HTA Public Affairs Officer

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The HTA Public Affairs Officer (PAO) is responsible for anticipating, gathering, analyzing, and interpreting opinions, attitudes, and issues that may impact the HTA and its mission.

The PAO works with the HTA Board of Directors (“Board”), executives, and staff:

· Formulate and disseminate information, statements, and other communications to HTA stakeholders and the general public about how HTA activities will impact the community.

· Coordinate and manage HTA’s responses to events as they occur.

· Responsible for HTA’s government relations, media communications, issue management, corporate and social responsibility programs, information dissemination, and strategic communications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge:

· Working and/or applied knowledge of the Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian history, Hawaiian communities; Hawaii’s multicultural communities; social, economic, and cultural aspects of Hawaii’s visitor industry; and knowledge and application of culturally sensitive issues as they relate to the tourism industry and Hawai‘i.

· Working knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of public relations, community engagement, public policy, government relations, communications, and journalism.

· Work experience should demonstrate experience in research, analysis, writing, communications, community engagement, and government affairs.

Skills/Abilities:

· Ability to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) with groups and individuals, including community representatives, government and elected officials, cultural practitioners, experts, visitor industry and other business representatives, media, and the general public. Must be able to write and edit press releases, announcements, advertisements, articles, scripts, reports, proceedings, speeches, and similar materials.

· Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, elected and government officials, industry groups, and press and media outlets.

· Ability to do strategic planning, project management, performance-based contracting, and public speaking.

· Ability to identify, analyze, and respond to issues and long-term trends related to the tourism industry and its relationship to Hawai‘i’s diverse communities, the Hawaiian community, conservation and natural resource management, and tourism-related industries, as necessary.

· Ability to maintain a multi-task-oriented workload and work effectively in crisis situations.

· Ability to communicate and deal tactfully with coworkers and others. Must possess the ability to recognize communication problems within the staff organizational structure.

· Must be conversant with the digital age and use of new communication media in the gathering and dissemination of information. Must be able to evaluate different communication vehicles for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

· Must be able to work as a team member with other HTA executives and staff.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public policy, business administration, or a related field. The HTA CEO may allow substitution of experience for education.

Experience:

Seven years of progressively responsible, professional work experience in communications, public relations, public policy, business administration, government relations, or a related field. Extensive work in Hawai‘i preferred. Must have proven experience in project management and coordination. The HTA CEO may allow substitution for education for experience.

Required Licenses, Certificates, etc.:

Valid and Current Hawai‘i Driver’s License

CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025

Cover Letter and Resume Accepted by Email to: HR@gohta.net

No phone calls.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person