Chief Executive Officer

Founded in 1990, the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) has been committed to alleviating the problem of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence for over 30 years. Three decades later, DVAC boasts a staff of more than 50 paid employees, including staff attorneys and numerous volunteers. This talented and dedicated team works tirelessly to provide the most comprehensive services for victims and survivors and their children in the state of Hawaiʻi, ranging from prevention to direct services such as seeking temporary restraining orders to transitional housing.

Services are multicultural and multilingual. Additionally, DVAC’s legislative advocacy has resulted in the provision of shelters statewide and aided in the enactment of dozens of laws to protect victims. DVAC remains steadfast in its goal to end domestic violence. For more information on DVAC, please visit: domesticviolenceactioncenter.org

DVAC is seeking a compassionate, business-minded, and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to guide the organization into its next chapter of service to the people of Hawaiʻi. The CEO will provide inspiring, thoughtful, and strategic leadership that strengthens DVAC’s relevance, impact, and long-term sustainability. The CEO will cultivate and maintain strong collaborative relationships across diverse constituencies, including community and business leaders, government and elected officials, and nonprofit partners, in ways that enhance DVAC’s mission and capacity.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled and courageous leader with a demonstrated commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizational culture. Leading with a collaborative and transparent approach, the CEO will promote accountability, build trust, and support staff in bringing authenticity and excellence to their work. This leader will actively build a culture grounded in empowerment, collaboration, equity, and survivor-centered values.

• Demonstrate a deep and sustained commitment to addressing domestic violence and embody DVAC’s core values of justice and equality, respect and dignity, collaboration, and compassion.
• Envision, design, and strengthen programs rooted in best practices – including client-centered and trauma-informed services, social justice advocacy, and organizational capacity building.
• Advance DVAC’s specialized role as a leader in legal representation for survivors of domestic violence.
• Develop and refine a sustainable business model and marketing strategies that support long-term mission impact and organizational stability.

• Partner with the board of directors to ensure effective governance and to continuously sharpen the organization’s strategic direction.
• Build trusting relationships across Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities and engage effectively with stakeholders who hold both aligned and differing perspectives.

• Serve as a compelling spokesperson and advocate for survivor safety, domestic violence awareness, nonprofit sector strength and broader social justice issues.
• Lead DVAC’s media presence and coordinated public campaigns to educate and elevate interpersonal and family violence as a community concern requiring action.
• Represent DVAC at community events, coalitions, and initiatives, serving as either a lead organization or a collaborative partner.
• Build and maintain community relationships through compassionate listening, thoughtful engagement, and the ability to speak with clarity, tact, and conviction.

• Provide direct supervision to executive level leadership, supporting their growth, accountability, and effectiveness.
• Supervise staff attorneys and advocates who provide services to survivors and their families.
• Lead efforts to strengthen the organization’s infrastructure, client engagement, operational systems, and organizational practices to advance the mission.
• Recognize and respect the organizational culture of DVAC while supporting its evolution toward greater impact and…