Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief (Chief Federal Policy Advocate)

Position description

$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.

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.

Application instructions

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