Director, Strategic Partnerships and Government Relations

Job Summary: This role leads Ke Kula o Kamehameha (KS) policy and partnership strategies to advance Pauahi's mission and the organization's key priorities. This leader builds high-impact alliances, leads advocacy efforts, and shapes government relations to influence systems change and collective impact to strengthen Hawaiian self-determination. Working closely with internal teams, such as the Government Relations Committee (GRC), and external partners, the Director ensures alignment between messaging, policy, and enterprise initiatives. This leader ensures that Kamehameha is well positioned in key decision-making, community, and economic arenas—creating the conditions for culture-based educational excellence, vibrant ai na, thriving kaiaulu, and sustainable financial outcomes—all in service to the ea of the lahui and the well-being of Hawaii as a whole.

Strategic Guidance and Integration: Translate KS strategic priorities from senior leaders and the Government Relations Committee (GRC) into a unified strategy for partnerships, advocacy, and government relations. Lead and partner with other KS divisions to plan and align external initiatives and enterprise priorities, ensuring unified messaging and advocacy efforts lead to collective impact. Incorporate community insight, policy trends, and market realities into decision-making. Government Relations & Policy ImpactLead government engagement for KS at federal, state, and county levels, implementing GRC's priorities and advocacy strategies through tactical plans. Prepare policy analyses, recommendations, and briefing materials for GRC and executive leadership; facilitate alignment on positions and priorities. Build and maintain trusted relationships with public officials to advance policies supporting Native Hawaiian education, ai na stewardship, housing, and sustainable development. Oversee contracted lobbyists and advocacy partners for effectiveness and in alignment with KS values and identity, such as E Ola!

Organizational Leadership: Model KS values and identity through leadership that advances ea, connecting people and systems toward collective renewal. Inspire and develop high-performing teams through collaboration, trust, foresight, and accountability. Build cultural and professional capacity of teams by promoting strategic thinking, transparency, and accountability. Develop and track performance measures for partnerships, advocacy, and kaiaulu-building; providing progress updates to senior leadership.

Minimum Qualifications: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered for the requirements listed. Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Government Relations, Urban Planning, Hawaiian Studies, or related field.7 years of progressive experience in government relations, strategic partnerships, advocacy, providing legal counsel 5 years of experience managing teams. Demonstrated success in designing and executing strategic alliances across government, community, and economic sectors. Proven ability to influence decision-makers and mobilize collective action within complex policy, planning, and development systems. Strong understanding of Hawaii's legislative, regulatory, and community landscapes, including land-use, zoning, permitting, and entitlement processes. Fluency in ai na development processes—from community engagement through construction and activation. Established credibility and relationships within Native Hawaiian, civic, governmental, and development networks. Ability to navigate sensitive economic, cultural, and political dynamics with diplomacy and cultural fluency. Strategic thinker with foresight and ability to create pathways for collective impact. Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to translate complex issues into clear, actionable strategies. Demonstrated reputation for integrity, trustworthiness, and consistent follow-through. Commitment to modeling E Ola! values and advancing ea.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's or terminal degree in a relevant field. Proficiency in o lelo Hawaii. Active engagement in sustained efforts related to aloha ai na (cultural practices, environmental stewardship, or social and economic justice) demonstrating community standing and respect. Established relationships across Native Hawaiian, governmental, and philanthropic sectors. Experience leading cross-sector partnerships or advocacy coalitions focused on Hawaiian community or sustainable development. Relationships with other indigenous groups and leaders. Senior-level experience integrating policy, partnerships, and development strategies for mission-driven organizations.

Physical Requirements: Frequently sit, perform desk-based computer tasks and grasp light or fine manipulation, talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasionally stand and/or walk, write by hand, and lift and/or carry, push and/or pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds (equipment and materials for community engagement efforts).Rarely twist, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, reach or work above shoulder, or grasp forcefully.

Working Conditions: This position involves traveling to various locations, including neighbor islands and US continent locations to conduct business. Work is conducted in an office environment and may require work to be conducted in non-standard workplaces. With supervisor-approved work plans, hybrid work may also be conducted through on-line settings (Teams, Slack, etc.).Work is typically conducted Monday through Friday at normal business hours but evening and weekend hours are often required to meet goals and objectives.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.