strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and leadership direction.
• Represent OHA before Congress, congressional committees, federal departments and agencies, and national policy organizations.
• Advance legislative and administrative initiatives affecting Native Hawaiian interests through coordinated engagement and strategic positioning.
• Provide policy guidance and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Congressional & Federal Engagement

• Maintain professional relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and federal officials.
• Support legislative strategy, negotiations, and federal funding advocacy consistent with approved priorities.
• Prepare testimony, policy briefings, and executive-level communications.
• Monitor appropriations and authorization processes relevant to OHA initiatives.

Policy Analysis & Strategic Advising

• Track and analyze federal legislative, regulatory, and political developments.
• Translate policy activity into actionable guidance for leadership.
• Identify emerging opportunities and risks affecting organizational priorities.
• Coordinate internal and external expertise to inform advocacy positions.

Bureau Leadership & Operations

• Direct operations of the Washington, D.C. Bureau, including supervision of staff, fellows, interns, and contractors.
• Maintain a professional, accountable, and collaborative office environment.
• Oversee programmatic activities, including OHA’s Washington, D.C. Fellowship program.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of operational resources and alignment with agency policies.

Organizational Coordination

• Serve as a liaison between federal advocacy efforts and OHA divisions in Hawaiʻi.
• Promote consistency in institutional messaging and policy engagement.
• Support leadership visibility and relationship development within national policy networks.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, law, public administration, or a closely related field. Advanced degree (Master’s or Juris Doctor) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in federal policy, legislative affairs, governmental relations, or regulatory advocacy.
• Demonstrated experience working with Congress and/or federal agencies.
• Experience advancing complex policy initiatives or legislative priorities.
• At least three (3) years of supervisory or senior leadership experience.

Preferred Knowledge & Experience

• Federal appropriations and budget processes.
• Congressional committee operations and legislative procedure.
• Executive branch rulemaking and regulatory engagement.
• Indigenous, Native Hawaiian, or tribal policy issues.
• Coalition development and intergovernmental coordination.

Core Competencies

• Strategic judgment and political awareness.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication.
• Relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to operate independently in fast-paced policy environments.
• Professional discretion and sound decision-making.
• Commitment to public service and community-centered advocacy.

Residency & Principal Workplace Designation

This position is based in the Washington, D.C. National Capital Region and requires performance of primary duties in Washington, D.C., as assigned. Employment is subject to the Hawaiʻi residency requirement under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes § 78-1, which is determined by domicile and intent to maintain Hawaiʻi as one’s permanent home, regardless of duty location. The selected candidate must certify and maintain Hawaiʻi residency as a condition of employment.

Why This Role Matters

The Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief ensures Native Hawaiian perspectives are consistently and responsibly represented within federal decision-making processes. The position supports long-term institutional advocacy by strengthening federal relationships, advancing policy priorities, and providing informed strategic counsel to OHA leadership.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.

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