Senior Communications Strategist

Closing Date: June 19, 2025

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 to careers@oha.org.

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.

SALARY

$81,096 to $99,600 per year. Starting salary may be between the minimum and maximum salary range provided, based on qualifications.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Senior Communications Strategist assists the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Director of Communications in developing and executing on communication strategies for the organization, writing key pieces, and supporting all Communications Program products including, publications, website content, online media, video productions, and crisis communications. Assists in ensuring consistency in all externally-focused communications and provides timely information to employees, beneficiaries, stakeholders and the media. Assists with market research, promotional campaigns coordinating public speaking engagements, and ghost writing for the Executive Team and Board of Trustees (“BOT”) communications, as directed by Ka Pouhana. Helps manage workflow, production, and communications among OHA staff to maintain consistent OHA branding and messaging.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop and Implement Communication Strategies

a. Assists the Communications Director in developing and executing comprehensive communication plans to:

• enhance OHA’s brand reputation,
• amplify and support OHA programs and services, and
• ensure consistent dissemination of information within and between OHA’s internal and external stakeholders, audiences, venues, locations, and media.

b. Develops and implements crisis communication plans to mitigate risks and manage potential crises.

2. Media & Public Relations

a. Develops and maintains professional work relationships with media vendors and associated professional public relations, broadcast and other media-related organizations.

b. Through research and assessment of media and community trends, helps identify opportunities and stories for media coverage through releases, meetings, and communications to promote OHA, its collaborators, partners, and the Native Hawaiian community. Assists in placing these stories in external media channels.

c. Drafts press releases, organizes press conferences, sets up speaking engagements, public appearances, and coordinates promotional and marketing campaigns. Develops press kits and compiles advance preparations packets that may include writing speaker bios, presentation summaries, abstracts, etc. Provides technical assistance, design and content editing of PowerPoint presentations, etc., as needed.

d. Assists the Director by creating and implementing plans to build internal capacity in public speaking, advocacy messaging, presentations, media interactions, interviews, etc.

e. Develops and implements protocols, templates, procedures and checklists for intelligence reports, preparation packets, press kits and related materials.

3. Communications Programs Administration

a. Assists the Director in integrating Strategic Plan elements and performance measures into project plans and activities.

b. Ensures consistency and collaboration among all programming efforts within the Communications Division and across the agency.

c. Assists the Communications Director in preparing vendor solicitations, coordinating procurement, and overseeing the implementation of contracts related to work and functions of the Communications Division.

d. As necessary and as directed, directly interacts with other OHA staff in coordinating the production and dissemination of Communications Program products and publications.

e. Evaluates and presents recommendations regarding improved communications processes and products to the Communications Director.

f. Assists in preparing program’s budget proposal, developing program work plans, and related operational planning and administrative documents. Assists in monitoring and managing expenditures within budget allocations.

4. Analytics & Reporting

a. Monitors and analyzes communication campaigns, advocacy initiatives, and organizational priorities, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.

b. Assists the Communications Director in preparing various administrative reports to include recommendations related to public affairs, program operations, and marketing.

5. OHA Publications & Productions

a. Assists with writing or editing OHA products and publications as needed.

b. Assist in developing OHA-sponsored or produced audio-visual media (commercials, videos, podcasts, etc.). May assist with coordination, script review, talent recruitment, review, and advertising as needed or appropriate.

c. Helps to ensure that externally published media content is free of factual or other errors prior to submission, and that any pre-produced or pre-recorded images, audio, and video files are relevant and appropriate prior to posting online. Ensure that appropriate management approvals of information related to controversial or sensitive topics are obtained prior to publication.

6. Serves on event teams and assists with the coordination, logistics, production and implementation of OHA-led or sponsored events, including but not limited to rallies, press conferences, marches, community meetings, etc., ensuring that these events receive appropriate coverage in KWO, OHA social media, and external media.

7. Fully supports in action, language, behavior and performance the priorities, decisions, and directives of the Communications Division Director, the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Executive Officer.

8. This is a full-time position. Regular attendance on a daily basis is required for this position.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned by the Communications Division Director, COO, or CEO.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field that requires the use of skills described above. A Master’s Degree is preferred.

2. At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible full-time experience in the communications field.

3. Experience related to publications, marketing, and advertising preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Must have working knowledge of:

• Communications techniques and best practices
• Strategic planning and implementation
• Planning, organizing, and managing projects
• Working effectively in crisis situations
• Web-based media applications, broadcast media and production, video and still photography production and composition
• Printing and publishing
• Hawaiian culture, values, and community issues
• Hawaiian institutions, trusts, and formal and grassroots Hawaiian organizations

2. Must have demonstrated skills or ability to:

• Writing and editing experience to include press releases, media advisories, advertising copy, feature articles, scripts, reports, speeches, etc.
• Digital media proficiency
• Strong interpersonal skills and networking abilities
• Working effectively in crisis situations/crisis management
• Thriving in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Analytical and critical thinking; able to address complex challenges effectively
• Process and workflow development
• Deadline management
• Efficacy working within Hawaiian cultural contexts and formal and grassroots Hawaiian community contexts
• Understanding and communicating about Hawaiian issues, OHA programs, and Hawaiian cultural and political topics
• Able to travel and have a valid driver’s license

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $81,096.00 - $99,600.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person