Temporary contract position: Mid-December through May 2026

Hourly salary range: $32-38/hr; commensurate with experience.

Application deadline: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17th, 2025

Position Description:

HAPA is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Food Systems Policy Advocate for the 2026 Hawaii State legislative session to advance our policy efforts in shaping a resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system for Hawaiʻi. This contract position will be responsible for managing HAPA’s food systems policy advocacy. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of local food systems, strong policy analysis skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a commitment to HAPA's mission.

Responsibilities:

• Policy Development & Analysis:

  • Research, analyze, and monitor existing and proposed state, and local policies related to food systems, agriculture, land use, and environmental justice. 

  • Conduct research and analysis to inform HAPA’s Pesticides & Public Health policy advocacy agenda. 

• Advocacy & Lobbying:

  • Bill tracking for 40-50 food systems bills for the 2026 legislative session.

  • Draft and submit all legislative email and social media alerts for HAPA’s Fair and Sustainable Food Systems Policy Agenda

  • Draft and submit HAPA written testimony on bills within the 2026 fair and sustainable food systems policy agenda.

  • Prepare communications materials for policy advocacy including, but not limited to policy briefs/summaries, educational emails and posts, press releases, etc. 

  • Represent HAPA as needed in the 2026 legislative session, public hearings, and policy discussions.

  • Support development and execution of advocacy strategies to advance HAPA’s food systems policy agenda, including tabling events, lobby days and support for community members testifying at the State Capitol.

  • Mobilize community support for policy initiatives through public education and engagement.

  • Support HAPA’s Pesticides and Public Health advocacy campaign as needed.

• Coalition Building & Partnerships:

  • Represent HAPA in various legislative coalitions and working groups focused on food systems issues.

  • Support the convening and facilitation of HAPA’s Pesticides & Public Health Coalition.

  • Collaborate with diverse stakeholders from across the food systems.

• Community Engagement & Education:

  • Translate complex policy issues into accessible language for community members.

  • Support engagement of frontline communities in HAPA’s Pesticides & Public Health Campaign.

  • Organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and educational events on food systems policy.

  • Empower communities to participate in policy-making processes.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in public administration, environmental studies, food systems, public health, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. Relevant experience is also acceptable.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative affairs, or a related field, with a strong focus on food systems, agriculture, public health or environmental policy.

  • Demonstrated experience in policy research, analysis, and development.

  • Experience working in grassroots community movements in Hawaiʻi.

• Knowledge & Skills:

  • In-depth understanding of Hawaiʻi's food systems, agricultural landscape, land use issues, and environmental challenges.

  • Strong knowledge of local and state legislative processes.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly and concisely.

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.

  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

  • Proficiency in research and data analysis.

  • Commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and progressive values.

• Abilities & Qualifications:

  • Must be able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

  • Must have own computer and be able to work remotely.

  • Must be able to work Friday nights and weekends during the legislative session

  • Must be able to travel inter-island as needed for meetings and events.

  • Must be able to travel to the Hawaiʻi State Capitol as needed during the session.

  • Must be able to adapt to changing priorities and work in a dynamic and fast paced environment.

  • Must already reside in Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu candidates preferred. 

Work Environment

HAPA staff work remotely and connect via bi-weekly staff meetings on Zoom. However, this position will be required to travel to the Hawai’i State Capitol as needed during the session, and inter-island for meetings and events.

Equal Opportunity 

HAPA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, two references and a writing sample to: hiring@hapahi.org. Please include “Application for FOOD SYSTEMS POLICY ADVOCATE - [Last Name]” in the subject line.

HAPA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Native Hawaiians, women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities.