CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU
MISSION STATEMENT
Chaminade University offers its students an education in a collaborative learning environment that prepares them for life, service and successful careers. Guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, Chaminade encourages the development of moral character, personal competencies, and a commitment to build a just and peaceful society. The University offers both the civic and church communities of the Pacific region its academic and intellectual resources in the pursuit of common aims.
I. Position Information
Title: Communications Writer
Division/Office: University Communications & Marketing
Status: Full Time, 12 month
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
II. Position Summary
Chaminade University of Honolulu is seeking a talented in-house Communications Writer to join its collaborative Communications & Marketing team by writing mission-focused stories that not only inform readers but also engage audiences and reinforce what makes Chaminade distinctive among universities.
Candidates should be strong and concise writers who love to tell stories and bring a university’s mission to life through both long and short form feature articles for the biannual Chaminade Magazine, webpage campus news stories, media releases, university publications, email messages, photo captions, social media posts, and more.
The Communications Writer will help share Chaminade’s unique story — its people, programs, and impact — to targeted audiences that include students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, board members, and the community. The writer should be creative, flexible, curious, able to meet deadlines, and able to work closely with colleagues across campus to create content that is engaging, accurate, and true to the Chaminade voice.
III. Reports to
Direct Report to: Vice President for Communications and Marketing
IV. Duties and Responsibilities
Writing & Content Creation (80% of work time)
- Writes and edits a wide range of materials, including campus news stories, press releases, media advisories, web and social media content, email campaigns, newsletters, university publication articles, advancement/alumni/admission stories, speeches, video scripts, and institutional reports.
- Develops campus news stories on topics including profiles of students, faculty, alumni, and donors; Chaminade’s academic programs; awards and grants received; and other accomplishments of the University.
- Ensures all written content reflects Chaminade’s brand voice, mission, and values.
- Conducts interviews with students, faculty, alumni, and partners to gather stories by asking appropriate and relevant questions.
- Proofreads, fact-checks, and edits materials for accuracy and clarity.
- Collaborates with team members and campus partners to plan and deliver effective communication pieces, including work with graphic designers, photographers, editors, and other writers.
- Helps manage, publish, and update website content using the University’s CMS (WordPress) and LinkedIn.
- Supports content delivery through email and CRM systems, such as Salesforce or Mailchimp.
Research, Strategy & Support (20% of work time)
- Stays current on higher education trends and best practices in storytelling and communications.
- Supports the integration of social media into news and publicity efforts.
- Assists with communications during campus events or in crisis situations, when needed.
- Contributes ideas for new ways to share Chaminade’s stories and expand audience reach, including partnering with other members of the University Communications & Marketing team to share and distribute stories.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
V. Disclaimer
This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive. Details relating to both essential and non-essential functions of the job are not precise and are only an approximation, which can vary on a day-to-day basis and are subject to change on an as-needed basis and/or in the sole discretion of supervisory management.
VI. Education and Experience
Minimum Education
Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field.
Experience and Skills
- At least four years of professional writing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience at an educational institution is preferred, but not required.
- Must provide writing samples and references.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats.
- Ability to translate complex topics into clear, engaging language.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and meeting deadlines.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
- Some experience with basic CMS and email/CRM systems, and social media.
- Ability to be a self-starter while also following through with direction.
- Basic photo editing skills.
- Positive attitude, flexibility, and sound judgment.
VII. Physical Requirements
Duties involve light work in an office and community setting and requires a minimum of physical effort with intermittent sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and walking inclines. Must be able to lift 20 pounds, walk the campus with ease, and have excellent motor skills. Must have finger dexterity. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so that others will understand.
VIII. Other Requirements
- This is a full time and exempt position. Forty hours per week (M-F) will be the general rule. However, depending on project cycles and workflow demands of the department, additional hours or workday schedule changes may be occasionally required. Must be willing and able to work occasional nights and weekends and have a varying schedule when required.
- This is an in-office, in-person position on Chaminade’s Honolulu campus. The Communications Writer is a key member of a collaborative team dedicated to promoting the University’s mission and strengthening its reputation through thoughtful, inspiring communication.
- Performs such similar, comparable or related duties as may be assigned or required.
- Observes all safety and health regulations and works in accordance with safe work procedures and policies of the University. Reports unsafe acts/conditions and injuries in a timely and proper manner.
- The employee is expected to adhere to all University policies while employed. The policies can be found at https://chaminade.edu/compliance/resources/ or on the employee Share Portal.
IX. Marianist Identity/Native Hawaiian & Pacific Island Serving
An expressed willingness to respect and support the Catholic and Marianist identity of Chaminade University of Honolulu and to perform all duties in a manner consistent with Marianist educational values and mission of the University. Understanding of and respect for the University’s designation as an institution that serves students of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island ancestry.
