Director, Strategic Communications

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Job Exempt?

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Aloha mai!  Mahalo for your interest in Kamehameha Schools.  If you are looking for an opportunity to utilize your skills and talents and grow in your profession, while serving and strengthening our Native Hawaiian community, we would love to have you join our ʻohana!

Job Summary

Develops and oversees internal- and external-facing communication to protect and advance the Kamehameha Schools' (KS) brand. Advises senior leadership on strategic communications issues and opportunities. Anticipates challenges and leads crisis communication efforts. Works with internal partners to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders though proactive and targeted engagement and communication. Directs communications operations, ensuring high-performance and effective use of resources.

Essential Responsibilities

Communications Strategy

• Work with organization and group leaders to develop and implement communications strategies and messaging that protect and advance KS brand and reputation among key stakeholders and the public.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to executives and other organization leaders.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and collaborate cross-functionally to increase trust and drive organization-wide communications alignment and effectiveness.

Issues Management

• Lead development of issues/crisis communications plans and strategies and provide regular training for key internal partners on crisis communications protocol.
• Oversee and/or serve as lead company spokesperson around issues/crisis management and manage the creation of all corresponding materials, including statements, press releases, talking points and media training materials.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization.

Media Relations

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key media outlets, industry publications and other influencers to increase awareness of KS initiatives and impact.
• Implement best practices for timely response to media inquiries.

Operations and Management

• Lead division operations, including management of staff and budget.
• Oversee development of communications materials including communications plans, corporate messages and publications.
• Identify desired communications outcomes and establish reporting mechanisms using measurement best practice to evaluate effectiveness and inform future efforts.
• Manage external partners, ensuring efficient use of internal and external resources.

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications - An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the requirements listed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Mass Media, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years’ experience in communications or business.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience leading, managing and developing a high-performing team.
• Experience providing strategic communications counsel and presenting recommendations in a thoughtful and credible manner to executive leadership and trustees.
• Extensive experience in issues/reputation management.
• Knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian history and culture and worldview as it relates to the operations of Kamehameha Schools as a Native Hawaiian organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop trust and create influence with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, negotiation and problem-solving.
• High proficiency in written and verbal communication.
• Ability to use data to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Strong organizational skills – ability to prioritize, manage large, complex projects.
• Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced, demanding and dynamic work environment including the willingness to work flexible hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, Communications, or Journalism.
• Understanding of and experience with Hawaiian communities, and with issues of relevance to Kamehameha Schools as a Native Hawaiian organization.
• Familiarity with Kamehameha Schools’ mission, vision and lines of business.
• Previous experience managing PR agencies.
• Previous experience facilitating communications training programs, such as presentation or spokesperson training.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently sit, perform desk based computer tasks and grasp light/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally stand/walk, write by hand, and lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel, crawl, climb, reach/work above shoulder, grasp forcefully.

Working Conditions

• This position may involve traveling to various locations, including neighbor islands to conduct business.
• Work is conducted in an office/school environment and may require work to be conducted in non-standard workplaces.
• Work is typically conducted Monday through Friday at normal business hours but evening and weekend hours may be required to meet goals and objectives.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

For internal use only: #LI-CAR

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Please contact us at [email protected] or 808-534-8040 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

KS does not accept unauthorized solicitations of candidate referrals from third-party vendors (i.e. Staffing Agencies, Executive Recruitment Firms).  Any third-party vendor who has interest in supporting KS's recruiting efforts must be authorized by Human Resources prior to the vendor’s candidate applying with KS.  

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Compensation and Benefits

At Kamehameha Schools (KS), we recognize that compensation is just one facet of a fulfilling employment experience. Our commitment lies in fostering a positive work environment and equipping employees with the necessary resources to excel every day. Our Total Rewards Program embodies KS's dedication to the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employee ʻohana. Explore our comprehensive Benefits Summary for more information.

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