Director, Strategic Partnerships and Government Relations
Kamehameha SchoolsAbout the role
Job Posting Title
Director, Strategic Partnerships and Government RelationsEmployee Type
RegularRecruiting Start Date
06-02-2026Job Exempt?
YesRecruiting End Date
Open Until FilledAloha mai! Mahalo for your interest in Kamehameha Schools. If you are looking for an opportunity to utilize your skills and talents and grow in your profession, while serving and strengthening our Native Hawaiian community, we would love to have you join our ʻohana!
Job Summary
This role leads Ke Kula o Kamehameha (KS) policy and partnership strategies to advance Pauahi’s mission and the organization’s key priorities. This leader builds high-impact alliances, leads advocacy efforts, and shapes government relations to influence systems change and collective impact to strengthen Hawaiian self-determination.
Working closely with internal teams, such as the Government Relations Committee (GRC), and external partners, the Director ensures alignment between messaging, policy, and enterprise initiatives. This leader ensures that Kamehameha is well positioned in key decision-making, community, and economic arenas—creating the conditions for culture-based educational excellence, vibrant aina, thriving kaiaulu, and sustainable financial outcomes—all in service to the ea of the lahui and the well-being of Hawaii as a whole.
Essential Responsibilities
Strategic Guidance and Integration
Translate KS strategic priorities from senior leaders and the Government Relations Committee (GRC) into a unified strategy for partnerships, advocacy, and government relations.
Lead and partner with other KS divisions to plan and align external initiatives and enterprise priorities, ensuring unified messaging and advocacy efforts lead to collective impact.
Incorporate community insight, policy trends, and market realities into decision-making.
Government Relations & Policy Impact
Lead government engagement for KS at federal, state, and county levels, implementing GRC’s priorities and advocacy strategies through tactical plans.
Prepare policy analyses, recommendations, and briefing materials for GRC and executive leadership; facilitate alignment on positions and priorities.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with public officials to advance policies supporting Native Hawaiian education, aina stewardship, housing, and sustainable development.
Oversee contracted lobbyists and advocacy partners for effectiveness and in alignment with KS values and identity, such as E Ola!.
Partnerships & Alliance Building
Design and steward partnerships and solutions that reflect KS values and advance priorities in education, aina stewardship,
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