Job Description

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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 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

• Develops and recommends strategies for state, federal, and local legislative and regulatory initiatives; communicates HART’s project needs to legislators and government officials.
• Reviews and interprets legal, policy, and transit-related materials; advises on recommended actions.
• Leads public information and outreach strategies, overseeing communications, media relations, and community engagement for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project (HRTP).
• Conducts research, prepares reports, and analyzes transit industry legislation and policy impacts.
• Identifies and addresses issues affecting the HRTP, including proposed legislation and stakeholder concerns.
• Represents the organization at meetings, hearings, and community events; serves as spokesperson to external groups.
• Guides the analysis of public policy issues and monitors contractor communications and public outreach.
• Directs staff in preparing newsletters, media statements, news releases, and community response activities.
• Builds relationships with legislators, regulators, community groups, and the media to advance project interests.
• Coordinates HART’s responses to legislative events and policy changes.
• Advises leadership on emerging issues, communications strategy, and maintaining public trust for the HRTP.
• Prepares and delivers public testimony; participates in industry conferences and key project tours.
• Performs 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 involved active participation in the planning, development and execution of policies, programs and/or activities and which demonstrated the ability to analyze and formulate solutions for various 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, public relations; functions, policies, standards, laws and rules and regulations applicable to the department; research methods and techniques; report writing.
• Ability to: make administrative decisions applying facts, laws, policies, rules and precedents; prepare clear and concise policies, procedures, reports and correspondence; maintain cooperative and effective working and public relationship; plan, organize, 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. This 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

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