Description

JOB SUMMARY 

The Communications Manager at HANO is the day-to-day steward of our external communications and digital presence, executing strategic communications plans that amplify Hawaii’s nonprofit sector and advance HANO’s mission. Working closely with the Vice President of Network Strategy, this position translates organizational priorities into compelling content, coordinated communications, and meaningful engagement with HANO’s diverse audiences. The Communications Manager oversees communications operations across digital, print, media, and member-facing channels, and plays an active role in membership communications and network engagement.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer and communicator who is organized, creative, collaborative, and comfortable managing multiple priorities. We’re seeking a thoughtful executor and a proactive problem-solver who can take a strategic direction, develop an effective approach and workflow, and carry communications projects through from concept to completion.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Content & Brand Execution

• Execute HANO’s communications and brand strategy under the direction of the Vice President of Network Strategy, translating organizational priorities into clear, compelling, and audience-centered communications.
• Draft, edit, and disseminate organizational communications, including newsletters, reports, social media, website content, and printed materials.
• Develop and manage an integrated communications calendar, coordinating messaging and content across HANO’s channels.
• Work across the HANO team to identify and develop stories that demonstrate HANO’s impact and elevate the contributions of Hawaii’s nonprofit sector.
• Maintain a consistent, authentic, and engaging HANO voice and brand across audiences and communications channels.

Digital Communications

• Manage and maintain HANO’s day-to-day digital presence, including social media, email communications, and website content, ensuring information is current and relevant.
• Create, curate, and distribute digital content that advances HANO’s priorities and highlights its programs, advocacy, members, partners, and the broader nonprofit sector.
• Develop and maintain communications templates, graphics, presentations, and other digital and promotional materials.
• Monitor digital trends, audience engagement, and communications performance, using data and insights to strengthen content and inform recommendations.

Media Relations 

• Support HANO’s media relations and external communications in coordination with the Vice President of Network Strategy and designated HANO spokespeople.
• Draft and coordinate press releases, media advisories, statements, op-eds, talking points, and other media materials.
• Monitor relevant coverage and identify opportunities to elevate HANO and Hawaii’s nonprofit sector.
• Coordinate media inquiries and support preparation for interviews, public statements, and rapid-response or crisis communications.
  

Member Communications & Engagement

• Support the Vice President of Network Strategy in executing HANO’s membership and network engagement strategy through timely, relevant, and effective communications.
• Develop and coordinate member communications, including onboarding, retention, targeted outreach, and promotion of HANO’s programs, resources, advocacy, events, benefits, and network opportunities.
• Manage HANO’s member communications and data within the CRM, including contact records, audience segmentation, email distribution, contact preferences, templates, automated communications, list management, reporting, and data quality.
• Provide customer service functions for HANO members, including troubleshooting account access, benefits navigation, and general membership inquiries.
• Develop member stories and highlights that elevate the work and impact of HANO members and strengthen connection across the nonprofit network.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• 3-5 years of experience in communications, marketing, digital media, or a related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills with demonstrated ability to create compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt voice and message across channels and audiences.
• Social media management experience with knowledge of current platform best practices and analytics.
• Content creation abilities including basic photography, videography, and graphic design skills and familiarity with design tools (e.g., Canva and/or Adobe Creative Cloud).
• Website management experience with content management systems and basic HTML knowledge preferred.
• Experience with CRM platforms, including contact management, audience segmentation, and email distribution.
• Comfortable providing direct member support, including responding to inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and communicating with warmth and clarity.
• Experience supporting media relations, including drafting press materials and coordinating media inquiries.
• Manages a high volume of work with efficiency: able to juggle competing demands, prioritize without sacrificing quality, and plan backwards to meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented approach with strong proofreading and quality control capabilities.
• Takes initiative and moves quickly from idea to implementation, leveraging available resources creatively and proposing solutions without waiting to be directed.
• Strong sense of ownership: plans ahead, finds alternative paths when needed, and holds a high bar even when things get hectic.
• Flexible and resilient, adapting quickly as priorities shift and bouncing back from setbacks.
• A continuous learner who absorbs information from colleagues and the field, asks questions until things make sense, and applies what they learn.
• Aligns with HANO’s Values in Practice, which honor collaboration, healthy dialogue, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Deep commitment to Hawaii and to the mission of building a nonprofit sector that improves quality of life for everyone in our state.

HOW TO APPLY

Application deadline is Monday, September 21, 2026. Please send a cover letter, resume, and work sample to: positions@hano-hawaii.org