HONOLULU – Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s office is now accepting applications for the position of Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA). (As of May 30, 2025, applications are no longer being accepted for this position. Mahalo for your interest!)
This is a unique opportunity for a passionate and experienced leader to help shape and promote the rich cultural life of Honolulu. The Executive Director will be responsible for preserving and celebrating the arts, culture, and heritage that make our city so vibrant and unique.
Working closely with the Mayor, community stakeholders, and cultural organizations, the Executive Director will lead efforts to develop policies, programs, and initiatives that support creativity and artistic excellence—enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors.
The Executive Director will oversee a six-person team and work collaboratively with other City departments to ensure that art and cultural programming is effectively integrated across municipal initiatives. This full-time, appointed position carries an annual salary of $150,000.
Key responsibilities include overseeing major city cultural projects such as Wahi Pana: Storied Places, Honolulu City Lights, and other programs on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds. The Executive Director will also serve as a liaison between the Mayor and the Commission on Culture and the Arts, helping to coordinate art exhibits and cultural activities with local organizations.
In addition to supporting local culture, this position also leads the City’s international relations, including planning official visits, overseeing cultural protocols and ceremonies for visiting dignitaries, and directing the City’s Sister City program. The Executive Director also advises the Mayor on cultural issues and the Hawaiian language, serving as a trusted expert on matters of cultural significance.
This is a key leadership role for someone deeply committed to the arts, cultural preservation, and public service. The successful candidate will have a chance to leave a lasting mark on Honolulu’s cultural legacy and contribute to our city’s identity as a dynamic and globally connected cultural destination.
UPDATE: As of May 30, 2025, applications are no longer being accepted for this position. Mahalo for your interest!
—PAU—
