Director of Communications & Public Affairs

Primary Job Summary 
Develop and lead the Chamber’s overall community building and communications programs that include integration and implementation of activities designed to enhance the company brand. Includes: Cultivating and maintain strong media relationships, advance company's position with relevant constituents, managing the planning, organizing and execution of the Chamber’s communications, marketing, and business advocacy efforts.
 
Minimum Qualifications & Education Required

• High School Diploma, Associate or bachelor’s degree required, emphasis in Communications, Journalism/PR/Marketing/Digital Media a plus.
• 5- years of experience in media relations, marketing, or communications.
• Proficient in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher/ Canva/Social Media Platforms, and Word Press.
• Must be able to work effectively independently and in a team environment

Essential/Primary Job Duties

• Develop and execute comprehensive public affairs strategies to enhance the organization's reputation and brand.
• Plans and executes communication and marketing strategies based on Chamber Strategic Plan and individual strategies for projects from Chamber departments, including Blueprint, Hawaii on the Hill and more.
• Plan and execute public relations campaigns, events, and initiatives to promote the organization's mission and programs.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and media representatives.
• Monitor and analyze public opinion and legislative developments that may impact the organization's operations or public image.
• Oversees all public communications and serves as the Chamber’s primary point of contact with all media, writes press releases and coordinates Chamber’s messaging.
• Advises Chamber on public relations strategies and image.
• Assists Chamber and Board members with speech writing, letters, event scripts and other communication tools as needed.
• Develop comprehensive communication strategies for each department.
• Manage the Chamber’s E-Voice of Business email newsletter.
• Manage the Chamber’s website, and serves as executive editor of the website.
• Manage Voice of Business podcast from securing speakers, coordinating logistics of podcast recordings, creating summary of podcast description, and sharing across Chamber communication channels.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of all Chamber products, services, and programs.
• Monitor current events and news sources for relevant stories and media opportunities.
• Be familiar with, and abide by, the Chamber’s policies and procedures.
• Perform other functions, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Experienced writer in a variety of mediums including digital newsletters, blogs, speech writing, news releases, website copy and advertising
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience in public relations including media relations (and news monitoring) and crisis communications.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Creativity, enthusiasm, and passion for helping businesses in Hawaii.
• Experience creating and editing content.
• Awareness of public policy and government relations.
• Familiarity with the State or County Legislative Process a plus.
• Professionalism, integrity and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to create a positive impression of the Chamber while responding to members either by telephone, email or in person.
• Expertise in dealing with high-profile stakeholders, such as elected officials, CEOS and a variety of external constituencies.
• Must be able to serve as Chamber spokesperson as needed

Other Requirements:

• Normal business hours, with some early morning, and occasional evening hours.
• Primarily in-office position.
• Annual trip to Washington, D.C. in June every year. This person is expected to attend.
• May be required to stand for extended periods.
• Able to lift 25 pounds.
• Vehicle and valid driver’s license.
• Limited travel may be required.
• Must be available for after-hours media coordination as needed that may include early am, evening or weekend.

Annual starting base salary: Commensurate with experience
 
Benefits:  Health, Disability, Term Life and Long-Term Care Insurance; 401(k); PTO; Reimbursements for Qualified Expenses and Mileage; Parking, professional development opportunities, working with a great team