OHA Administrator & CEO

Job Purpose

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) works to improve the wellbeing of Native Hawaiians through advocacy, research, community engagement, land management and the funding of community programs.

The Administrator functions as the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ("OHA") and is responsible for implementing and executing the will of the elected Board of Trustees (BOT). Reporting directly to the BOT, the Administrator & CEO provides executive oversight, strategic & operational leadership, and oversees organizational performance. The Administrator & CEO implements Board policy and advances OHA's constitutional and statutory responsibilities on behalf of Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

The Administrator & CEO plays a central role in advancing this mission by ensuring that OHA’s people, programs, resources, and partnerships are aligned to achieve measurable results. The Administrator & CEO maintains stewardship of the strategic planning process, ensuring alignment between Board direction, organizational priorities, operational execution, and performance outcomes.

As the principal executive of the OHA, this role serves as the conduit between the BOT, community, and administrative staff and is responsible for effective communication, leadership and direction. Additionally, the Administrator & CEO works with other agencies, public and private, that also serve Hawaiians and Native Hawaiians consistent with OHA's mission of bettering the conditions of all Hawaiians.

Essential Responsibilities

Trustee Relations

• The Administrator & CEO, selected by the Board of Trustees as the principal executive officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, is responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of OHA under the Strategic Plan, policies, and actions adopted by the Board of Trustees. In carrying out these duties, the Administrator shall develop, implement, and oversee organizational systems, operational procedures, and administrative processes, and shall make recommendations to the BOT regarding OHA's organizational structure.
• Maintains a strong, transparent, and collaborative working relationship with the BOT, ensuring open communication, alignment on strategic priorities, and effective governance support.
• Presents complex information to the Board in a clear, objective, and actionable manner, enabling informed governance, and strategic decision-making. Identifies emerging trends, opportunities, and risks using data and research.

Collaboration/Leadership/Engagement

• Responsible for strategic planning and execution.
• Establishes clear vision and direction for the OHA staff and ensures that the OHA’s mission, core values, and principles are understood and put into practice. Effectively mentors and empowers staff to create a healthy, positive, and culturally grounded environment that promotes accountability, transparency, and collaboration.
• Fosters a positive work environment with strong values and integrity. Motivates and encourages high performance and collaboration within all areas of the organization.
• Develops and sustains a high-performing organization by identifying, developing, and preparing future leaders at all levels. Establishes succession strategies, leadership development programs, and knowledge transfer practices to ensure organizational continuity, preserve institutional knowledge, and maintain operational excellence.
• Assesses the organization’s placement in the employment market to ensure the OHA continues to attract and retain talent of the highest quality to serve the mission.
• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others throughout the organization in alignment with the organization's objectives.

Operational Effectiveness

• Monitors all critical organizational functions to ensure high performing operational excellence.
• Ensures OHA is consistently aware of potential risks to the agency and its assets and is up to date with mitigation/avoidance strategies.

Fiscal & Asset Responsibility & Compliance

• Responsible for fiscal and budget oversight and carries out the management of the OHA’s Native Hawaiian Trust Fund (NHTF) in accordance with the NHTF Investment Policy adopted by the BOT.
• Responsible for procedures, guidelines, evaluation, contracts and grants that have been funded to promote services for OHA’s beneficiaries.
• Assumes overall accountability for the OHA’s successful operations, financial health, best practices, and overall legal compliance.
• Ensures OHA’s consistent compliance with local, state, and federal legal and regulatory requirements, , and best practices.

Community Relations & Advocacy

• Is an effective liaison between the BOT, OHA, and Native Hawaiian Community.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders and the broader community, serving as one of OHA's three primary spokespersons under the direction of the BOT.
• Communicates with beneficiaries and stakeholders in a consistent manner that results in mutual understanding, harmony, and action.
• Manages relationships to create optimal opportunities and moves the organization forward.
• Serves as a legislative advocate under the direction of the BOT and is responsible for developing and monitoring the OHA’s legislative package.

Minimum Qualifications

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university is required. Degrees in business administration, public administration, public policy, finance, economics, law, organizational leadership, or a closely related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for this degree requirement.
• At least ten (10) years’ experience as a senior executive for a non-profit or for-profit organization/company, public administration, and/or executive leadership is required, of which the last five years must be at executive or leadership levels.
• Experience leading strategic planning, organizational transformation, financial stewardship, and enterprise-wide change initiatives.
• Experience leading similar sized, multidisciplinary organizations through organizational change while maintaining high levels of employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including governmental agencies, community organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners.
• Ability to successfully represent OHA before governmental bodies, community organizations, beneficiaries, and the public.
• Knowledge of the history, culture, traditions, values, language, and contemporary issues affecting Native Hawaiians.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, cultural responsiveness, and community engagement.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing technology and digital communication platforms to effectively communicate with diverse audiences, engage stakeholders, support organizational transparency, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Desired Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience within Native Hawaiian organizations, tribal organizations, public trust organizations, governmental agencies, higher education institutions, or large nonprofit organizations.
• Experience working directly with a governing board of trustees, board of directors, or comparable governing body.
• Experience with legislative affairs, public policy development, and governmental relations both at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Experience managing complex public budgets, trust assets, grants, investments, or other significant financial resources.

Compensation

• The Board of Trustees is committed to recruiting the strongest executive talent available and will establish a competitive compensation package commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications, experience, demonstrated leadership, and prevailing market conditions.

• Pursuant to § 3.10.h of the OHA Executive Policy Manual, the Board of Trustees has the exclusive authority to establish the compensation of the OHA Administrator. In determining an appropriate compensation package, the Board may consider the 2025 State of Hawaiʻi Commission on Salaries Executive Compensation Schedule as one point of reference. The current Tier 1 executive salary range established by the Commission is $225,324 to $263,592 annually. However, the Board is not limited to any particular salary schedule, benchmark, or compensation range in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities.

• In establishing an appropriate compensation package, the Board may also consider the successful candidate's qualifications, executive experience, demonstrated leadership accomplishments, current market conditions, recruitment needs, and compensation for comparable executive leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. The Board retains sole discretion and final authority to determine and approve the OHA Administrator's compensation package in accordance with its governing policies and all applicable laws.