Employment Opportunities

Link: OHA Administrator & Chief Executive Officer Leadership Profile

Link: OHA Administrator & Chief Executive Officer Job Description

How To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a résumé and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position to Kimberly Miyashiro at [email protected]

Applications received by September 4, 2026, will receive priority consideration. Review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Closing Date: September 26, 2025 at 4:30pm HST

$69,600 to $88,152 per year. Starting salary may be between the minimum and maximum salary range provided, based on qualifications.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION

1. The Investment Lands Asset Manager (“ILAM”) is responsible for the management of OHA’s portfolio of commercial properties and real estate holdings (“Investment Lands”). The ILAM also assists the Investment Lands Program Manager (“Program Manager”) and Managing Director of Real Estate (“Director”) with the planning and development of OHA’s Investment Lands as well as the acquisition or disposition of prospective lands. The ILAM also coordinates leasing activities for OHA’s corporate offices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Asset Management
   1. Responsible for ongoing management of Investment Lands in coordination with the Program Manager and other Program staff. Serves as the first point-of-contact in dealing with third party property managers, leasing agents, contractors, and other parties to ensure efficient and productive operations and management of OHA’s Investment Lands.
   2. In collaboration with the Program Manager, other Program staff and legal counsel, leads in the negotiation, drafting, execution and implementation of leases, easements, licenses, rights of entry, permits, addenda, and other agreements relating to OHA Investment Lands.
   3. Reviews terms and conditions of existing leases for compliance with established procedures and guidelines. Ensures that leases, easements, licenses, permits, rights of entry and other agreements are current and updated on a timely basis.
   4. On a regular basis, makes visual inspections of premises and facilities to determine repair, maintenance and/or replacement needs, compliance with terms and conditions of lease and other agreements. Recommends budgetary adjustments to fund the cost of repairs and maintenance activities.
   5. Regularly evaluates operation of OHA’s Investment Lands, identifies and minimizes risk, addresses issues and implements remedial actions when appropriate. In coordination with the Program Manager and other Program staff, develops procedures, work methods, and techniques to ensure that OHA’s Investment Lands are properly managed and produce maximum returns on investment.
   6. Oversees the work of the property management contractors, including allocation of building space, leasing, marketing and the acquisition and maintenance of furniture, machinery and equipment.
   7. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with government agencies and private organizations which directly and indirectly interface with OHA in conjunction with OHA’s Investment Lands.
   8. As needed, represents OHA at area beautification enforcements affecting OHA’s Investment Lands.
2. Operations
   1. Assists with preparation and maintenance of work plans, budgets, rent rolls, property information binders and all other related operational planning and administrative documents.
   2. Collects data related to project performance measures, as directed. Assists in the preparation and submission of performance reports according to established guidelines, timelines and protocols. Ensures without exception the proper handling and maintenance of confidential, sensitive and/or proprietary information.
   3. Ensures efficient execution of projects and directives once priorities and decisions are communicated.
3. Real Estate Transactions
   1. Works with Program Manager, legal counsel, consultants and other Program staff to conduct due diligence on proposed acquisitions in accordance with established procedures, guidelines and standards.
   2. Assists Program Manager in analyzing information and documents pertinent to proposed transactions, evaluating proposals, and preparing reports of proposed transactions for submission to the Director, CFO, COO and CEO.
   3. Assists Program Manager and other Program staff in implementing decisions regarding the acquisition or sale of OHA’s Investment Lands. Works cooperatively with legal counsel, consultants and other OHA staff to negotiate, document and close transactions.
4. Fully supports in action, language, behavior and performance the priorities, decisions, and directives of the Program Manager, Director, COO and/or CEO
5. This position is based on Oʻahu, with an expectation of regular, in-person attendance at the designated duty station. Limited telework may be authorized in accordance with the OHA Employee Handbook and subject to supervisory approval.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Manager and/or Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

1. Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in real estate, land use planning, business administration or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
2. General Experience. Four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience in one or any combination of the following: commercial real estate transactions (acquisitions, sales and leasing), or land property management of commercial real estate properties.
3. Years of experience can be counted towards education requirements. Advanced degrees can be counted towards years of experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Must have working knowledge of:
   • Fundamental principles, practices, methods, techniques and procedures of commercial land and property acquisition, development and/or management;
   • Financial literacy of Net Present Value, Return on Investment, Internal Rate of Return, Return on Cost, Total Return on Equity, Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Cash on Cash Return;
   • General business practices, particularly with respect to leases, licenses and other agreements;
   • Legal documents and instruments pertaining to real property transactions and/or management;
   • Operations of a large property management program;
   • Fundamental principles, practices and methods of marketing.
2. Must have general knowledge regarding:
   • Real estate environment, structure and funding, including real estate valuation;
   • Negotiation of real estate transactions and management of corporate real estate holdings of substantial scope and complexity;
   • Analysis and development of lease terms and conditions for a variety of real property and facilities;
   • Real property valuations, real estate and property transactions, risk assessments, operations, and returns on investments;
   • Interpretation of real estate market conditions and trends;
   • General accounting principles, budgeting and financial analysis.
   • Must have demonstrated skills or ability to:
     • Perform real property management and negotiation work of wide scope and complexity.
     • Gather, organize and analyze pertinent data.
     • Prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, including property proformas over 1, 5, and 10-year projection period.
     • Analyze and develop lease terms and conditions for a variety of real property and facilities;
     • Think strategically about broad, long-term goals; track, analyze, and manage complex internal and external issues (particularly in the areas of real estate investment, land use, public land trusts/ceded lands, and/or land and property management);
     • Meet and deal effectively with others especially in negotiating and obtaining compliance with contract agreements;
     • Analyze systems, processes and practices and develop solutions for unusual problems and recommend operational improvements;
     • Lead and implement data-informed decision-making practices in difficult or complicated situations;
     • Prioritize business objectives and provide discipline to the implementation and reporting processes;
     • Exercise sound judgment in making independent decisions in the field;
     • Use basic computer programs, including word processing and spreadsheets (Excel), and commercial real estate programs such as Argus;
     • Set goals and achieve desired results, and a demonstrated ability to impart a results-oriented approach to others in the organization;
     • Accurately estimate real property values;
     • Communicate effectively (in writing and orally) with upper management, peers, subordinates, consultants and the public; and
     • Deal tactfully and effectively and establish and maintain working relationships with other employees, external agencies and their representatives, and with the general public.
     • Must have a valid driver’s license.

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: [email protected]

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

$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. This position is based on Oʻahu, with an expectation of regular, in-person attendance at the designated duty station. Limited telework may be authorized in accordance with the OHA Employee Handbook and subject to supervisory approval.

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: [email protected]

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: September 7, 2026 at 4:30pm HST
*Deadline may be extended if a suitable candidate pool is not identified by the initial deadline.

