Community Relations Specialist - Oahu

Community Relations Specialist

Location: Honolulu – Oahu

Posting Status: This position will remain open until filled. Early applications are highly encouraged.

• Develop and implement strategic community relations and communications plans that advance company goals and facilitate acceptance of initiatives.
• Serve as the company’s liaison with customers and community stakeholders for major and minor capital projects, providing guidance, strategy, and presentation support.
• Collaborate with Government Relations on issues discussed with public and elected officials, conducting research and coordinating communication efforts.
• Inform and educate management and employees about community concerns that may impact operations, monitor sentiment through newsletters and other communications.
• Provide cultural support for projects in culturally sensitive areas, ensuring compliance with historic preservation issues and cultural protocols.
• Participate in company emergency response activities as assigned.

Knowledge Requirements

• Working knowledge of key community organizations and general business.
• Understanding of federal, state, economic, business, and political climates.
• Knowledge of communications and information dissemination techniques.
• Understanding of how people communicate, listen, learn, and react.
• Proficiency with personal computers and common software applications (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing).
• Knowledge of budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Expert knowledge of company operations and utility industry basics; familiarity with diverse communities served by the company.
• Sound understanding of individual, group, and organizational behavior.

Skills Requirements

The role requires high-level people and business skills, organization, and communication competence.

• People Skills
• Leadership and ability to work with diverse individuals in sensitive, difficult, or confrontational situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and persuade various groups.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with community and government personnel.
• Capacity to work independently, remain flexible, handle multiple tasks, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Team collaboration and ability to represent the company’s position consistently in the community.
• Proven ability to build respect and credibility in community settings.
• Business Skills
• Understanding of the value of community relations to organizational success.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and facilitation abilities, including rapid-response to media and inquiries.
• Analytical skills to assess issues and recommend actions, coordinating implementation details.
• Ability to simplify complex financial, statistical, and technical information for broad audiences.
• Availability for flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
• Reputation for personal credibility and adherence to high ethical standards.

• Multiple years (5-7) of active community relations, public affairs, or problem-resolution experience; or extensive (8+ years) of community volunteer experience (desired).
• Several years (5+) of company service (desirable).
• Experience providing testimony and handling questions at public hearings and community meetings.
• Positive background and work history reflecting success in relevant community contexts (desirable).

Role: Professional

Number of Vacancies: 1

Hiring Range: $89,100.00 – $ (aligned with skills and qualifications)

Hawaiian Electric Companies is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We comply with all applicable laws, including Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any request for reasonable accommodation during the application process should be communicated to the HR Service Center at .