Ocean Policy Manager

Closing Date: October 14, 2025 at 4:30pm HST

How To Apply

To apply for this position, Download, complete and submit the fillable application form (found on the OHA website) 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.

SALARY RANGE

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

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Ocean Policy Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategies and advocacy related to near- and off-shore issues that impact Hawai’i, Native Hawaiians and Moananuiākea. The Ocean Policy manager is also responsible for overseeing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ management responsibilities in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) and fostering effective inter-governmental relationships and community partnerships to support collaborative cultural and natural resource management advocacy through the Hawaiian Islands and in our offshore waters.

In addition, the Ocean Policy Manager is also responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the Ocean Policy program and supervising the day-to-day work of the assigned Public Policy Advocates. Supervision includes the development of staff to further the effectiveness of the Ocean Policy program and developing practices and policies to improve operations of the program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists the Director, Advocacy Division, functioning as the Chief Advocate, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer, in developing, prioritizing, and executing legal and political strategies to achieve advocacy outcomes that result in legal precedents, new regulations, policy changes, or changes in laws which achieve systemic changes for the Native Hawaiian people.

2. Monitors policies and programs of government agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations that affect ocean policy and ocean resources. Provides analyses of the impact of near- and off-shore ocean policies and activities of government agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations on Native Hawaiian rights and natural and cultural resources and develops appropriate legal, lobbying and operational strategies to respond to, engage with and shape these programs and policies.

3. Prepares persuasive written and oral legislative testimony and administrative rulemaking comments as necessary to ensure protection of Native Hawaiian rights and resources. Engages with all state and local processes. Also identifies federal public comment opportunities and prepares responses to relevant proposed rulemakings, and Executive/Administration documents.

4. Drafts white papers, reports, and outreach materials related to ocean policy and emerging issues in ocean resources management (including social media, op-eds, and other) for policy-focused audiences, in coordination with the Director, Advocacy Division.

5. Coordinates with the Director, Advocacy Division, Compliance Monitoring Manager and Public Policy Manager to ensure the ongoing monitoring of legislative processes, administrative department actions, regulatory notifications, and court actions that may affect OHA's PMNM management responsibilities and marine resource management.

6. Ensures ongoing monitoring of political campaigns, platforms and statements, particularly as they related to PMNM and marine resource management. Provides intelligence on newly elected officials, appointees, and other key decision makers new in the public arena.

7. Coordinates with the Director, Advocacy Division, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive officer to develop and maintain strong lobbying relationships with legislators, administrative officials, and other officials who are empowered to oversee and enforce ocean resource management laws and policies that affect Native Hawaiians. Serves as an effective community speaker and collaborator on behalf of OHA.

8. Serves as strategic and operational lead for OHA in fulfilling its Co-Trustee duties for management of PMNM including implementing effective community engagement and consultation processes to ensure that a broad range of Native Hawaiian perspectives inform OHA’s decision-making regarding PMNM management decisions. Facilitates timely and informed community input into key decisions by developing and implementing standard operating procedures to meet community engagement goals. Staff PMNM related meetings and forums.

9. Fully supports in action, language, behavior and performance, the priorities, decisions, and directives of the Director, Advocacy Division, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

10. Regular attendance on a daily basis is required for this position.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned by Director, Advocacy Division, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

1. Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, business administration, marine biology, environmental science, oceanography or related field.

In lieu of a bachelor's degree, four years of specialized work experience may be considered, provided that the overall work experience demonstrates the necessary type, quality, scope, and responsibility to conclusively show the capability to perform the duties of the position.

2. Five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in ocean policy, natural resource management, marine or ecosystem research and/or governmental, legislative or legal work with a focus on marine, environmental or resource management issues.

3. Two (2) years of supervisory experience which included planning and directing the work of others, assigning and reviewing their work, advising them on difficult problem areas, timing and scheduling their work and training and developing new employees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Must have working knowledge of:

• Hawaiian-based community development organizations and resource management practices
• Native Hawaiian history and culture, as well as social, cultural, education, economic and political issues and trends
• The establishment and management structure of PMNM
• Existing resource management laws and policies
• Emerging ocean policy issues such as deep-sea mining, international fishing regulation, ocean acidification, invasive species spread and control and community-based fishery regulation

2. Must have general knowledge of:

• Human resources management
• Office management
• Team building techniques
• Data and records management

3. Must have demonstrated skills and abilities to:

• Think strategically about broad, long-term goals
• Lead and manage change initiatives through all phases
• Influence others towards achieving outcomes
• Conduct investigations, prepare legal analysis and assessments, and formulate strategies for attaining policy goals
• Communicate effectively (in writing and orally) with upper management, OHA Trustees, staff, beneficiaries, government officials and the general public.
• Manage the design and delivery of programs and services
• Understand federal and state legislative, regulatory and court processes related to PMNM and be able to effectively negotiate these processes
• Network and coordinate with key allies and partners

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $102,924.00 - $130,260.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person