Director of Government Relations

Hawai‘i Pacific University is designated as an Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian (ANNH) Serving Institution by the US Department of Education. As such, we strive for accurate displays of the Hawaiian language in all our institutional materials. This includes the appropriate use of diacritical marks such as the ‘okina and kahakō. Unfortunately, at times external vendors and other third-party technology integrations do not support the use of these characters. Mahalo for your understanding.

Description

Job Summary

Reporting to the President, the Director of Government Relations is responsible for leading Hawai‘i Pacific University’s strategy to identify, pursue, and secure federal and state grant funding in support of the University’s strategic vision and institutional priorities. This position provides strategic planning, coordination, and external engagement support for initiatives deemed critical to University success, particularly those involving public sector funding and government partnerships.

The Director serves as the University’s primary point of contact with federal, state, and local government officials and agencies regarding public funding priorities, legislative interests, and related policy matters. The role represents the University externally to promote HPU’s mission, impact, and competitiveness for public funding opportunities and works collaboratively with senior leadership and internal stakeholders to advance institutional objectives. This position supports major grant initiatives while remaining distinct from transactional grant administration, post-award management, and compliance functions housed within Sponsored Projects. The role requires regular in-person engagement and travel to meet with Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation, state and local legislators, and government agencies to advance the University’s public funding and policy priorities.

Location: This position is located at Harbor Court in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, higher education administration, or public sector grant development.
• Demonstrated experience working with federal and/or state government agencies or elected officials.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and advance initiatives that involve multiple organizational stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree or terminal degree (e.g., MPA, JD, EdD, PhD).
• Experience supporting or securing large-scale federal or state grants (e.g., HRSA, USDA, DoE, NIH).
• Prior experience in higher education or public sector organizations.
• Familiarity with legislative, regulatory, and appropriations processes affecting higher education.
• Knowledge of the Hawai‘i state government and public policy environment.

Other Qualifications

• Legal authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available.
• Ability and willingness to travel periodically, including inter-island and mainland travel, to support meetings with the congressional delegation, legislative sessions, agency briefings, and related government relations activities.
• Must meet training and background check requirements and comply with the Protection of Minors policy.
• Residence on the island of O‘ahu, State of Hawai‘i.
• Must have reliable transportation between campus locations.
• Ability to work extended hours as required to support legislative cycles and institutional priorities.
• May be required to work during HPU’s winter break, depending on operational needs.

Key Responsibilities / Essential Job Functions

1. Government Relations, Grant Strategy, and External Engagement (45%)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to advance HPU’s federal and state grant priorities in alignment with the University’s strategic plan and institutional objectives.
• Serve as HPU’s primary liaison with the Congressional delegation, state and local officials, and government agencies, coordinating engagement efforts with the President and senior leadership as appropriate.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in regular meetings with Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation, state legislators, and local government officials to advance HPU’s legislative, appropriations, and grant-related priorities.
• Travel as needed to Washington, D.C., neighbor islands, and other locations to represent the University in meetings, briefings, hearings, and advocacy activities related to public funding and government partnerships.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting higher education and public funding, and prepare analyses, briefings, and updates for senior leadership.
• Advocate for HPU priorities through relationship-based engagement, institutional representation, and strategic communication with government officials.
• Maintain situational awareness of emerging government initiatives, funding opportunities, and policy trends that may impact the University’s academic, research, and community-engagement missions.

2. Institutional Collaboration and Grant Support (30%)

• Collaborate with Sponsored Projects, academic leadership, and senior administrators to support major grant pursuits and funding initiatives.
• Provide strategic guidance on institutional positioning, partnerships, and alignment for competitive public funding opportunities.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to support a unified and strategic federal, state, and local government relations approach.
• Assist in preparing briefing materials, talking points, and background information for executive leadership related to government funding and engagement.
• Support executive leadership in meetings, briefings, and communications related to government funding and partnerships.

3. External Representation and Partnerships (15%)

• Represent the University at government, community, and external stakeholder meetings as appropriate.
• Develop partnerships with public agencies, community organizations, and external stakeholders to strengthen grant competitiveness and institutional visibility.
• Maintain ongoing, proactive relationships with government offices through regular outreach, briefings, and in-person engagement.
• Promote HPU’s strengths, impact, and strategic priorities to external audiences.

4. Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Serve on university committees as assigned.
• Actively participate as an effective member of the University leadership team by completing assigned duties and accepting additional responsibilities in support of institutional priorities.

This description is not designed to list all activities, duties, or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned at any time.

Hawai‘i Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawai‘i Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

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