Director of communications

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is seeking a director of communications to advance its mission through internal and external communications, including community outreach, marketing, media relations and publications. This position reports to the chief executive officer or a designated executive.

• Develop and implement communications and marketing strategies that advance Grassroot’s mission, demonstrate the value of its work, support its growth, strengthen community engagement and attract new followers and supporters.
• Cultivate, promote and safeguard Grassroot’s unique brand and serve as a spokesperson for the organization.
• Track and evaluate all communications activities for internal and external reporting.

• Direct Grassroot’s media relations strategy, maintain and grow connections with local journalists and increase national publication distribution.
• Draft commentaries and secure their placement in respected print, broadcast and online media.
• Drive print, broadcast and online coverage of Grassroot’s activities and continually identify new opportunities to increase media exposure.
• Write and distribute news releases and staff statements.

• Manage the staff who produce Grassroot’s communication products, including social media posts, advertising materials, fundraising content, newsletters and supporter surveys.
• Oversee updates to Grassroot’s websites and marketing materials.

• Build and maintain relationships with supporters and partner organizations.
• Represent Grassroot at speaking engagements and at state and national conferences, as needed.
• Participate in staff calls and leadership team meetings.
• Perform other duties as needed to fulfill the mission of the organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism or marketing, including experience managing staff, contractors or vendors.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with working knowledge of AP style.
• Proven media relations experience, including pitching stories and placing commentary in print, broadcast and online outlets; existing relationships with Hawaii media are a strong plus.
• Comfortable serving as an on-the-record spokesperson in interviews and at public events.
• Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, persuasive language for general audiences.
• Experience running targeted communications campaigns and using analytics to evaluate and improve them; familiarity with email marketing platforms, content management systems and customer relationship management software preferred.
• Commitment to Grassroot’s mission of advancing individual liberty, economic freedom and accountable government.
• Ability to reliably commute to Grassroot’s main office in downtown Honolulu.

This position is available on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Full-time employment includes:

• An annual salary of $85,000 to $110,000, reflective of experience.
• A comprehensive employee benefits program, including full medical, dental and vision coverage.
• A retirement plan with a 3% employer match, available after two years of consecutive employment and subject to the plan’s terms and revisions.
• Thirteen working days of paid time off per year. PTO is not available and does not accrue during the first six consecutive months of employment and cannot be carried into following years.
• Paid federal and select state holidays including Christmas and the day after Thanksgiving.

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational institute devoted to advancing human flourishing through individual liberty, economic freedom and limited, accountable government.

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be changed or assigned at any time without notice.