Program Director, Campus Communications

Kamehameha Schools•Diamondhead, MS

9d•$119,100 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

Kamehameha Schools Kapālama is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven communications leader to serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to campus leadership. This role is ideal for a collaborative professional who excels at building partnerships, engaging diverse stakeholders, and translating vision into meaningful action and communication. Serving as a key liaison among students, families, alumni, community leaders, and educational partners across Hawaiʻi, this individual will strengthen relationships, foster engagement, and help tell the story of where we are and where we are going. The successful candidate brings strong diplomacy, sound judgment, and the ability to build bridges across organizational and community boundaries while supporting leaders through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and narrative development. Success in this role requires an ability to build trust across diverse communities, navigate complex relationships with authenticity and care, and demonstrate sensitivity to the unique cultural and community context in which Kamehameha Schools serves. If you are passionate about community engagement, strategic communications, and creating meaningful connections that advance the mission of Kamehameha Schools, we encourage you to apply!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Mass Media, Marketing, Public Relations, or closely related field.
Minimum of 10 years of communications related program management experience.
Valid Driver's License
Familiarity with Hawaiian cultural protocol
Excellent leadership and managerial skills which include consistency, fairness, a positive attitude, and enthusiasm.
Excellent organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
Demonstrated competency in verbal and written communication, with broad and diverse groups including Trustees and senior staff, peers and subordinates, beneficiaries, faculty, students, alumni, government officials and the Hawaiian community at large.
Strategic acumen – the ability to see the big picture, counsel and connect dots for leadership. Strong understanding of how communications drives culture, support our values and shapes the experience of our stakeholders.
Ability to craft messages that allow campus leaders to be effective storytellers to internal and external stakeholders that proactively align people around our vision, mission and strategy.
Strong interpersonal skills that enable the development of trust and cooperation among management, staff, and outside groups.
Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced, demanding and dynamic work environment including the willingness to work flexible hours, events and weekends.
Knowledge, understanding and experience with Hawaiian communities, and with issues relevant to KS and the Hawaiian culture.
Ability to maintain composure during difficult conversations and situations in the community.
Ability to work with confidential material and subjects.
Ability to speak publicly with confidence, including presenting material to inform and influence.
Knowledge of how to utilize social media and other platforms as communication vehicles.
In-depth knowledge of the communities served by the campus.
Strong knowledge of office software technology (e.g. Microsoft Suite).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business, Communications, Journalism or Marketing.
Minimum 5 years as a Manager or Director.
Knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian history and culture as appropriate for education and corporate settings.
Familiarity with KS organization, operations and matters.
Previous experience facilitating communications training programs, such as presentation or spokesperson training.
Previous experience in a school environment and familiarity with the culture of education

Responsibilities

Develops, manages, and implements the overall campus communication strategy.
Develops, manages and delivers all executive thought leader platforms and strategic communications via relevant messaging that promotes clarity, confidence and a connection to the campus brand, overall strategy and campus/organizational culture.
Develops, manages, and implements a complex multi-faceted and adaptable communication campaign that will build a positive image and brand for the campus, as well as the overall reputation of Kamehameha Schools.
Clearly articulates complex issues and formulates recommendations that support our communication strategy and are appropriate for various audiences across all stakeholder groups.
Serves as a strategic thought partner to the Poʻo Kula and campus leadership on communications strategy, including messaging, positioning, stakeholder influence, and optimal timing, forums, and content for key communications. Deliverables may include but are not limited to written communication, speeches, columns, and town hall meetings.
Coaches and develops campus leadership team members in the delivery of strategic messaging to internal and/or external audiences.
Measures and evaluates the impact of communication efforts, gathers, analyzes and uses stakeholder feedback and other data to drive communications planning.
Develops effective internal change management communications strategies.
Advocates for the resources and support needed to continuously build the campus brand and image. Works in collaboration with the enterprise wide Communications Group to secure resources, both internal and external as necessary to execute campus communication plans at a high level and to manage those resources effectively.
Collaborates closely with the enterprise Communications Group to drive creative strategies and plans to leverage executives, staff, students, and others to leadership’s story.
Works with the enterprise Communications Group to ensure each story or inquiry is responded to by the appropriate person within or outside of the organization.
Manages the campus website and social media platforms to ensure accuracy and relevancy and manages other media relationships within the overall KS policies and procedures.
Works collaboratively on integrated strategies, organization-wide campaigns, externally facing issues, and other strategic communications opportunities, including collaboration around campus specific issues that could potentially impact the overall KS enterprise.
Ensure campus communication campaigns align with and support the Kamehameha Schools organizational communication strategy.
Engages the community in a variety of collaborations to promote ongoing understanding and support for campus initiatives and goals and ensuring that the campus is in turn supporting the community; to build pilina and trust among stakeholders critical to the achievement of campus, tri-campus, or enterprise wide goals.
Cultivates and nurtures community relationships to build, grow and support new and ongoing partnerships in a variety of campus programs such as the Honolulu Region, Statewide Regional Coordinators and the alumni association.
Provides counsel and advice to leadership and staff to include risk management solutions and cultural expertise.