Executive Director

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, State of Hawaiʻi; Honolulu (HI); Híbrido; USD 120.000 - 180.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) seeks an Executive Director to lead day-to-day operations, manage staff and budget, and coordinate with state agencies, the University of Hawaiʻi, cultural practitioners, scientific partners, and community members. The role requires expert governance, transparent decision-making, and strong public communication.

The position is based in Hilo, HI, with hybrid work options and travel to neighbor islands as needed.

Formación

• Experience leading executive teams and managing budgets.
• Background in public administration or government/nonprofit leadership.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with diverse groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and public speaking.
• Ability to develop transparent decision-making processes.
• Experience in environmental, land use, or cultural resource matters.
• Proven conflict resolution and consensus-building skills.
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in related field; hybrid work experience preferred.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee day-to-day operations of MKSOA and staff management.
• Lead coordination among state agencies, UH, practitioners, scientists, and community.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for the board; ensure compliance.
• Maintain transparent public communication and stakeholder relations.
• Guide community engagement and represent MKSOA in meetings and forums.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Public administration

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Governance & compliance

Environmental stewardship

Negotiation & conflict resolution

Travel willingness

Educación

Bachelor’s degree in public administration

Advanced degree preferred

Descripción del empleo

Company Description

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) is a State of Hawaiʻi entity created in 2022 to oversee the long-term management of Mauna Kea. The Authority is leading a multi-year transition of management responsibilities, with full transfer targeted for June 30, 2028. This work involves close coordination with state agencies, the University of Hawaiʻi, cultural practitioners, scientific organizations, and community stakeholders. MKSOA is charged with developing a consistent, transparent decision-making framework that honors the cultural and environmental significance of the mauna while supporting its scientific role. The Authority is committed to accountability, inclusive governance, and thoughtful stewardship that balances diverse interests and responsibilities.

Role Description

The Executive Director is a full-time leadership role, based in Hilo, HI, with a hybrid work arrangement that allows for some work from home. The Executive Director will oversee day-to-day operations of MKSOA, including staff management, budget oversight, and implementation of policies and strategic plans. This role will lead coordination among state agencies, the University of Hawaiʻi, cultural practitioners, scientific partners, and community members to support the transition of management responsibilities for Mauna Kea. The Executive Director will prepare reports and recommendations for the Authority’s board, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and maintain transparent public communication. The role also includes developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships, guiding community engagement processes, and representing MKSOA in meetings, public forums, and official proceedings.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and executive management experience, including supervising teams, overseeing budgets, and implementing strategic plans.
• Experience in public administration, policy development, or government or nonprofit leadership, preferably within Hawaiʻi or similarly complex governance environments.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, community outreach, and collaboration with culturally diverse groups, including Indigenous communities, scientific organizations, and public agencies.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear written and verbal communication, public speaking, and the ability to present complex information to varied audiences.
• Ability to develop and manage transparent decision-making processes, ensure accountability, and navigate regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Experience with environmental stewardship, land use, or cultural resource management, and an understanding of the cultural, environmental, and scientific significance of Mauna Kea.
• Proven skills in conflict resolution, negotiation, and consensus-building in multi-stakeholder settings.
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, management, law, environmental studies, Native Hawaiian or Indigenous studies, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, travel to neighbor islands as needed