Senior Communications Specialist - Maui

BRIEF POSTING DESCRIPTION

The M NI GOVT & COMM AFFAIRS Department of the M GOVT RELATIONS Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 1 Management vacancy available (Role: Professional).

Works with management and takes lead role in helping Company prepare for and manage issues through communications planning, including technical writing and interpretation of Company issues and regulatory matters. Develops clear, concise and credible communications vital to the Company’s ongoing relationships with employees, customers, legislators, regulators and other audiences. Serves as an important communications link between Management and all other Company employees.

• Anticipates, analyzes, plans for and manages critical company issues, including extreme weather events, wildfire and other hazard mitigation, rates and bill impacts, capital projects, community concerns and other technical matters. Develops detailed understanding of political, community, media and technical issues to formulate and implement issues management strategies and contribute to company policy making. Participates on cross‑functional teams to provide communications/public relations perspectives on company projects with public/community interest.
• Develops, researches, writes and edits news releases, fact sheets, video scripts, backgrounders, newsletters, commentaries, white papers, presentations, blogs and other communication tools for external and internal communications. Creates and/or edits content for digital platforms, including websites, email and social media. Develops detailed plans for, responds to, and prepares others for media inquiries and interviews. Serves as a company spokesperson as directed.
• Coordinates and performs other communications activities including:
  • Providing a full range of internal and external communications and consultative services to other departments, including Customer Service and Government and Community Relations.
  • Preparing speeches and other communication materials for subject matter experts.
  • Delivering presentations on company issues to external audiences.
  • Responding to inquiries from the news media and general public.
  • Writing reports and testimony on complex and technical issues under review by County, State and Federal legislative bodies.
  • Providing content for advertising and promotional materials.
• Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including preparation of disaster preparedness materials and communication plans, and participation in exercises.

• Working knowledge of communications, journalism, public relations, or closely related discipline, normally acquired through college level coursework or equivalent professional experience.
• Expert knowledge of issues facing Company and industry.
• Expert knowledge of Company operations; working understanding of utility industry operations; working familiarity with varying communities the Company serves.
• Expert knowledge in communications/information dissemination techniques; working understanding of how different audiences use different media channels.
• Expert knowledge of local news media structures, personnel and protocols.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, economic, business and political climates.
• Working knowledge of print production, including layout and design principles and techniques.
• Working knowledge of digital platforms and channels, including social media.
• Technical knowledge of utility rate making, financial disclosure and regulatory concepts and process.
• Working knowledge of finance and accounting concepts.
• Technical knowledge of communications technology, including working knowledge of computers and related software applications.
• Basic knowledge of and ability to apply good photographic techniques.

• Excellent writing skills. Ability to write quickly, clearly, concisely and accurately, delivering content that can be publicly disseminated with minimal editing.
• Ability to handle difficult and/or sensitive issues while using tact, courtesy and discretion. Demonstrates interpersonal and political savvy to navigate through internal and external organizational networks.
• Ability to formulate and articulate strategic communications recommendations to senior management.
• Excellent oral, facilitation and presentation skills, including ability to think on one’s feet and respond to media and customer inquiries in clear, credible and concise terms.
• Ability to conceptualize new ideas quickly.
• Ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment, adapt to rapidly changing priorities and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to translate complex issues into accurate terms which can be used by senior management and be understood by a broad range of audiences.
• Analytical and conceptual skills to assess issues, to recommend proper actions and to coordinate/follow through on implementation of details.
• Demonstrates strong initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong…