Director of Communications

The East-West Center (EWC) promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options. The Center’s 21-acre Honolulu campus, adjacent to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, includes conference facilities, three residence halls, and an office building that houses research, program, and administrative activities. The Center also has an office in Washington, D.C., that provides accessibility to US, regional government stakeholders, and program partners with innovative training, analytical and dialogue exchange, and public diplomacy products to meet US policy priorities and expressed needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our Communications and External Relations (CER) team is seeking an on-site Director of Communications for a limited, one-year appointment (with possibility of extension). This position oversees media relations, crisis management, publications and events, and brand campaigns that target a variety of audiences across multiple channels. The incumbent will manage a team and will work collaboratively with EWC leadership and program staff to successfully execute and deliver outcomes that support of the Center’s mission and sustainability.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Communications & External Relations Management

• Develops Center-wide communications plan that includes strategies to advance the Center’s institutional priorities and serves as an editorial and strategic advisor to the executive leadership team. Ensures all communications output remain non-partisan, reflect independent and innovative thinking, and embrace cross-disciplinary approaches and high standards of professionalism.
• Oversees the development and production of printed and online publications including its monthly newsletter, annual report, special events collateral, internal and external electronic newsletters, print and online ads. Provides technical assistance with editing, branding design, fact checking, and proofreading for a variety of content and communications as needed.
• Maintains and analyzes digital metrics such as website traffic, email open rates and social media figures, and reports performance to the leadership team in a timely manner. Collaborates with key leadership officials, experts, and staff to understand cross-departmental quantitative and qualitative goals, as well as underscore the merits of EWC programs to expand their audiences and improve performance.
• Develops and maintains a network of organizations and individuals in media and public relations who can strengthen the Center’s communication efforts and enhance both stakeholder and community engagement. Serves as the media contact with local press, media, and agency outlets as necessary to expand coverage and disseminate appropriate information.
• Serves as advisor to leadership and senior management on crisis communication strategy and messaging during urgent matters as required.
• Develops and maintains a cross-departmental communications calendar and coordinates with other programs to develop story coverage plans, including supporting visuals, interviews, and unique story angles. Coordinates interviews with students, alumni, staff, donors, and friends of the East-West Center in support of print and online content.
• Upholds best practices and ensures branding consistency across all departments and platforms.

Financial Support

• Completes assigned activities specific to finance and accounting, budgeting, procurement, and reporting to produce accurate and dependable information regarding operational expenses and identify/resolve any financial discrepancies. Investigates variances, identifies budget issues, and provides alternative solutions.
• Ensures fiscal compliance and Center policies and regulations.

Personnel Management

• Provides day-to-day leadership to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the Center’s mission, objectives, and values.
• Organizes and oversees work schedules of unit staff and manages requests for time off in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Provides technical assistance and advice to staff; inspects work in progress and upon completion.
• Establishes goals and criteria to be used in performance evaluations for unit staff. Conducts performance evaluations that are timely, constructive, transparent, and unbiased. Provides coaching and guidance for performance improvement and development.
• Coordinates with HR in executing all recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding tasks.
• Directs and oversees the training of new staff.
• Interacts effectively and diplomatically in all areas of employee relations, always projecting a
• professional image while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality. Coordinates with HR in responding to employee concerns or complaints, performance issues, and/or inappropriate behavior.
• Attends supervisor training(s) as required.

This list of major duties is not exhaustive and may be supplemented on an occasional basis in accordance with the requirements of the job.

SUPERVISION: The incumbent works under general supervision of the President. The position works independently, exercising initiative and draws upon a general understanding of the expected outcomes and the scope of the assignments. The incumbent is expected to work effectively as part of a team and handles problems and deviations as they arise in a timely and appropriate manner. Work is reviewed for technical accuracy, completeness and compliance with established/mandated policies, guidelines, and procedures.

The position directly supervises the CER team and will also assist in the general supervision of assigned volunteer staff and student assistants.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education – A post-graduate degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related study field from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired.

Experience – At least 10 years of work experience in developing and managing institutional communications for organizations providing international/intercultural programs that include programs in the field of journalism. Experience should include extensive knowledge of industry best practices for corporations, governments, and non-profit organizations, as well as an extensive network of and experience working with Hawaii-based stakeholders including foreign government representatives, state and federal representatives and officials, and local businesses. Experience should also reflect supervisory or management experience with a record of authority to make basic to complex daily decisions, perform operational and strategic planning tasks, manage finances and budgets, and work collaboratively a team/staff, as well as achievements in producing or overseeing production of policy-relevant publications, e-newsletters, and charts and graphics; and of serving as media spokesperson.

Demonstrated Ability – To plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate work involving a wide variety of tasks; to take initiative and work independently and cooperatively in following through on assignments; to make arithmetic computations and record figures accurately; to work under the pressure of deadlines and competing demands; to acquire and maintain knowledge of and appropriately apply established or mandated policies, guidelines, and procedures; to establish and maintain accurate hard and electronic files and records; to appropriately handle confidential information; to work effectively and deal pleasantly and helpfully with people of diverse cultural backgrounds; to adapt to changes and exercise initiative and good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations; to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to convey detailed information clearly and concisely both one on one and to groups; to assume responsibility for whole areas of work and to effectively gather information and materials from a variety of sources to meet requirements.

Knowledge – of office practices and procedures; correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage; print, web-based, and social media resources; e-communications, branding, and market research techniques; and using standard office machines and equipment. Proficiency with Microsoft program tools such as Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel; desktop publishing, graphic design/image editing, and web site development software; and of basic HTML knowledge and skills. In depth knowledge of major Asian, Pacific and U.S. domestic and international policy and major social issues.

Physical Requirements – Able to move equipment and supplies up to 30 pounds; Sit, walk or stand for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, operate standard office equipment, and use a phone; see and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids; read and understand rules and policies, labels, and instructions; and to hear, speak and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone.

Work Schedule – Able to work a flexible schedule, including routinely working early, evening hours, and occasionally working weekend hours when necessary. Available and able to travel domestically and internationally, as required.

Work Environment – The position generally performs tasks within a normal indoor office setting in a controlled climate. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SALARY AND BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE EAST-WEST CENTER

You will have the opportunity to join an organization that values its employees and provides a supportive work environment. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

• Competitive Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this position starts at $142,655.18 per year with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with a very generous company match, and paid time off.

• Career Growth Opportunities

We believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for career growth and development. You will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and advance your career within our organization.

• Supportive Work Environment

We believe in fostering a supportive work environment where our employees feel valued and appreciated. We encourage open communication and collaboration and provide the tools and resources our employees need to succeed.

HOW TO APPLY: If you're interested in applying for the role, submit an electronic application at APPLY FOR THIS JOB NOW so that you can be immediately considered. Here are some tips to help you prepare you for our job application process:

• Tailor Your Resume and Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant experience and skills and provide examples of how you have demonstrated leadership in your previous roles. Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and provide a clear and concise summary of your qualifications and experience. Explain why you are interested in the role and how you can contribute to our team. Our initial assessment will be based on the information you submit in your application.

• Be Prepared for the Interview

If you are invited for an interview, make sure that you are well prepared. Research our company and its role and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and qualifications.

• Provide Three Professional References (with appropriate contact information) in your Application

Ensure that your references can attest to your skills, work ethic, and integrity. What these people reveal about you — both in terms of what they do and don’t say — can make a difference in whether you’ll be hired. So, it’s extremely important that you choose wisely when deciding who to use as a reference.

The East-West Center adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and education. The Center does not discriminate in its admissions practices, in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age, sex, gender, disability and/or handicap, race (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles), creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, veteran status, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, status as a domestic violence victim, arrest status, or membership in any other class protected by state or federal laws, now or in the future, in any phase of its admissions, financial aid, educational, or in any aspect of its employment practices.