Strategic Communications Specialist

Honolulu, HI (Remote)

HCF’s Collaboration Philosophy At the Hawai’i Community Foundation (HCF), we believe that an organization’s team as a “whole is greater than the sum of its parts” (Aristotle). To us, this means that we are committed to be a collaborative ‘ohana (family) that lives and actionizes our mission, respects and cares for each other, and innovates and learns together. We understand that we must rely upon all of our individual strengths as we partner to provide excellent value and achieve effective results for our generous donors, community partners, and all of Hawai‘i’s people. We are looking forward to enhancing our team with the addition of a Strategic Communications Specialist. Position Summary Like all HCF team members and volunteers, the Communications Specialist exudes the heart and passion for HCF’s mission: to inspire the spirit of giving and invest in people and solutions to benefit our community. The Communications Specialist is a digital native who lives and breathes social media and online culture, someone who instinctively understands how digital communities form, engage, and grow. This role brings a sharp eye for emerging trends across social platforms and the strategic acumen to translate those insights into corporate communications that keep HCF’s content relevant, timely, and brand-aligned. Beyond trend awareness, this person is a skilled community strategist, understanding not just what to post, but how to build meaningful audience relationships through intentional digital storytelling. They bridge the gap between the fast-moving world of digital communication and the thoughtful, mission-driven voice HCF represents. Day-to-day, the Specialist supports organizational visibility and community engagement by helping plan, execute, and evaluate daily communications initiatives; develops and schedules social media content; supports email marketing campaigns; and assists with event planning and promotion. They collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to produce clear, consistent content that deepens community engagement and strengthens program visibility. Essential Position Responsibilities Key responsibilities fall within the following areas of focus. Strengthen the Organizational Communications Capacity and Internal Support The Specialist works closely with internal teams and external partners to produce clear, consistent, and mission aligned content that strengthens engagement and program visibility. * Lead project management for communications initiatives and campaigns, coordinating across internal and external partners to ensure timely delivery, clear accountability, and alignment with organizational goals. * Draft, publish, and analyze social media content across organizational platforms, leveraging a deep understanding of platform trends, audience behavior, and digital culture to keep content relevant, engaging, and brand aligned. * Create day-to-day digital content for social and web platforms, in partnership with internal and external partners, that authentically reflect the organization’s voice and mission. * Monitor digital channels for responsiveness and community engagement, applying an instinctive understanding of how online communities form and interact to build meaningful audience relationships and inform content strategy. * Lead the development and distribution of newsletters, email campaigns, and website updates, including drafting copy, coordinating approvals, managing distribution lists, and ensuring consistent messaging and branding across communications. * Own routine website maintenance to ensure content remains current, accurate, and aligned with organizational priorities. Proactively coordinate with relevant staff to identify and fulfill content needs across digital platforms. * Track key metrics across social media, email, and digital channels. Compile and prepare regular performance reports with insights that inform strategy and demonstrate communications impact to stakeholders. * Lead planning and logistics for organizational events, including developing timelines, coordinating communications, and managing promotional materials across digital and print channels. Assist with on-site coordination and post-event communications as needed * Translate emerging social media and digital communications trends into actionable recommendations that keep HCF’s content strategy timely, competitive, and mission-driven. * Coordinate with internal teams and partners as needed * Motivate top performance and accountability through shared, and clear communication of goals and objectives. Other Responsibilities * Expand skills and knowledge of the communications and philanthropic sector by attending relevant meetings, workshops and seminars, and conferences. * Serve as a knowledgeable and collaborative representative of HCF in the community. * Partner collaboratively with other staff members to ensure effective outcomes and mission-driven team culture. * Perform other tasks as assigned. Position Requirements HCF believes in ensuring that our team members are capable of thriving in their positions. Accordingly, the Strategic Communications Specialist must possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education: REQUIRED * Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field. * 3-5 years of relevant experience. * Strong writing, editing, and narrative development skills. * Familiarity with social media management and analytics tools. * Ability to manage time effectively meeting multiple deadlines and produce polished work with attention to detail and accuracy. * Highly proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word, Internet research, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Photoshop, and PowerPoint * Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with varied constituents including government officials, business and nonprofit leaders, and donors. * Ability to be extremely discrete in working with or having knowledge of sensitive or confidential information related to client and donor information, relationships, and funds. Alignment to culture and values * Thorough knowledge, sensitivity, and understanding of the history and complexities of Hawai‘i’s multicultural community as well as current events and social issues. * Demonstrated passion for the betterment of Hawai‘i and its people. * Capable of thriving in a highly collaborative and flexible organization with an appreciation and respect for colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives and an enthusiasm to continually shift and evolve to meet the needs of the community, clients, and donors. Work Environment, Physical, and Mental Demands * Works under regular in-office conditions with the ability to work remotely. * General office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Required to travel as needed. * Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines often in tight time frames. * Ability to operate general office equipment including computer, copier, printers, fax machine, etc. * Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, up to 25 lbs. of general office material or equipment. This provides a general description of the common duties performed by a person in this position. It does not include every possible duty an individual in this position may be asked to perform and is not all-encompassing. Positions also may require “other duties as assigned” and such assignments are considered part of this position’s assignment. This job description is provided as a general summary and does not constitute a contract for employment and does not in any way alter Hawai`i Community Foundation’s employment “at-will” relationship with any employee in this position.