Senior Communications Specialist - Maui

hawaiianel

About The Position

We recognize our competitive advantage -- our people. We believe in our people, who share our vision of meeting the needs of our employees, customers, and communities and who carry out the continued success of the company. Our employees are committed to the company's foundational values: integrity, excellence, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community commitment. In turn, we invest in our employees, providing opportunities for challenge and advancement and offering a competitive compensation package. The M NI GOVT & COMM AFFAIRS Department of the M GOVT RELATIONS Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 1 Management vacancy available. (Role: Professional) JOB FUNCTION: Works with management and takes lead role in helping Company prepare for and manage issues through communications planning including technical writing and interpretation of Company issues and regulatory matters. Develops clear, concise and credible communications vital to the Company’s ongoing relationships with its employees, customers, legislators, regulators and other audiences. Serves as an important communications link between Management and all other Company employees.

Requirements

Working knowledge of communications, journalism, public relations, or closely related discipline, normally acquired through college level coursework or equivalent professional experience.
Expert knowledge of issues facing Company and industry.
Expert knowledge of Company operations; working understanding of utility industry operations; working familiarity with varying communities the Company serves.
Expert knowledge in communications/information dissemination techniques; working understanding of how different audiences use different media channels.
Expert knowledge of local news media structures, personnel and protocols.
Working knowledge of federal, state, economic, business and political climates.
Working knowledge of print production, including layout and design principles and techniques.
Working knowledge of digital platforms and channels, including social media.
Technical knowledge of utility ratemaking, financial disclosure and regulatory concepts and process.
Working knowledge of finance and accounting concepts.
Technical knowledge of communications technology, including working knowledge of computers and related software applications.
Basic knowledge of and ability to apply good photographic techniques.
Excellent writing skills. Ability to write quickly, clearly, concisely and accurately, delivering content that can be publicly disseminated with minimal editing.
Ability to handle difficult and/or sensitive issues while using tact, courtesy and discretion. Demonstrates interpersonal and political savvy to navigate through internal and external organizational networks.
Ability to formulate and articulate strategic communications recommendations to senior management.
Excellent oral, facilitation and presentation skills, including ability to think on one’s feet and respond to media and customer inquiries in clear, credible and concise terms.
Ability to conceptualize new ideas quickly.
Ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment, adapt to rapidly changing priorities and to meet deadlines.
Ability to translate complex issues into accurate terms which can be used by senior management and be understood by a broad range of audiences.
Analytical and conceptual skills to assess issues, to recommend proper actions and to coordinate/follow through on implementation of details.
Demonstrates strong initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Strong organizational and project management skills to handle many concurrent projects and programs.
Ability to work well with people at all levels and from diverse departments in the company. Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.
Ability to take financial, statistical and other highly technical information and accurately simplify for broad consumption.
Ability to give work direction and manage department personnel when required.
7+ years of related business experience, preferably in corporate communications or as a public relations consultant, or professional journalist with an emphasis on experience in writing and issues analysis and management, including management of issues in politically sensitive environments or complex organizations. Experience with digital media required.

Responsibilities

Anticipates, analyzes, plans for and manages critical company issues, including action and adaptation for extreme weather events, wildfire and other hazard mitigation efforts, rates and bill impacts, capital projects, community concerns and other technical matters.
Develops detailed understanding of political, community, media and technical issues to formulate and implement issues management strategies and contribute to company policymaking.
Participates on various cross-functional teams to provide communications/public relations perspectives on company projects with public/community interest.
Develops, researches, writes and edits news releases, fact sheets, video scripts, backgrounders, newsletters, commentaries, white papers, presentations, blogs and other communication tools for external and internal communications.
Creates and/or edits content for digital platforms, including websites, email and social media.
Develops detailed plans for, responds to, and prepares others for media inquiries and interviews.
Serves as a company spokesperson as directed.
Providing a full range of internal and external communications and consultative services to other departments, including Customer Service and Government and Community Relations.
Preparing speeches and other communication materials for subject matter experts.
Delivering presentations on company issues to external audiences.
Responding to inquiries from the news media and general public.
Writing reports and testimony on complex and technical issues under review by County, State and Federal legislative bodies.
Providing content for advertising and promotional materials.
Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response, including development and updating of disaster preparedness materials and communications plans and participation in exercises.