INTERNATIONAL LIAISON / SISTER CITY COORDINATOR

Job Type: Location Type: Remote: open to residents of any country

 

• April 16, 2026

$55,000 – $65,000 annually

Job Type: Full-Time Temporary
Location: 530 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
Department: Office of the Managing Director
Apply Before: Continuous

Position: International Liaison / Sister City Coordinator

Department: Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts

Classification / Salary: Full-time, Appointee | $55,000 – 65,000 annually

Organization Description

The Mayor’s Office of Culture and Arts (MOCA) cultivates a vibrant, inclusive cultural landscape for the City and County of Honolulu. MOCA stewards public art, cultural programming, and international engagement that reflect the diverse communities of O’ahu – honoring Hawai’i’s indigenous heritage while building meaningful local and global connections.

Position Summary

The International Liaison / Sister City Coordinator leads Honolulu’s Sister City program, managing relationships with more than 30 partner cities worldwide. This role sets the vision for international engagement, advances cultural exchange through the Ho’opilina initiative, and ensures all efforts reflect Honolulu’s Pacific identity, cultural values, and priorities for equity, sustainability, and community connection.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Management (20%)

• Develops and implements a 2-3 year strategic plan for Honolulu’s Sister City program in alignment to MOCA’s mission and City priorities.
• Evaluates and prioritizes Sister City relationships using clear, data-informed criteria
• Defines program goals, tracks outcomes, and adjusts strategies based on performance and impact
• Establishes program structure, tools, and documentation to support continuity and long-term sustainability

Stakeholder & Council Engagement (20%)

• Serves as the primary liaison to Sister City partners, consulates, and international delegations
• Applies diplomatic protocol across all official correspondence, events, and engagements with foreign delegations and dignitaries
• Manages relationships with City leadership, including the Mayor’s Office and City Council
• Engages diverse stakeholders with cultural awareness, professionalism, and sound judgment
• Coordinates across City departments to ensure aligned and effective participation in Sister City activities

Research, Learning & Foreign Policy Advising (15%)

• Conducts ongoing research on partner cities, including political developments, cultural trends, and bilateral relations relevant to Honolulu’s international engagements
• Advises the Executive Director and Mayor’s Office on geopolitical considerations and diplomatic implications
• Maintains current knowledge of global affairs and issues impacting partner regions
• Monitors international developments and proactively briefs leadership on potential impacts

Communications, Writing & Social Media (15%)

• Drafts speeches, remarks, and official correspondence for the Mayor and City leadership for events, delegation visits, and international engagements
• Prepares talking points, briefing materials, and ceremonial scripts for visits and events
• Develops public-facing content that highlights Sister City relationships and cultural exchange
• Adapts messaging for diverse audiences, ensuring clarity, cultural awareness, and accessibility
• Builds public awareness through storytelling, outreach materials, and community engagement

Cultural Experience Design & Exchange (15%)

• Leads Ho’opilina , a signature cultural exchange program grounded in place-based learning, connection, and shared experience
• Designs and delivers programming that centers Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander voices and honors shared oceanic heritage
• Curates interdepartmental and community-based experiences that connect participants to O’ahu’s cultural, historical, and civic landscape
• Creates hands-on exchange opportunities in cultural knowledge, arts, and stewardship practices
• Expands leadership and exchange opportunities for Native Hawaiian youth and Pacific Islander diaspora communities
• Ensures programming is aligned with MOCA’s events calendar and contributes to a cohesive, year-round experience
• Embeds cultural protocol and education to support respectful, reciprocal engagement

Delegation & Gift Procurement (5%)

• Researches and procures culturally appropriate gifts in accordance with City policies and diplomatic protocol
• Coordinates delegation logistics, including hospitality, gift presentation, and protocol compliance
• Maintains records and conscious, tiered procurement from Native Hawaiian and local artists.

Community Partnerships (5%)

• Develops and nurtures partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and local partners to support program participation and outreach

Other Duties (5%)

• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Training and Experience

A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with specialization in International Relations, Public Administration, Diplomacy, Cultural Studies, or a related field, and professional work experience in related activities, including:

• Experience in international relations, cultural diplomacy, public administration, or program management
• Demonstrated ability to work across cultures and build relationships with diverse stakeholders
• High cultural quotient, with sensitivity and respect for diverse cultural contexts and practices
• Working knowledge of diplomatic protocol, including proper etiquette for official correspondence, delegation visits, and gift exchange
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning; ability to independently research foreign policy, geopolitical developments, and cultural affairs
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex ideas to varied audiences
• Proficiency with digital tools and social media content creation; experience with photography, videography, or graphic design is a plus
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Self-directed, accountable, and resource-conscious

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i, or Pacific Island language
• Experience in municipal, state, or federal government settings
• Knowledge of Honolulu’s unique role as a Pacific hub
• Experience working with or within Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or other indigenous communities

Physical Requirements

• Applicants must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to attend community and diplomatic events, some of which may occur outside standard business hours or off-site.

To apply:

Please send a 1-2 page cover letter, current resume, and at least three current references to moca-info@honolulu.gov . Please highlight aspects of your experience that are relevant for this position and explain why you are interested in working with the City and County of Honolulu in this role.