Vice President and Executive Director

Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network (HCAN) is seeking a passionate and strategic leader to serve as its next Executive Director . HCAN is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit with two entities — a 501c3 and a 501c4 — dedicated to advocating for the well-being of Hawaiʻi’s children through policy change, community engagement, and grassroots organizing.

The Executive Director will lead both organizations' vision, strategy, and operations, driving impact in areas such as education, health, and economic security. This role requires a dynamic leader with experience in nonprofit management, policy advocacy, fundraising, and coalition-building, who has deep relationships in Hawaiʻi and is demonstrably committed to equity and social justice. The ideal candidate has at least 7–10 years of senior leadership experience, a strong background in legislative advocacy, fundraising expertise, and the ability to build relationships with policymakers, funders, and community leaders in Hawaiʻi. We are looking for a skilled communicator and strategic thinker, who is comfortable navigating a fast-paced, evolving policy landscape as part of a collective movement.

About HCAN: HCAN is an independent, nonpartisan children’s policy and advocacy non-profit organization with both a 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 structure. Our C3 mission is to build a united voice educating and advocating for Hawai‘i’s children and our C4 mission is to ensure Hawaiʻi’s keiki have a bright future by building a powerful movement of families. Together, our vision is to have well-funded, family-focused public policies and programs that prioritize keiki and gives families the resources to learn, grow, and thrive in Hawai’i.

HCAN engages, educates, and mobilizes families, community leaders, and policy makers to effect change so that all families can thrive. We work to improve the health, education, safety, economic security and development of Hawaiʻi’s children. We use a multi-faceted approach that comprises advocacy and policy change, coalition-building, community mobilization, data and research, and strategic partnerships.

Salary Range: $110,000 to $125,000, commensurate with experience and expertise

Applications preferred by: We will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Submit your cover letter, resume, and writing sample below.

Application form

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