Director, Communications Division

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Director, Communications Division is responsible for knowing, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating and creating information and service exchanges within and between the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (“OHA”) internal and external stakeholders, audiences, venues, locations and mediums. The Director, Communications Division works with OHA’s Board of Trustees (“BOT”) and Administration to formulate and implement consistent and aligned messaging, including responses to internally and externally initiated inquiries and requests. The Director, Communications Division is also responsible for overseeing the identification, provision and management of Beneficiary Services. The Director, Communications Division oversees OHA’s Communications and Beneficiary Services functions; and is the OHA’s primary media contact.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic

a. Anticipates, analyzes and interprets general public opinion, attitudes and issues that may impact (positively and negatively) OHA and its strategic plans, policies, and programs, brand and image.

b. Assists BOT, OHA’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) to formulate Communications policies. Counsels CEO, COO and CFO on the public ramifications of OHA’s policy decisions and courses of action. Works with operating units to formulate and provide written analysis of issues (including information on historical, demographic, and legal background and implications).

c. Works with CEO and/or BOT (e.g., Chair, Chief of Staff) to draft various work products and deliverables (e.g., plans, press releases, opinion editorials, testimonies, hearings) aligned with activities, messages, policies.

2. Communications Operations

a. Works with CEO, COO and CFO to coordinate the enhancement of the OHAʻs brand, including consistent communication of information and service exchanges within and between OHAʻs internal and external stakeholders, audiences, venues, locations and mediums.

b. Acts as media point of contact for OHA.

c. Oversees the facilitation and management of media relations efforts including but not limited to proactive story placement, news releases and statements and media training.

d. Maintains strong working relationships with the media to engage reporters and editors to protect the best interests of OHA.

e. Oversees the coordination, work and support of operating units to:

Analyze issues;

Draft service and/or communication recommendations;

Coordinate the drafting and dissemination of various work products (e.g., speeches, talking points, flyers, key messages, newsletters, reports, promotional matter, documentaries, media);

Enhance implementation of communications tools, including but not limited to, website, social media, and traditional media;

Partner to develop and administer branding, public relations, marketing, advertising, and promotional programs for OHA and its programs, including but not limited to, newspaper and magazine print ads, television and radio broadcast ads, and internet advertising; and

Evaluate effectiveness of strategies and tactics.

f. Ensures all external and internal communications pieces are submitted for review of the CEO, COO and/or the BOT Chair, as required, prior to implementation. Ensure messages representing OHA’s position are disseminated properly and coordinated with operating leadership.

g. Partners with operating leadership to enhance communications tools, including but not limited to, website, social media, and traditional media.

h. Works with CEO, COO, and HR to develop and disseminate internal communications program that includes internal electronic bulletin boards, monthly Administration newsletters (e.g. updates by the BOT Chair and CEO), monthly Administration newsletters, emails, quarterly meetings, and other internal communications that ensure our employees are informed of items that affect OHA and positions taken by OHA leadership.

3. Management

a. Makes hiring and other personnel recommendations to the COO. Ensures that the Program is staffed with skilled, knowledgeable and experienced individuals, who are knowledgeable about all relevant laws, policies and regulations, and understand their history and impact.

b. Works with OHA’s Human Resources Department to ensure professional development and staff training for Division personnel.

c. Ensures that employees within Division share information and insights, use collaboration as needed to explore issues and/or solve problems, and demonstrate shared responsibility for program performance. Takes whatever actions are required to positively replace behaviors and/or persons when necessary.

d. Ensures integration of Strategic Plan elements and performance measures into Division management, employee, and contractor performance reviews and improvement plans.

e. Performs supervisory tasks, such as leave time approvals, performance reviews, coaching, training, and related employment decisions for the Program. Disseminates needed information to staff in a timely manner.

f. Ensures without exception the proper handling and maintenance of confidential, sensitive and/or proprietary information.

g. Performs job duties in accordance with OHA’s policies and procedures. Considers OHA’s mission and core values when making decisions.

4. Fully supports in action, language, behavior and performance the priorities, decisions, and directives of the CEO and COO.

5. Regular attendance on a daily basis is required for this position.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

1. Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, public policy, law, business administration (BBA) or related field.

2. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible work experience in media, communications, branding and public relations planning and execution; and at least five (5) years of administrative management experience that involved managing: Human Resources and related performance, including professional development, goal setting, evaluation and progressive discipline; 3rd party resources, including contracting, contract management, deliverables, evaluation; Financial budgets and other resourcing strategies (e.g., overtime, scheduling); and the implementation of priorities, initiatives, projects, programs and/or work site(s).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Must have working knowledge of:

Implementation, strategic planning, performance-based budgeting, performance-based contracting, performance reporting, evaluation and decision-making

Principles, practices and techniques of journalism

Principles, practices and techniques of public relations, branding, marketing, advertising, promotions and communications

Hawaiian culture, values, community and issues

2. Must have demonstrated skills or ability to:

Plan, organize and execute a broad range of public relations functions

Evaluate different communication vehicles for their cost-effectiveness, and evaluate written materials for their creativity and effectiveness.

Write and edit press releases, announcements, advertisements, articles, scripts, reports, proceedings, speeches and similar materials

Understand the views and policies of OHA, its Board, and its CEO

Work effectively in crisis situations

Respond to multiple concurrent demands

Speak simply and directly to individuals, groups, and the media

Establish effective working relationships with press, media outlets, and the general public

Deal tactfully with others in coordinating and executing public relations functions

Work as a team member with Division managers and other staff

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, visit our company jobs website at www.oha.org/jobs. Download, complete and submit the fillable OHA application form along with a resume and cover letter via email.

Or via mail to:

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS

560 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite 200

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817

Attention: Human Resources

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) employees must be permanent Hawaii residents. Out-of-state applicants who are offered employment with OHA will need to relocate to Hawaii and establish permanent residency.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $108,528.00 - $133,224.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

Honolulu, HI 96817: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

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