Organizational overview: Our mission is to enrich lives, broaden perspectives, and strengthen communities through the public humanities. We are an independent nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. We run a statewide youth history program, poet laureate program, civic conversation programs for the correctional facilities and the public, public humanities grantmaking and networking opportunities, and partner on other initiatives that nourish culture, history, literature, deep and compassionate thinking, and intergenerational or otherwise diverse spaces.
Description: Our Director of Communications connects Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities with diverse audiences/communities, and increases their engagement with our organization. They effectively use oral, written, and visual genres to communicate important and relevant stories of Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities programs and grantmaking, and the collective work of the public humanities to broaden perspectives, enrich lives, and strengthen communities. They create strategic communication and development-related goals for the organization, and work with our energetic staff and board to meet them. This person is an excellent storyteller and listener, bringing experience with multiple genres (writing, video, visual design, website, social media, e-newsletters), as well as experience building relationships with our diverse communities of Hawai‘i. They excel at substance and style, and are a critical thinker around data and impact.
Reports to: ED
Supervises: None
Main kuleana for job:
35% Strategy and Infrastructure
● Develops and carries out strategic communications plans, campaigns, branding, and policies for HIHumanities. Runs internal comms calendar and communicates deadlines and content needs to other staff.
● Manages visual design and branding for HIHumanities across all platforms and with grant recipients and program partners. Creates templates, designs, and communication packets for select org outreach materials. Works with graphic designers as needed.
● Creates timely strategy around media and press, creates press releases and acts as media contact, and broadens relationships with local (across all islands) and national and Pacific media.
● Collaborates with development staff on fundraising and outreach campaigns, including our Annual Report.
● Manages communications database (currently Mailchimp/MonkeyPod) and implements changes as needed.
● Manages/organizes photos and other internal content on a shared Google drive.
35% Responsive Storytelling
● Avidly attends HIHumanities programs to document stories and connect with communities. Regularly interviews (writing and video) program partners, grantees, and participants to share stories about the impact of the humanities in Hawaiʻi.
● Manages and updates the HIHumanities website, monthly enewsletter, and social media for HIHumanities. Solicits and edits content from staff and Board as needed. Manages image release/waivers, permissions.
● Helps to curate, gather, organize, and promote educational resources from our archives, programs, and grantees.
30% Evaluation and Impact
● Generates impact reports for various stakeholders, including the Board of Directors. Attends Board/committee meetings as needed.
● Actively participates in professional development opportunities around storytelling and communications for nonprofits and the public humanities. Guides our thinking about access and equity in storytelling, including thinking about differently abled audiences and non-English languages.
Desired skills / experience:
● Experience and passion for community-building. Familiarity with languages, cultures, and histories important to this place, and a clear love and commitment to Hawai‘i nei. Friendly, enthusiastic, and able to develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse backgrounds, and drive to tell stories in an authentic and ethical way.
● Stand-out writing, editing, and communication skills. Able to express the “why” in a genuine and memorable manner, and for diverse platforms and audiences, including print and online, local and national/Pacific. Excellent proofreader.
● Experience creating or directing a clear visual aesthetic and brand kit.
● Has experience with database management.
● Experience/fluency using Google Suite, Instagram, Facebook, Wordpress (or equivalent), Later (or other social media management tool), and Mailchimp (or equivalent)
● Proven ability to think strategically, set goals, and critically evaluate progress. Innovative thinker data and impact.
● A valid driver's license is preferred.
● Interest and meaningful experience in the public humanities in Hawai‘i.
● Minimum of 3 years experience in communications work.
Other Details:
Proposed Start Date: Nov 20, 2024
Reports to: Executive Director
1.0 FTE, Exempt
Salary range: $60,000–$70,000 a year
Fringe Benefits: HIHumanities offers paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, health and dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, long-term disability and life-insurance plan.
Travel/location: Applicants must be available for office work in Honolulu, O‘ahu, some evening and weekend work, some overnight travel, travel throughout our islands.
Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. May have long periods of standing/sitting (e.g., at events).
Full COVID-19 vaccination required.
To apply, please submit a resume (with three references) and cover letter to https://www.hrsymphony.com/hrs/careers/hihumanities.
In your cover letter, please address the following:
● Why you are interested in working with Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities
● How your experience and skills meet the qualifications for the position
Application Deadline: Oct 21, 2024, or until position has been filled.
Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please learn more about us at hihumanities.org. Please direct questions about this job to Aiko Yamashiro.