$69,600 to $88,152 per year. Starting salary may be between the minimum and maximum salary range provided, based on qualifications.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Public Policy Advocate is responsible for knowing, understanding, applying, analyzing, developing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and advocating for public policy that betters the conditions of Native Hawaiians. Activities include interaction with government agencies at the federal, state and county levels as well as other policy constructs (e.g., boards, commissions); promoting and facilitating the participation of beneficiaries and communities in governmental processes; and coordinating and facilitating community, legislative and efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides administrative and technical assistance to the Public Policy Manager.
2. Participates in the development and execution of legal and political strategies to achieve advocacy outcomes.
3. Develops and implements plans and strategies regarding new or proposed legislation, policies, programs and liaison activities to improve or increase advocacy efforts and makes recommendations to the Public Policy Manager. Encourages and supports new programs, activities and services that address the needs of Hawaiians.
4. Reviews, analyzes and monitors legislation, reports, plans, submittals and other actions considered by federal, state and county legislatures and administrations, including boards and commissions, that have the potential of impacting OHA and/or its beneficiaries. Prepares testimonies and testifies on federal, state and county legislative issues and administrative issues as necessary.
5. Provides technical and strategic advice on the legislative and administrative rule-making processes, as well as on other issues.
6. Promotes advocacy efforts to include the protection of traditional and customary rights of Hawaiians, as well as assuring that federal, state and county resources are proportionately directed to beneficiary needs.
7. Serves as a technical resource person providing professional research and technical support on data and analysis required OHA on policy-related issues of importance to the Hawaiian community.
8. Conducts a technical review, including editing, proofreading and an accuracy review (i.e., fact checking), of all work products developed, including white papers, legislation, administrative rules, testimony, letters and memos.
9. Coordinates with various individuals, departments, agency representatives, community leaders and others at federal, state and county levels in resolving issues relating to administrative actions and compliance review.
10. Attends legislative, government and community hearings and meetings in relation to prioritized issues.
11. Coordinates and attends meetings with government officials, including legislators, and beneficiary groups as required. Maintains good relationships with legislators, Hawaii’s congressional delegation staff, state and county officials and staff, and the community for the purposes of providing or obtaining information or support for OHA’s positions on issues.
12. Recognizes protocols and deals effectively with sensitive and confidential issues.
13. Fully supports in action, language, behavior and performance the priorities, decisions, and directives of the Public Policy Manager, Chief Advocate, Chief Operating Officer and/or Chief Executive Officer.
14. This position is based on Oʻahu, with an expectation of regular, in-person attendance at the designated duty station. Limited telework may be authorized in accordance with the OHA Employee Handbook and subject to supervisory approval.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in political science, communications, business administration, social sciences or related field. A law degree is preferred.
2. One and one-half (1-1/2) years of progressively responsible work experience in social or political advocacy and/or community activism; community, environmental or planning programs; and/or legislative affairs.
3. Three (3) years of specialized professional work in legislative research and/or analysis, government affairs or a combination of the two, which result in the capabilities to perform the described duties.
4. One (1) year of collaboration and facilitation experiences which included planning, coordinating and facilitating the work of others (e.g., beneficiaries, communities, associations, clubs), reviewing their work, advising them on difficult problem areas, timing and scheduling of their work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Must have working knowledge of:
   • Hawaiian community and related issues and concerns
   • Hawaiian culture and customs
   • Applicable state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and directives
   • Laws and regulations relating to environmental, historical, cultural, spiritual and economic resources of Hawaiians
   • Government and legislative processes
   • Effective report writing
   • Office practices and procedures
2. Must have demonstrated skills or ability to:
   • Coordinate and monitor the work of program staff
   • Analyze and integrate facts, trends, data, issues and related matters and derive sound conclusions on which to base recommendations
   • Plan, organize, coordinate, implement and evaluate activities which encourage communication and cooperative working relationships between OHA, beneficiary groups, governmental and private agencies, and the general community
   • Deal effectively with elected officials and their staff, government agency employees, members of commissions and boards, OHA staff and the general public
   • Influence others toward specific outcomes
   • Write clear and concise reports and correspondence
   • Communicate effectively orally and in writing
   • Work effectively under frequent emergencies and short deadlines

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: [email protected]

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: August 26, 2026 at 4:30pm HST
*Deadline may be extended if a suitable candidate pool is not identified by the initial deadline.

$69,600 to $88,152 per year. Starting salary may be between the minimum and maximum salary range provided, based on qualifications.

