Director of Government Relations and Public Involvement

Join Us!

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is the public transit authority responsible for planning and constructing Skyline, Honolulu's rail transit system. It is the first fully automated, driverless urban light metro system in the United States and represents the largest public infrastructure project in the history of Hawaii.

This position serves as Director of Government Relations and Public Involvement for HART. The Director shapes legislative and administrative policies and guides all communications and public outreach efforts. Additionally, the individual manages staff and coordinates with federal, state, and local officials on initiatives affecting transit projects, ensuring timely, accurate input for key decisions. The Director also serves as the agency's chief media spokesperson and oversees the preparation of news releases, speeches, presentations, and communication materials for internal and external audiences.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and recommend strategies for state, federal, and local legislative and regulatory initiatives; communicate HART's project needs to legislators and government officials.
• Review and interpret legal, policy, and transit-related materials; advise on recommended actions.
• Lead public information and outreach strategies, oversee communications, media relations, and community engagement for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project (HRTP).
• Conduct research, prepare reports, and analyze transit industry legislation and policy impacts.
• Identify and address issues affecting the HRTP, including proposed legislation and stakeholder concerns.
• Represent the organization at meetings, hearings, and community events; serve as spokesperson to external groups.
• Guide the analysis of public policy issues and monitor contractor communications and public outreach.
• Direct staff in preparing newsletters, media statements, news releases, and community response activities.
• Build relationships with legislators, regulators, community groups, and the media to advance project interests.
• Coordinate HART's responses to legislative events and policy changes.
• Advise leadership on emerging issues, communications strategy, and maintaining public trust for the HRTP.
• Prepare and deliver public testimony; participate in industry conferences and key project tours.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in business or public administration, or a related field, and five years of responsible administrative, professional, or analytical experience which includes active participation in the planning, development, and execution of policies, programs and/or activities and which demonstrates the ability to analyze and formulate solutions to a variety of operational or administrative problems, two of which shall have been in a governmental agency.
• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of administration, organization, personnel administration, budget formulation and control, and public relations; functions, policies, standards, laws, and rules and regulations applicable to the department; research methods and techniques; and report writing.
• Ability to: Make administrative decisions by applying facts, laws, policies, rules and regulations and precedents; prepare clear and concise policies, procedures, reports and correspondence; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with staff and the public; plan, organize, and direct the administrative functions of a department.

Physical Requirements

• Persons seeking appointment must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of the duties.

Benefits

HART is a part of the City and County of Honolulu, and employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, provided by the City, which includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, and life insurance plans
• Generous vacation and sick leave, earning up to 21 days per year
• 13 paid holidays annually (14 days during election year)
• Retirement plan contributions through the Employees' Retirement System (ERS)
• Deferred compensation options to invest pre-tax income for retirement
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses
• Pre-tax transportation benefits, including TheBus and vanpool options
• Access to confidential counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional perks include training opportunities and employer-funded Holo Card for eligible employees to use on public transit
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, supporting employees dedicated to public service