Honolulu Police Department launches search for new Communications Director

HONOLULU – The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking communications professional with strong managerial and leadership skills to serve as its next Communications Director in the Office of the Chief.

This high-profile leadership position offers a unique opportunity to shape the department’s communications strategy, strengthen community relationships, and support HPD’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Working directly with Police Chief David Lazar and the department’s executive leadership team, the Communications Director will lead and manage HPD’s communications team, establish clear priorities and performance expectations, and provide strategic guidance on media relations, crisis communications, community engagement, and internal messaging.

“Over the past year, we have seen tremendous progress in how the Honolulu Police Department communicates with the public, and we want to continue building on that momentum,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “With Chief David Lazar now leading the department, it is critically important that we find a proven communications leader who can work alongside him to clearly articulate his vision, communicate his priorities, and help the public understand the direction he is taking HPD. This is a significant leadership position, and we want someone with the experience, judgment, and ability to help Chief Lazar move this department forward while continuing to strengthen the trust and confidence of the people we serve.”

The Communications Director will play a critical role in helping HPD communicate effectively during major incidents, high-profile investigations, emergencies, and everyday department operations, while ensuring the public and department personnel remain informed. The successful candidate must also be an effective manager who can lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing communications team in a demanding, fast-paced environment.

“Communication is a fundamental part of good policing, and it starts with being open, honest, and accountable to the community,” said Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar. “As we continue moving this department forward, I want someone on our leadership team who understands the importance of getting information out quickly, accurately, and responsibly. We are looking for a strong communicator, a strategic thinker, and a proven leader who can build relationships, earn trust, and help tell the story of the dedicated men and women of HPD who serve our community every day.”

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies that support HPD’s mission and priorities.
• Providing strong leadership and day-to-day management of HPD’s communications team by setting clear expectations, fostering accountability, and ensuring a high standard of performance.
• Mentoring, developing, and empowering communications staff while building a collaborative, professional, and results-driven team.
• Managing media relations, news releases, social media platforms, and public information campaigns.
• Providing strategic communications counsel to the Chief of Police and executive leadership team.
• Coordinating public messaging during major incidents, criminal investigations, emergencies, and other high-profile matters.
• Strengthening internal communications to keep department personnel informed and engaged.
• Preparing speeches, statements, talking points, news conferences, and legislative testimony.

Minimum qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in media relations, public information, or journalism, including two years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated excellence in management and leadership, with proven experience supervising, mentoring, and developing a team of communications professionals.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, delegate effectively, build consensus, and hold team members accountable.
• Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, public speaking, and strategic communications.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and manage sensitive, high-profile communications.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through the City and County of Honolulu’s employment portal.

For more information about the position and instructions on how to apply, click here.

—PAU—

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