Careers
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) is seeking qualified individuals to join our growing operations. CNHA carries a kuleana to enhance the cultural, economic, political, and community development of Native Hawaiians.
We’re expanding!
Headquartered in Kapolei, Oʻahu, CNHA is a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Treasury department and a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling agency. We provide access to capital, financial education, and individualized financial counseling services with a focus on low and moderate-income families. CNHA serves as a National Intermediary, providing grants and loans targeting underserved communities, and community-based organizations in Hawaiʻi.
Permanent CNHA position come with an array of benefits, including:
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10 paid holidays
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Up to 3 weeks of annual paid leave
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Full medical, dental, and vision
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401k retirement options
Current Openings
CDL Instructor
- Responsible for delivering driver training of commercial motor vehicles for the Hawaiian Trades Academy CDL programs across the state of Hawaiʻi in compliance with company, federal, and state regulations, assessing and coaching drivers of articulated vehicles, both in the truck and in a simulator environment, maintaining accurate records of all training, and fostering an encouraging learning environment.
- View the position description below for more details.
Communications & Media Manager
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The Communications and Media Manager will be instrumental in executing the representation of the organization’s brand, programs, and initiatives. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the Communications and Media Manager will create compelling and consistent messaging, collateral, and other assets that align with strategic direction and reinforce the organization’s identity.
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In addition, the Communications and Media Manager will oversee the planning, implementation and delivery of media, communications and creative content from the Media and Communications Team, to ensure that work developed effectively communicates organizational messaging using CNHA’s distinctive and authentic Native Hawaiian cultural brand to its target audience, which is predominantly the Native Hawaiian and local communities.
- View the position description below for more details.
Retail Buying Specialist
- This is a temporary/seasonal position. The projected end date of this role will be 12/31/2023. There is a possibility of an extension or permanent hire based on performance and sales needs.
- Reporting directly to the Pop-Up Mākeke Program Manager, the Retail Buying Specialist is a key position at Pop-Up Mākeke responsible for managing our inventory needs and ensuring we have the right products at the right time for our customers. This position requires a deep understanding of the retail industry, including consumer trends, market conditions, and vendor relationship management. The successful candidate will play a critical role in meeting company goals by optimizing inventory levels, maximizing sales, and minimizing costs.
- There is also an expectation to work closely with the Pop-Up Mākeke fulfillment team to assist in warehouse operations during peak times or special projects such as full inventory counts.
- View the position description below for more details.
Senior Manager, Program Operations & Grants Management, Kilohana
- Reporting to the Destination Stewardship Director, the Senior Manager will operationalize, administer, and manage a wide range of projects and programs for the Kilohana Division of CNHA. Projects can range from strategy and design to management, execution, and evaluation. This role will primarily focus on initiatives from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) contract, which includes the procurement, administering, and management of 6 grantmaking programs. This role will also lead the design of internal support systems, which includes the Salesforce platform and IT processes.
- This position is part of our Kilohana division of CNHA.
- View the position description below for more details.
Paid Internships
Advocacy Intern
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Reporting to the Policy Manager, the Advocacy Intern provides advocacy services and work product to CNHA that advance the advocacy goals and priorities of the organization, as set by the CNHA CEO. The Advocacy Intern participates in the planning and implementation of CNHA’s advocacy at all branches of government at the county, state, federal and international levels, as well as within the community and in the private sector. The Advocacy Intern’s services and work product may include interaction and communication with CNHA’s Board of Directors, membership, executive leadership, and staff; community leaders, members and partners; participants in the Annual Native Hawaiian Convention; and government and elected officials.
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The Advocacy Intern contributes to the development, coordination, and successful implementation of advocacy strategies as they relate to mobilizing the community and addressing community concerns. Critical among the Advocacy Intern kuleana is helping to coordinate and deliver the advocacy and public policy components of ongoing Maui relief efforts, the Annual Native Hawaiian Convention, and relevant grant projects.
- View the position description below for more details.
- $3,000 stipend for Fall semester.
Media and Creative Content Intern
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The Media Intern reports to the Media and Creative Content Manager and is responsible for the planning, implementation and delivery of media, communications, and creative content alongside the rest of the Media and Communications Team to support CNHA programs, activities, and goals, as identified by the CNHA CEO and Executive Team. The Media Intern will work with the Media and Communications Team’s to ensure that work product effectively communicates organizational messaging using CNHA’s distinctive and authentic Native Hawaiian cultural brand to its target audience, which is predominantly the Native Hawaiian and local communities.
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View the position description below for more details.
- $3,000 stipend for Fall semester.
Join the CNHA team today
Apply online and help us uplift lāhui. Please complete this form and upload a copy of your resume if you are interested in being considered for one of the positions we are currently recruiting for. We will review resumes and follow-up according to your skills and experience.

What We Do

Rent & Mortgage Relief
We can help you find the resources you need for your ʻohana to thrive -from mortage to utilities and assistance programs.

Kilohana Collective
Kilohana is a collaborative of complementary change agents committed to fulfilling HTA’s vision and specific directives.

Community Programs
Our community programs work with members of our community to develop the skills and resources needed to thrive.

Join Our Community
Become a CNHA member to get the opportunity to join other kānaka in lifting, empowering and inspiring our lāhui.
Join our mission and help us provide powerful support for our community to develop and thrive.