Public Relations Strategist

Overview

Na Ali'i is seeking a highly experienced Public Relations Strategist to lead organizational initiatives that will enhance our relationships with different audiences while supporting our overall business strategy. Through the development of robust plans that identify key messages, determination of optimal channels and tactics to reach intended parties, and creation of artful communications that are persuasive and effective, this position plays an essential role in helping Nakupuna build and maintain trust with a diverse set of stakeholders, including federal employees and officials who oversee the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development program; non-profit partners and other community beneficiaries of the Nakupuna Foundation in the State of Hawaiʻi and elsewhere; the Nakupuna Companies’ government clients; the Native Hawaiian community; industry peers; and Nakupuna employees.

As an enterprise with more than 1,100 employees and growing, the Nakupuna Foundation and Nakupuna Companies require a skillful communicator who can ensure there is a strong, authentic organizational voice present across a portfolio of communications platforms. This position requires an analytical approach to challenges, creativity to ideate solutions, critical thinking to evaluate options, and commitment to deliver attractive and elegant results.

Responsibilities

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign additional duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Lead the development of long-term plans to achieve organizational goals through an effective and comprehensive communications strategy for the Nakupuna Companies and Nakupuna Foundation
• Supervise a small collaborative team that works across departments to create content such as press releases, talking points, newsletters, social media posts, websites, marketing materials, and other communications aligned with strategic objectives to reach appropriate audiences
• Ensure communications reinforce Nakupuna’s brand and are consistent and appropriate in their delivery, distribution, and content. Work closely with other Nakupuna departments to maximize effectiveness and achieve intended outcomes
• Develop a “playbook” to outline strategies to manage and mitigate the impact of potential events that could impact Nakupuna’s relationships with different stakeholder groups
• Build and maintain relationships with media professionals to increase understanding of the 8(a) Business Development Program’s impacts and the positive contributions of Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) participants, including Nakupuna
• Track media coverage and public opinion trends that can inform Nakupuna’s external communications
• Oversee and manage any PR or communications projects or services that are executed in partnership with an outside firm
• Identify and recommend opportunities to increase awareness of Nakupuna, its partners, and the NHO 8(a) program based on awareness of government contracting industry events, community activities, Congressional schedules, or other relevant events
• Lead or support the design, planning, and execution of public or internal events and gatherings as it pertains to advancing Nakupuna’s communications strategy. Attend approved events as a representative of Nakupuna
• Conduct communications research initiatives to regularly assess the efficacy of communication campaigns, analyze data, and recommend updates and changes as directed or needed
• Collaborate with designers and end-users on policy or guidance for the use of standardized materials like Nakupuna brand and style guidelines. Assist with template maintenance and accessibility organization of corporate photos and images, etc. and manage the associated digital content libraries on Sharepoint
• Ensure marketing and other materials for external stakeholders are regularly audited and updated
• Leverage and adapt research, available tools, and existing assets for new platforms, campaigns, and audiences
  
  

Qualifications

Skills/Qualifications:

This position works with multidisciplinary teams, subject matter experts, Nakupuna Foundation partners, and Nakupuna Companies stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. To effectively perform this function, the following are required:

• Superior written and oral communication skills and comfort adapting styles for government audiences, employees, partners, and the general public.
• Knowledge and ability to develop complex, multi-year communications strategies and manage its execution in coordination and collaboration with internal teams.
• Knowledge of the most frequently used communication platforms, best practices, and creative standards, as well as direct experience using common industry communications and marketing tools.
• Agility in adapting plans to address emergent needs based on analysis of alternatives, costs and benefits, and time sensitivity.
• Strong team and relationship building skills to motivate and generate progress towards joint outcomes.
• Proven success in working in a fast-paced setting under tight deadlines, with strong project and time management skills.
• Experience working with large coalitions and partner organizations.
• Strong organizational skills to keep Nakupuna executives and senior leadership informed, prepared, and ready to engage in a thoughtful and timely fashion.
• Ability to utilize data and tools for planning, analysis, and performance of duties.
• Thought leadership and willingness to explore options that are creative, interesting, and a good fit for the organizational culture.
• Experience or familiarity with integrating ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi into communications is preferred.
  
  

Education and Experience: This position requires a master’s degree from an accredited institution as well as at least 10 years of professional experience performing multi-disciplinary PR/communication functions, such as (but not limited to) creative content development; issue/crises management; media relations; strategy development; customer surveys; social media management; and marketing.

Preferred Experience: Majority of professional experience in Hawaiʻi-based communications OR in the federal government contracting industry; individuals with significant experience in either area are encouraged to apply.

Clearance: This position does not require a security clearance. Must be U.S. citizen.

Physical Requirements:

The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation :

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.
  
  

The Nakupuna Companies are dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment while providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require special assistance or accommodations during your job application process, please contact recruiting@nakupuna.com .

The Nakupuna Companies use a market-based compensation strategy to ensure that our employees are compensated within applicable market ranges commensurate with multiple factors, including but not limited to the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, and position location. The projected compensation range for this position is $125,00.00 to $150,000.00 (annualized USD). The good faith salary range displayed represents the position at time of posting and is just one component of Nakupuna Companies total compensation package for employees.