The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi (“ACLU-HI”) works to dismantle systemic injustice and protect the civil liberties of all through legal, political, and education efforts. We are hiring for a creative, collaborative, accomplished, and strategic leader to serve as Communications Director .
Do not pass up this chance, apply quickly if your experience and skills match what is in the following description.
How to Apply
- Email these materials to jill@alakaisearch.com. Include “ Communications Director Application ” in the subject line and how you heard about the position in the email’s body.
- Cover Letter (maximum : 2 pages)
- Resume or CV (maximum : 5 pages, inclusive of a publication list)
- Three References (at least two must be supervisors)
- Sample Portfolio (maximum : 3 pieces of communications work product)
Position Overview
Title : Communications Director
Location : Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Deadline to Apply : January 31, 2025; applications accepted until the role is filled
Supervision : Reports to the Executive Director
Classification : Full-time, Exempt
Salary : $105,000 USD
Essential Job Functions
LeadershipEngage in communications planning and strategy with the Senior Leadership TeamDevelop, review, update, and assess the impact of ACLU-HI’s communications planManage and mentor communications team members; quality-control their workBuild public speaking points for Executive, Legal, Policy, and Development DirectorsEfficiently coordinate timing of communications initiatives across departmentsEnsure all ACLU-HI content is of excellent quality, on-brand, and consistent in styleHelp draft affiliate-wide policies and practices that leverage our integrated advocacy modelIssue timely reports to the Board of Directors, staff, funders, and other stakeholdersManage and respond to inquiries from ACLU-HI public-facing email account and office lineFulfill other duties as assigned by the Executive Director within a reasonable timeframePress RelationsActively maintain, periodically cleanse, and grow the ACLU-HI media contact listOversee media relations activities by coordinating responses to media inquiries, drafting press releases for all departments, pitching stories, and coordinating press conferencesLead content creation to advance political, advocacy, litigation, and development goalsStrategically raise the visibility of the ACLU-HI through national and local media outletsRespond to public relations crises that may negatively impact the ACLU-HI imageTrain staff on delivering messages; adequately prepare them before speaking to the pressDigital MediaWillingly learn to efficiently use ACLU-HI social media, digital mailing, and website toolsDevelop and drive an online strategy to exponentially enhance our social media presenceUse digital assets to influence conversation on ACLU-HI issues to achieve ACLU-HI goalsCritically edit, fine-tune, and keep up to date all ACLU-HI social media and website contentConvert Senior Leadership content into digital pamphlets, graphics, and presentationsOther Job Functions
Set and manage short and long-term goals for achieving communications milestonesVolunteer as a thought-partner with colleagues within the ACLU National networkParticipate in partnership and coalition-building events on behalf of ACLU-HIServe as a spokesperson for the ACLU-HI at public functions and speaking engagementsEnhance the social media presence of the ACLU-HI Executive Director & Board MembersIdentify opportunities and partnerships internally and externally to advance our goalsMobilize supporters to act and join ACLU-HI as cardholding members and volunteersShare with the Development Director avenues to increase visibility of philanthropic effortsStrengthen the ACLU-HI brand and deepen public understanding of our mission and workThink creatively, ambitiously, and openly about how our organization can better integrate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into our day-to-day communications operationsHelp set and achieve EDIB goals and ensure EDIB is centered in our communicationsRequired Qualifications
Exceptional written and spoken communication skills, as well as proofreading skillsMinimum of 8 years of work experience to demonstrate Director-level professionalismMinimum of 5 years of experience in the communications field with strong skills in developing and implementing strategic and advocacy-based communicationsDemonstrated ability to craft messages and produce clear, concise, and compelling communications materials that tackle complex issues for a wide variety of audiencesPrior management experience with demonstrated ability to establish priorities and allocate staff time and resources effectively and work across departments to support other teamsStrong interpersonal skills and a management approach that is positive and collaborative, driven by values, accountability, teamwork, and creativity; ability to manage stressAbility to anticipate needs and plan accordingly, problem-solve, coordinate complex activities, communicate concisely, prioritize multiple demands, and meet deadlinesDemonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and to work independently with the self-motivation to produce timely and excellent work, with no clerical errorsWillingness to constantly learn and adapt to using new technologies and digital toolsCommitment to equity and inclusion and working with people of diverse backgroundsAdditional Qualifications
Working knowledge of Hawaii’s political, social, and cultural landscapesDemonstrated commitment to civil rights, civil liberties, and the ACLU-HI missionFamiliarity with media outreach and the news industry overall, preferably in Hawai‘iDemonstrated commitment to working with diverse communities and coalitionsExperience with using and managing websites, social media, and emerging media platforms; understanding communications technology trends and data analysesExperience in marketing, and / or experience in public relations crisis managementExperience managing and executing work across several communications channelsAwareness of one’s cultural identity; ability to accept people with varying cultural normsUnderstanding of racial justice and the need to confront institutional racism and inequityWorking Conditions
Exempt employees should generally be available Monday-Friday, 8 : 30 a.m. to 5 : 30 p.m, with a minimum of three days a week in-office and the option to work two days per week remotely.The following physical demands and work environment conditions represent those required and encountered by an employee to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions :Input information into a computer for long periods of time
Periodically work extended hours, including on evenings, weekends, and holidaysTravel across the state of Hawaiʻi as neededBenefits
Staff receive 14 days off for holidays, 5 floating holidays per calendar year, 18 paid-time-off days their first year; 24 days their second and third year; and 30 days in their fourth year and beyond. After year four, employees qualify for paid sabbatical leave.100% paid employer-provided health insurance (medical, dental, and vision); life insurance; long-term disability; and defined contribution plan with employer match.16-weeks of paid time-off per eligibility year to care for a newborn child, adopted child, or parent with medical needs, as defined by the relevant policy.Budget permitting, the Director will receive two paid opportunities to travel outside of Hawai‘i for approved professional development convenings, twice per fiscal year.ACLU-HI undertakes inclusive strategies in its recruitment efforts to assure persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact hr@acluhawaii.org.
The ACLU of Hawai‘i is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. It is our policy to employ qualified people without regard to : ethnicity; race; color; religion; sex; national origin; age; ancestry; disability; sexual orientation; veteran’s status; marital status; civil union status; arrest or court record; citizenship; credit history; genetic information; gender identity or expression; status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking; or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.
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Salary : $105,000
