Community Relations Specialist - Oahu

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO.; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 89,100 - 113,700; Full time

Job summary

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO. is seeking a Community Relations Specialist in Honolulu, Oahu. This role involves developing strategic community relations plans and serving as the company's liaison with stakeholders. Candidates should have extensive experience in community relations and strong interpersonal skills.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, with exceptional communication abilities and a track record of success in community engagement. The position offers a competitive salary range between $89,100.00 and $113,700.00, depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of active community relations or extensive community volunteer experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and persuade various groups.
• Experience providing testimony and handling questions at public hearings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement community relations plans.
• Serve as liaison with customers and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Government Relations on key issues.

Skills

People Skills

Business Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication competence

Job description

Community Relations Specialist

Location: Honolulu – Oahu

Posting Status: This position will remain open until filled. Early applications are highly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic community relations and communications plans that advance company goals and facilitate acceptance of initiatives.
• Serve as the company’s liaison with customers and community stakeholders for major and minor capital projects, providing guidance, strategy, and presentation support.
• Collaborate with Government Relations on issues discussed with public and elected officials, conducting research and coordinating communication efforts.
• Inform and educate management and employees about community concerns that may impact operations, monitor sentiment through newsletters and other communications.
• Provide cultural support for projects in culturally sensitive areas, ensuring compliance with historic preservation issues and cultural protocols.
• Participate in company emergency response activities as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Knowledge Requirements

• Working knowledge of key community organizations and general business.
• Understanding of federal, state, economic, business, and political climates.
• Knowledge of communications and information dissemination techniques.
• Understanding of how people communicate, listen, learn, and react.
• Proficiency with personal computers and common software applications (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing).
• Knowledge of budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Expert knowledge of company operations and utility industry basics; familiarity with diverse communities served by the company.
• Sound understanding of individual, group, and organizational behavior.

Skills Requirements

The role requires high-level people and business skills, organization, and communication competence.

• People Skills
• Leadership and ability to work with diverse individuals in sensitive, difficult, or confrontational situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and persuade various groups.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with community and government personnel.
• Capacity to work independently, remain flexible, handle multiple tasks, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Team collaboration and ability to represent the company’s position consistently in the community.
• Proven ability to build respect and credibility in community settings.
• Business Skills
• Understanding of the value of community relations to organizational success.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and facilitation abilities, including rapid-response to media and inquiries.
• Analytical skills to assess issues and recommend actions, coordinating implementation details.
• Ability to simplify complex financial, statistical, and technical information for broad audiences.
• Availability for flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
• Reputation for personal credibility and adherence to high ethical standards.

Experience Requirements

• Multiple years (5-7) of active community relations, public affairs, or problem-resolution experience; or extensive (8+ years) of community volunteer experience (desired).
• Several years (5+) of company service (desirable).
• Experience providing testimony and handling questions at public hearings and community meetings.
• Positive background and work history reflecting success in relevant community contexts (desirable).

Role: Professional

Number of Vacancies: 1

Hiring Range: $89,100.00 – $113,700.00 (aligned with skills and qualifications)

EEO Statement

Hawaiian Electric Companies is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We comply with all applicable laws, including Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any request for reasonable accommodation during the application process should be communicated to the HR Service Center at [phone].