Executive Search Services for Executive Director

The Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System of the State of Hawaii is soliciting proposals from executive search firms to recruit an Executive Director for the ERS, with offers due October 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. HST and questions due October 21, 2026. HCE (Hawaii Compliance Express) certification is required prior to award.

Minimum qualifications include five years of executive search experience with large complex organizations, completion of at least three executive searches within the past five years, and availability to meet in person or virtually during ERS business hours. A Hawaii-based office or affiliate is preferred. The selected firm will provide comprehensive search services including position description finalization, resume screening, candidate identification and interviews, reference and background checks, and transition assistance.

The engagement term runs from an estimated start date of November 30, 2026 to completion by May 1, 2027, with the entire search process expected to conclude within four to six months from award. Services will be performed in support of ERS offices located at City Financial Tower, 201 Merchant Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.

Pricing must be submitted as a firm fixed fee including all search costs except advertising placement, which the ERS will pay directly to publications. For evaluation purposes, any percentage-of-salary pricing will be calculated using a $300,000 salary baseline. Invoices will be paid net 30 days upon satisfactory completion. The evaluation criteria allocate 30 points for experience, 25 points for company background, 25 points for availability and project timeline, and 20 points for fees, with the lowest fee proposal receiving maximum fee points. Award notification is expected November 6, 2026. Firms must comply with all Hawaii Revised Statutes requirements and submit a confidentiality agreement as a condition of participation.