Manager, Strategic Communications

Kamehameha Schools; United States; On-site; USD 119,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Kamehameha Schools is seeking a Manager, Strategic Communications to lead a team delivering strategic messaging that supports Pauahi’s mission and KS brand. The role focuses on safeguarding reputation, coordinating across divisions, and advising on crisis communications and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate will bring 8+ years in strategic communications, strong leadership, and proficiency in modern and traditional communications tools to strengthen KS's presence across Hawaiʻi

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years directly related work experience.
• Minimum 2 years' experience supervising staff, including coaching and performance management.
• Ability to develop and execute communication strategies that deliver outcomes to targeted audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to hold sensitive information in confidence and operate with discretion.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with collaboration ability.
• Strong knowledge of both new and traditional communication technologies.

Responsibilities

• Strategically manage and oversee communication strategies that align with KS enterprise goals and enhance brand and reputation.
• Lead development and execution of strategic communications plans with brand guidelines across all projects.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in communication strategies.
• Assist with special projects as needed.
• Assist Director with issues/crisis management and create materials like statements and press releases.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media, community leaders and key influencers.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Provide operational leadership and oversee budget and staff performance.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis management

Leadership

Media relations

Project management

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Job description

Job Posting Title Manager, Strategic Communications Employee Type Regular Recruiting Start Date 09-24-2026 Job Exempt? Yes Recruiting End Date Open Until Filled

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! Kamehameha Schools is looking for a Manager, Strategic Communications to join a team that supports our work in education and ʻāina stewardship across Hawaiʻi. This position offers the opportunity to strengthen how we engage with the people we serve and bring a strategic perspective to communications that advance Pauahi’s mission.

Job Summary: Manages a team in developing and executing communication strategies that align with organizational goals and objectives, promoting and safeguarding the Kamehameha Schools (KS) brand and reputation. This position leads the delivery of strategic messaging and implements opportunities for continuous improvement. This role involves fostering strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, while mitigating brand risk through effective crisis communication practices.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Manages and oversees communication strategies that align with KS enterprise, division goals and enhance the KS brand and reputation among key stakeholders and the public.

Leads the development and execution of strategic communications plans, ensuring consistency with KS brand guidelines and organizational standards across all communications and projects.

Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement by researching and recommending optimal communication strategies aligned with industry best practices.

Leads and/or assists with special projects as needed.

Issues Management & Media Relations

Assists the Director, Strategic Communications with issues/crisis management, assisting to create materials such as statements, press releases, talking points, and media training resources.

Supports in developing issues/crisis communications plans and strategies and provides regular training for key internal partners on crisis communications protocol.

Develops and maintains relationships with media, community leaders, and key influencers to enhance awareness of KS initiatives and foster strategic partnerships.

Stakeholder Engagement

Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal stakeholders, collaborating cross-functionally to increase trust and drive organizational effectiveness.

Fosters partnerships with media, consultants, and external community members to enhance the KS reputation and support organizational initiatives.

Works closely with Communications leaders and staff on organization-wide campaigns and strategically addresses external issues to advance communication goals and organizational initiatives.

Operational Oversight and Leadership

Provides operational leadership and guidance to direct staff.

Oversees the quality of the team's work product, ensuring high standards of accuracy and consistency with KS brand guidelines and organizational standards.

Manages the operation and administration of the work group to include fiscal management and budget.

Creates a thriving work environment where employees are productive and engaged to do their best work.

Provide support for special projects and initiatives as needed.

Develop and support team with leadership that is grounded in our organizational identity of E Ola!

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• - An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the requirements listed.
• - Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or related field.
• - Minimum of 8 years directly related work experience.
• - Minimum 2 years' experience supervising staff, including coaching and performance management.
• - Ability to develop and execute communication strategies that deliver outcomes to targeted audiences.
• - Demonstrated ability to hold sensitive information in confidence and operate with discretion.
• - Strong analytical skills, negotiation and problem-solving.
• - Strong customer service orientation, and models leadership behavior with colleagues and clients.
• - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to review, edit, and collaborate effectively to produce high-quality work on time.
• - Excellent knowledge of both new and traditional communication technologies, with strong skills in utilizing various communication tools and platforms.
• - Working knowledge of Hawai`i’s varied communities and the state and local government structure in the areas of business development and/or education.
• - Excellent listening skills and ability to understand the needs and drivers of others to enable opportunities to achieve shared outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• - Highly skilled in the Hawaiian language.
• - Working knowledge of the media.
• - Familiarity with Kamehameha Schools’ mission, vision and lines of business.
• - Knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian history, culture and worldview as it relates to the operations of Kamehameha Schools as a Native Hawaiian organization.
• - Familiarity with the Hawaiian community and with issues of relevance to Kamehameha Schools as a Native Hawaiian organization.

Physical and Mental Requirements

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

Working Conditions (including Environmental 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 are often 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. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [e-mail] 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.

Work Year 12 Pay Range 119,100.00 - 170,000.00

Annual Compensation and Benefits Based on the compensation range provided below, salaries are commensurate with job-related experience, skills and competencies, education, internal equity, length of work year, and other organizational needs. 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.

Primary Location Kawaiahao Plaza City, State Honolulu, Hawaii

Additional Locations Kamehameha Schools offers a dynamic, innovative and collaborative work environment for growth-minded individuals who embrace culture and diversity. Deeply committed to shaping a thriving and vibrant future for Native Hawaiians, Kamehameha Schools aims at finding the right people for the right roles, who bring talent and passion to our mission. Our workforce is comprised of full- and part-time, on-call, and seasonal employees who work in various positions at locations across Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina (group of islands), including three K-12 campuses, 29 preschools, and other regional and support offices. Learn more about us at www.ksbe.edu/careers!