Chamber of Commerce Hawaii

Cochawaii; Hawaii; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cochawaii is seeking a Director, Policy & Community Impact to lead policy initiatives, legislative tracking, and testimony development for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.

The role focuses on 2030 Blueprint administration, neighbor island and ethnic chamber collaborations, disaster resilience, sister chamber coordination, and education resources to support business resilience.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of policy research and legislative tracking experience.
• Proficient in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience with Hawaii state legislature or county government affairs.
• Experience drafting testimony or public comment for a legislative body.
• Experience supporting boards or committees, including agendas and minutes.
• Ability to summarize complex bills into plain language for non-policy audiences.
• Strong writing, research, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Legislative tracking and policy research across state and county sessions.
• Draft testimony, briefs, and memos for AVP review.
• Support 2030 Blueprint Policy Committee with notes and minutes.
• Prepare monthly board and legislative reports.
• Develop community impact initiatives and partner with sister chambers.

Skills

Policy research

Legislative tracking

Data collection

Policy writing

Communication

Project management

Leadership

Public policy awareness

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy or political science

Tools

Outlook

Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Primary Job Summary:

The Director, Policy & Community Impact manages the policy initiatives for the members of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, including legislative tracking, testimony drafting, and policy research. This role ensures the Chamber's positions are well-researched, well documented, and ready for review and use in advocacy settings.

Director will assist with 2030 Blueprint administration, neighbor island chamber, ethnic chamber, business alliance, and community impact projects including but not limited to disaster resilience preparedness, and sister chamber coordination.

Essential/Primary Job Duties:

Legislative Tracking & Policy Research

• Build and maintain the Chamber's bill-tracking database across state and county legislative sessions
• Monitor hearings, bill status changes, and policy developments, and assess which carry material risk or opportunity for Chamber priorities
• Flag emerging issues and legislative movement to leadership in a timely manner
• Talk with Chamber members to identify issues and bills of concern, and recommend which bills warrant Chamber testimony based on member input and policy priorities
• Conduct policy research and analysis, and recommend Chamber positions on priority bills for consideration

Testimony & Policy Writing

• Draft testimony, policy briefs, position statements, and internal summaries for AVP review
• Prepare policy memos and issue briefs to support Chamber advocacy priorities
• Maintain a consistent, accurate record of the Chamber's policy positions over time, and identify inconsistencies or gaps for review

2030 Blueprint Policy Committee Support

• Take notes and prepare minutes for 2030 Blueprint Policy Committee meetings.
• Maintain committee records, attendance tracking, and drive follow-up on outstanding action items
• Compile committee member feedback to inform policy priorities

Reporting & Cross-Functional Support

• Assist specify how in preparing monthly board reports and legislative reports
• Track and report on community impact outcomes tied to 2030 Blueprint priorities
• Other duties as assigned

Community Impact

• Develop and implement external partnership initiatives, including but not limited to Chamber Alliances, Disaster Resilience, Sister Chambers, and Export Trade activities.
• Manage logistics, schedules, briefing materials, and follow-up activities for visiting business and government delegations.
• Develop educational resources, workshops, training sessions, and preparedness programs that support community and business resilience.
• Manage relationships with domestic and international sister chambers.

• Manage trade missions, business delegations and collaborative initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison for visiting business and government delegations
• Manage the Chamber’s disaster resilience and business continuity initiatives
• Develop disaster preparedness educational resources and awareness programs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience in legislative research, economic research, data collection, and state plan rollout
• Excellent writing and attention to detail, and strong communication and project management skills
• Highly adaptive, strong team player, and proven leadership ability and professionalism
• Ability to create a positive impression of the Chamber while responding to members, lawmakers, or other external entities either by telephone, email, video, or in-person
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Awareness of public policy and government relations.
• Ability to create a positive impression of the Chamber while responding to members either by telephone, email or in person.
• Other duties as assigned

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; concentration in public policy, political science, or a related field preferred

Minimum Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in policy research, legislative tracking, government affairs support, community affairs or a comparable analytical/writing role
• Proficient in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Legislative experience at the Hawaii State Capitol or county level required (e.g. legislative office, state agency, or association government affairs experience)
• Experience drafting testimony or public comment for a legislative body
• Experience supporting boards or committees, including agendas and minutes
• Familiarity with Hawaii's legislative calendar and session structure (session deadlines, crossovers, conference committee, decking)
• Familiarity with Hawaii's e-testimony submission system
• Ability to synthesize complex bills into plain-language summaries for non-policy audiences
• Sound discretion and judgment in handling sensitive or in-progress policy material prior to leadership review
• Professional, adaptable, and effective in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Event planning experience preferred
• Association, nonprofit, or chamber of commerce experience a plus
• Familiarity with the State or County Legislative Process a plus.

Other Requirements

• Normal business hours, Monday – Friday; 8AM – 5PM with some early morning, and occasional evening hours for committee meetings.
• Primarily in-office position.
• May be required to stand for extended periods.
• Able to lift 25 pounds.
• Vehicle and valid driver’s license.
• Limited travel may be required.