Public Policy Advocate

Closing Date: October 01, 2026 at 4:30pm HST

How To Apply

To apply for this position, visit our company jobs website at www.oha.org/jobs. Download, complete and submit the fillable OHA application form along with a resume and cover letter via email to careers@oha.org.

Or via mail to:

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

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.

Salary Range

$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 other efforts.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Provides administrative and technical assistance to the Public Policy Manager.
• Participates in the development and execution of legal and political strategies to achieve advocacy outcomes.
• 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.
• 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.
• Provides technical and strategic advice on the legislative and administrative rule-making processes, as well as on other issues.
• 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.
• Serves as a technical resource person providing professional research and technical support on data and analysis required by OHA on policy-related issues of importance to the Hawaiian community.
• 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.
• 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.
• Attends legislative, government and community hearings and meetings in relation to prioritized issues.
• 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.
• Recognizes protocols and deals effectively with sensitive and confidential issues.
• 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.
• 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 QualificationsEducation, Training and/or Experience

• 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.
• One and one-half (1½) years of progressively responsible work experience in social or political advocacy and/or community activism; community, environmental or planning programs; and/or legislative affairs.
• 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.
• One (1) year of collaboration and facilitation experience 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

• 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.
• 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: 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

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $69,600.00 - $88,152.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $69,600 - $88,152