Job Posting Title
Program Director, Campus Communications
Employee Type
Regular
Recruiting Start Date
07-21-2026
Job Exempt?
Yes
Recruiting End Date
Open Until Filled
Aloha mai! Mahalo for your interest in Kamehameha Schools. If you are looking for an opportunity to utilize your skills and talents and grow in your profession, while serving and strengthening our Native Hawaiian community, we would love to have you join our ʻohana!
Kamehameha Schools Kapālama is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven communications leader to serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to campus leadership. This role is ideal for a collaborative professional who excels at building partnerships, engaging diverse stakeholders, and translating vision into meaningful action and communication. Serving as a key liaison among students, families, alumni, community leaders, and educational partners across Hawai ʻ i, this individual will strengthen relationships, foster engagement, and help tell the story of where we are and where we are going. The successful candidate brings strong diplomacy, sound judgment, and the ability to build bridges across organizational and community boundaries while supporting leaders through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and narrative development. Success in this role requires an ability to build trust across diverse communities, navigate complex relationships with authenticity and care, and demonstrate sensitivity to the unique cultural and community context in which Kamehameha Schools serves. If you are passionate about community engagement, strategic communications, and creating meaningful connections that advance the mission of Kamehameha Schools, we encourage you to apply!
Job Summary
Leads the overall campus communication strategy and communications plan to develop/maintain the image and brand of Kamehameha Schools (KS). Provides strategic direction and oversight for internal and external facing strategic communications in partnership with other campus leaders to continually improve communications and relationships with key stakeholders. Works in collaboration with the enterprise-wide Communications Group in the coordination of overall KS brand messaging and campus issues that could have enterprise-wide impact. Advises the Po'o Kula (Head of School) and other senior campus leaders on strategic communications matters.
Essential Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
Develops, manages, and implements the overall campus communication strategy.
Develops, manages and delivers all executive thought leader platforms and strategic communications via relevant messaging that promotes clarity, confidence and a connection to the campus brand, overall strategy and campus/organizational culture.
Develops, manages, and implements a complex multi-faceted and adaptable communication campaign that will build a positive image and brand for the campus, as well as the overall reputation of Kamehameha Schools .
Clearly articulates complex issues and formulates recommendations that support our communication strategy and are appropriate for various audiences across all stakeholder groups.
Serves as a strategic thought partner to the Poʻo Kula and campus leadership on communications strategy, including messaging, positioning, stakeholder influence, and optimal timing, forums, and content for key communications. Deliverables may include but are not limited to written communication, speeches, columns, and town hall meetings.
Coaches and develops campus leadership team members in the delivery of strategic messaging to internal and/or external audiences.
Measures and evaluates the impact of communication efforts, gathers, analyzes and uses stakeholder feedback and other data to drive communications planning.
Develops effective internal change management communications strategies.
Advocates for the resources and support needed to continuously build the campus brand and image. Works in collaboration with the enterprise wide Communications Group to secure resources, both internal and external as necessary to execute campus communication plans at a high level and to manage those resources effectively.
Media Management
Collaborates closely with the enterprise Communications Group to drive creative strategies and plans to leverage executives, staff, students, and others to leadership’s story.
Works with the enterprise Communications Group to ensure each story or inquiry is responded to by the appropriate person within or outside of the organization.
Manages the campus website and social media platforms to ensure accuracy and relevancy and manages other media relationships within the overall KS policies and procedures.
Integrated Communications
Works collaboratively on integrated strategies, organization-wide campaigns, externally facing issues, and other strategic communications opportunities, including collaboration around campus specific issues that could potentially impact the overall KS enterprise.
Ensure campus communication campaigns align with and support the Kamehameha Schools organizational communication strategy.
Community Partnerships and Relationships
Engages the community in a variety of collaborations to promote ongoing understanding and support for campus initiatives and goals and ensuring that the campus is in turn supporting the community; to build pilina and trust among stakeholders critical to the achievement of campus, tri-campus, or enterprise wide goals.
Cultivates and nurtures community relationships to build, grow and support new and ongoing partnerships in a variety of campus programs such as the Honolulu Region, Statewide Regional Coordinators and the alumni association.
Provides counsel and advice to leadership and staff to include risk management solutions and cultural expertise.
Position Requirements
Minimum Qualifications - An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered for the requirements listed.
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Mass Media, Marketing, Public Relations, ore closely related field.
Minimum of 10 years of communications related program management experience.
Valid Driver's License
Familiarity with Hawaiian cultural protocol
Excellent leadership and managerial skills which include consistency, fairness, a positive attitude, and enthusiasm.
Excellent organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
Demonstrated competency in verbal and written communication, with broad and diverse groups including Trustees and senior staff, peers and subordinates, beneficiaries, faculty, students, alumni, government officials and the Hawaiian community at large.
Strategic acumen – the ability to see the big picture, counsel and connect dots for leadership. Strong understanding of how communications drives culture, support our values and shapes the experience of our stakeholders.
Ability to craft messages that allow campus leaders to be effective storytellers to internal and external stakeholders that proactively align people around our vision, mission and strategy.
Strong interpersonal skills that enable the development of trust and cooperation among management, staff, and outside groups.
Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced, demanding and dynamic work environment including the willingness to work flexible hours, events and weekends.
Knowledge, understanding and experience with Hawaiian communities, and with issues relevant to KS and the Hawaiian culture.
Ability to maintain composure during difficult conversations and situations in the community.
Ability to work with confidential material and subjects.
Ability to speak publicly with confidence, including presenting material to inform and influence.
Knowledge of how to utilize social media and other platforms as communication vehicles.
In-depth knowledge of the communities served by the campus.
Strong knowledge of office software technology (e.g. Microsoft Suite).
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Business, Communications, Journalism or Marketing.
Minimum 5 years as a Manager or Director.
Knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian history and culture as appropriate for education and corporate settings.
Familiarity with KS organization, operations and matters.
Previous experience facilitating communications training programs, such as presentation or spokesperson training.
Previous experience in a school environment and familiarity with the culture of education
Physical and Mental Requirements
Frequently sits, perform desk-based computer tasks and grasp light or fine manipulation, talk or hear.
Occasionally stand and/or walk, write by hand, and lift and/or carry, push and/or pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Rarely twist, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, reach or work above shoulder, or grasp forcefully.
Working Conditions (including environmental conditions)
This position may involve traveling to various locations, including neighbor islands to conduct business.
Work is conducted in an office environment and may require work to be conducted in non-standard workplaces.
Work is typically conducted Monday through Friday at normal business hours but may be conducted in evenings and weekends, as necessary.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.
For internal use only: #LI-CAR
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [email protected] or 808-534-8040 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
KS does not accept unauthorized solicitations of candidate referrals from third-party vendors (i.e. Staffing Agencies, Executive Recruitment Firms). Any third-party vendor who has interest in supporting KS's recruiting efforts must be authorized by Human Resources prior to the vendor’s candidate applying with KS.
Work Year
12
Pay Range
119,100.00 - 170,000.00 Annual
Compensation and Benefits
Based on the compensation range provided below, salaries are commensurate with job-related experience, skills and competencies, education, internal equity, length of work year, and other organizational needs.
At Kamehameha Schools (KS), we recognize that compensation is just one facet of a fulfilling employment experience. Our commitment lies in fostering a positive work environment and equipping employees with the necessary resources to excel every day. Our Total Rewards Program embodies KS's dedication to the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employee ʻohana. Explore our comprehensive Benefits Summary for more information.
Primary Location
Kapalama Campus
City, State
Honolulu, Hawaii
Additional Locations