The Research and Evaluation Analyst conducts independent, specialized, and/or assigned research and evaluations on topics, including but not limited to the Office of Hawaiian Affair’s (OHA) Strategic Plan Foundations and Directions (e.g., education, health, housing, and economics). This position is expected to identify, recommend, and initiate and/or be assigned research or evaluation projects, develop work outlines within the parameters determined by the Director, Research and Evaluation Division (“Director”) or Manager, Research and Evaluation (“Manager”), complete necessary research, data collection and analysis, and develop comprehensive recommendations for assigned projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts research on OHA’s Strategic Plan, including education, health, housing, economy, and related fields, as directed.
2. Plans, designs, and conducts fact-finding and analysis in collaboration with the Manager.
3. Assists program staff in developing or reframing research questions, developing and designing methods for the implementation of projects, as well as, providing assistance and content expertise in the development of surveys that focus on improving advocacy for beneficiaries.
4. Leads, plans, and performs process analysis and evaluation of established programs’ objectives, costs, and measures of effectiveness. Analyzes, interprets, and reports findings of the process evaluations; participates with the Manager in identifying and reporting on pivot points or areas of opportunity for internal process change for maximum impact.
5. Plans, designs, and executes OHA’s impact evaluation projects in collaboration with the Manager, Director, and all divisions and programs of OHA, analysis to evaluate the impact of OHA activities on the conditions of Native Hawaiians; develops, coordinates, and monitors related evaluation contracts and deliverables as needed.
6. Assists in the quality control vetting process for different types of analysis (e.g. inter-rater checking for qualitative analysis, independent source and data checking for quantitative analysis).
7. Prepares, compiles, extracts and analyzes data, and prepares reports, documents and bulletins on research findings as directed.
8. Provides research and data support to program staff in conducting program feasibility studies.
9. Develops and maintains statistics, addresses, and service provider databases needed for the efficient operation of OHA programs and activities.
10. Reviews Requests for Proposals (RFP) to secure research and data management resources under the direction of the Director and/or Manager.
11. Under the direction of the Manager, prepares program documents, statistical publications, and reports.
12. Prepares presentations for the Manager, Director and/or the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) as directed.
13. Prepares presentations for community partners (including but not limited to neighborhood groups, academics, and associations).
14. Participates, when assigned, in the design and implementation of program work plans, operational budgets, programs and policies as directed.
15. Establishes, maintains effective working relationships, and collaborations with OHA staff, Trustees, individuals, agency representatives, and community groups to support and facilitate research project partnerships or initiatives with an alignment to the OHA Strategic Plan as well as provide support and oversight on contract and RFP monitoring matters.
16. Fully supports in action, language, behavior and performance the priorities, decisions, and directives of the Manager, Director, COO and/or the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).
17. This position is based on O‘ahu, with an expectation of regular, in-person attendance at the designated duty station. Limited telework may be authorized in accordance with the OHA Employee Handbook and subject to supervisory approval.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager, Research and Evaluation.
2. Travel and have a valid driver license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in education, economics, urban and regional planning, health, statistics, public policy, social work, Hawaiian Studies, archeology, or another human services related field.
2. Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in conducting research and/or evaluation in such areas as education, economics, urban and regional planning, health, statistics, public policy, social work, Hawaiian Studies archeology, or another human services related field, and a demonstrated skill in conducting community development and advocacy-related research and program development.
   • A Master’s degree in education, economics, urban and regional planning, health, statistics, public policy, social work, Hawaiian Studies, archeology, or another human services related field may be substituted for experience for two years of experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Must have working knowledge of:
   • Research principles and practices and report writing
   • Evaluation principles and practices and report writing
   • General research sources and sources of socio-economic information
   • Hawaiian based community development organizations and practices
   • Hawaiian culture, history, and current events
   • Governmental organization, programs and functions
2. Must have demonstrated skills or ability to:
   • Gather, compile, analyze, and record data to identify and explore strengths, needs, and disparities of Native Hawaiians to inform OHA’s decision making and support community research and data needs
   • Plan, organize and conduct research projects
   • Analyze and review documents, statistics, and contracts; design instruments and conduct surveys
   • Document research findings
   • Create databases
   • Prepare oral and written reports and make presentations
   • Communicate effectively (in writing and orally) with management, peers,
     contractors, and the public
   • Work collaboratively and as a team member, establishing and maintaining
     effective working relationships with management and staff
   • Independently complete statistical, qualitative, and comparative analysis
   • Use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
   • Travel to off-site locations, which may include the outer islands, to conduct research
   • Possess a valid driver license

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: [email protected]

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 to $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

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

1. Federal Strategy & Representation

1. • Develop and implement OHA’s federal advocacy strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and leadership direction.

1. • Represent OHA before Congress, congressional committees, federal departments and agencies, and national policy organizations.

1. • Advance legislative and administrative initiatives affecting Native Hawaiian interests through coordinated engagement and strategic positioning.

1. • Provide policy guidance and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.

1. Congressional & Federal Engagement

1. • Maintain professional relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and federal officials.

1. • Support legislative strategy, negotiations, and federal funding advocacy consistent with approved priorities.

1. • Prepare testimony, policy briefings, and executive-level communications.

1. • Monitor appropriations and authorization processes relevant to OHA initiatives.

1. Policy Analysis & Strategic Advising

1. • Track and analyze federal legislative, regulatory, and political developments.

1. • Translate policy activity into actionable guidance for leadership.

1. • Identify emerging opportunities and risks affecting organizational priorities.

1. • Coordinate internal and external expertise to inform advocacy positions.

1. Bureau Leadership & Operations

1. • Direct operations of the Washington, D.C. Bureau, including supervision of staff, fellows, interns, and contractors.

1. • Maintain a professional, accountable, and collaborative office environment.

1. • Oversee programmatic activities, including OHA’s Washington, D.C. Fellowship program.

1. • Ensure responsible stewardship of operational resources and alignment with agency policies.

1. Organizational Coordination

1. • Serve as a liaison between federal advocacy efforts and OHA divisions in Hawaiʻi.

1. • Promote consistency in institutional messaging and policy engagement.

1. • 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: [email protected]

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