Associate Director for Defense

About the job

Associate Director for Defense

📍 Honolulu, HI (in-office)

🏢 Pacific Forum International (PFI)

💼 Full-Time

Pacific Forum International (PFI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit policy research institute based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, is seeking an Associate Director for Defense to help operationalize defense strategy—connecting policy, industry, and execution to deliver real-world impact across the Indo-Pacific.

The Associate Director for Defense will support the design and execution of defense-focused programs, advancing strategic priorities related to Indo-Pacific security, deterrence, and cross-sector integration.

The Associate Director for Defense will be involved in planning, coordination, and execution of the defense program to include the Honolulu Defense Forum (HDF), an annual premier international defense conference. HDF brings together elements of the U.S. Government, defense and technology industry leaders, and allies and partners to connect urgent military readiness needs with concrete capabilities, delivering specific recommendations to close critical Indo-Pacific defense and security gaps. The position will also support Pacific Forum’s broader events and local initiatives that advance dialogue on Indo-Pacific defense and security issues.

This in-person role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex logistics and senior-level communications. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented self-starter who can manage multiple programming timelines, communicate professionally with government, industry, and academic stakeholders, and can lead programs to a high standard.

The Associate Director will work closely with Pacific Forum’s Executive Director and Head of National Security and Defense.

Job Description:

• Drive the development and execution of defense programs, initiatives, and convenings (e.g., defense program and HDF-aligned efforts)
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable program plans and outputs
• Drive research-to-practice efforts that connect policy, operations, and industry capabilities
• Support the development of reports, recommendations, and executive-level briefings
• Engage with senior stakeholders across DoW, interagency, allies, and industry
• Identify emerging defense trends (e.g., contested logistics, IAMD, AI, space) and integrate them into programming
• Manage program timelines, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination
• Produce high-quality written products (reports, briefs, op-eds, executive summaries)
• Liaise with U.S. and foreign government offices, military commands, embassies, and senior officials, ensuring professional protocol and adherence to institutional requirements

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum of 8-10 years of relevant work experience in defense, national security, or a related field
• Strong communication skills including speaking, writing, and editing
• Demonstrated ability to manage numerous projects concurrently, produce results under deadline, adapt to changing requirements, and work as part of a team
• Punctuality, professionalism, and a positive attitude
• Valid passport and willingness to travel
• Authorization to work in the United States
• Background or interest in the Indo-Pacific, defense and security policy, political science, or international relations.

Work Schedule

• Full-time, in-person role
• Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Occasional evenings or weekends as required

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Parking provided
• This role is designed with growth in mind, with the opportunity to expand scope and evolve into a Director-level position as programs and partnerships scale.

Please submit your application via LinkedIn using the Apply Now button.

Please note that applications should include:

• Cover letter explaining your interest and how the role aligns with your professional goals
• Resume
• Two professional references with contact information

Please apply by May 29, 2026.

Any questions should be directed to [email protected]