Legislative Researcher

The Hawai'i State Senate; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary: $4,000-$5,800 per month

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Temporary position: December 2026 –May

Must work in-person at the Hawaiʻi S t

Open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or永久

Job summary

The Hawai'i State Senate is seeking detail-oriented Legislative Researchers to join the team for the upcoming session. Strong research, analytic, and writing skills are essential to impact government, public policy, and legislative affairs.

Responsibilities include drafting legislation, conducting budget research, preparing notes, and supporting committee operations. The position requires in-person work at the Capitol in Honolulu, with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience in policy or research within a legislative/public policy setting is helpful but not required; training provided.
• Understanding of the state legislative process and committee procedures is preferred.
• Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft legislation, bills, resolutions, and committee reports; assist with hearing prep and documentation.
• Conduct research on legislative proposals, budgets and fiscal matters; analyze data to guide policy decisions.
• Respond to inquiries; prepare meeting notes, summaries and documents; support committee operations.
• Communicate professionally with government officials and the public; manage projects with discretion.
• Perform other legislative and research-related duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Department: Senate Majority Research Office or Ways and Means Committee

About the Role

The Hawaiʻi State Senate is seeking detail-oriented and analytical Legislative Researchers to join our team for the upcoming legislative session. This position is ideal for individuals with strong research, analytic, and writing skills who want to make a meaningful impact in government, public policy, and legislative affairs.

Key Responsibilities

Senate Majority Research Office (SMA):

• Policy & Legislative Drafting: Draft legislation, bills, resolutions, committee reports, and assist assigned committees with hearing preparation and documentation.

Ways and Means Committee (WAM):

• Research & Data Analysis: Conduct comprehensive research on legislative proposals, public policy, budgets, and fiscal matters; assess fiscal impacts and analyze complex quantitative and qualitative data to guide policy decisions.
• Legislative Support & Committee Operations: Respond to inquiries from Senators, legislative staff, and external government agencies; prepare and organize meeting notes, summaries, and documents; and support committee operations.
• Stakeholder Communication & Project Coordination: Communicate professionally with government officials, staff, and the public; collaborate with team members and stakeholders to manage projects while maintaining confidentiality and discretion.
• Special Projects: Perform other legislative, administrative, and research-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Key Competencies

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience: Experience performing policy or research-related work within a legislative or public policy environment is helpful, but not required—training will be provided.
• Legislative Knowledge: Understanding of the state legislative process, committee procedures, and State programs/operations preferred.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent critical thinking, investigative, and data analysis capabilities; ability to interpret and communicate complex information clearly and concisely.
• Communication & Professionalism: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining high standards of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.

Benefits & Details:

• Salary: $4,000-$5,800 per month for full-time positions, commensurate with experience and responsibilities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Temporary position: December 2026 – May 2027.
• Must be able to work in-person at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol in Honolulu, Oahu.
• Open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.