The term used here (twice in this verse) refers to a recognized leader in the community, presumably appointed by authorities further up the ladder. The first use of the term in this verse appears to be generic, referring to leaders (in Jerusalem) whether Persian or Judean. Its second use distinctly refers to officials of the Jews,
and lists these officials alongside the priests, the nobles…and the rest who were to the work.
This distinction might imply that the first group of officials
were Persian appointees (as opposed to Jewish), but we cannot be certain.
16 And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work.