Public Policy Lead

About the role

The Public Policy Lead serves as a core member of HCAN's public policy and legislative team. They are an experienced community leader grounded in anti-oppression principles and committed to systemic change alongside parents and families in Hawaiʻi.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Executive Director or their assignee to research, develop, and execute policy plans, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Coordinates, monitors, and documents day-to-day operational progress for an assigned portfolio.
• Serves as a representative for HCAN at meetings, community events, and on state and community workgroups, task forces, and commissions, on an as-needed basis.
• Supports the Research and Evaluation unit to transform HCAN into a teaching/learning organization.
• Ensures that placed students (interns, fellows, practicum students) are integrated into policy and programmatic efforts.
• Keeps the executive director and other relevant HCAN staff informed of policy activities and outcomes.
• Leads complex policy research and analysis to interpret statutes, regulations, budget structures, and data, producing actionable insights that guide organizational strategy.
• Facilitates participatory meetings, workshops, and training to gather diverse insights.
• Creates and/or coordinates the development of reports, guides, scorecards, issue briefs, testimony, and special reports.
• Researches proposed legislation, ordinances, agency rules, and regulations.
• Responds to requests for information on a broad range of issues related to child and family well-being, education, and early learning.
• Builds, coordinates, and manages a portfolio of coalitions on children’s issues. Plans and facilitates participatory coalition meetings, as needed.
• Works closely with the Family Engagement Team to build and support a continuum of family and community participation in coalitions.
• Engages with state policy partners. Serves as an information hub by monitoring and keeping HCAN leadership informed and up-to-date on national-level work and opportunities in their portfolio area.
• Supports other policy staff in this area at the state level.
• Delivers updates and conducts training on policy priorities/implications and legislative processes for staff and stakeholders, on an as-needed basis.
• Works closely with the Executive Director and Operations and Development Director/team to prospect and develop new funding sources, complete reporting and compliance requirements, support donor/member relations, and maintain effective relationships.
• Other functions as assigned.

Requirements

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented, dynamic environment and is a self-starter with exceptional attention to detail and organizational discipline. A doer, effective communicator, and relationship builder, the Public Policy Lead demonstrates a deep commitment to equity and works well both independently and collaboratively.

Qualifications

• Experience in public policy, advocacy, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of anti-oppression principles and commitment to systemic change.
• Proven ability to build and lead coalitions.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience working with families and community organizations.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Knowledge of state and local government processes and policies.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• Collaborative leadership and team management.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Grant writing and fundraising.
• Coalition building and advocacy.

Benefits

HCAN offers a competitive salary range of $70,000 - $90,000 for this exempt, full-time position. Other benefits may include:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work schedule

Pay

$70,000 - $90,000

Schedule

Exempt, full-time position

Application

Applications preferred by: September 30, 2026. Position open until filled.

To apply, please visit: https://www.hawaii-can.org/careers

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.