Communications Writer

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.

• Position Information
  
  

Title: Communications Writer

Division/Office: University Communications & Marketing

Status: Full Time, Exempt

• Position Summary
  
  

Chaminade University of Honolulu is seeking a talented in-house Communications Writer to join our Communications & Marketing team.

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 that will be published 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 able to converse and meet with a diverse range of subjects and create engaging, concise and informative narratives. The writer will work closely with colleagues across campus to create content that’s engaging, accurate, and true to the Chaminade voice that conveys a strong mission-focused brand. The writer thrives in a team environment where dedication, a commitment to excellence and differing perspectives are valued and nurtured. The writer should be creative, flexible, curious, and able to meet deadlines.

• Reports to
  
  

Direct Report to: Vice President for Communications and Marketing

• Duties and Responsibilities
  
  

Writing & Content Creation (80%)

• Write and edit a wide range of materials:
• Campus news stories, topics include profiles of students, faculty, alumni and donors; Chaminade’s academic programs; awards and grants received, and other accomplishments of the University.
• Press releases and media advisories
• Web and social media content
• Email campaigns and newsletters
• Articles for university publications, such as Chaminade Magazine and impact reports
• Admission and Advancement collaterals
• Speeches, video scripts, and institutional reports
• Ensure all written content reflects Chaminade’ s brand voice, mission, and values.
• Conduct interviews with students, faculty, alumni, and partners to gather stories.
• Proofread, fact-check, and edit materials for accuracy and clarity.
• Collaborate with team members and campus partners to plan and deliver effective communication pieces, i.e. graphic designers, photographers, editors, and other writers..
• Help manage, publish and update website content using the university’s CMS (WordPress) and LinkedIn.
• Support content delivery through email and CRM systems, such as Salesforce or Mailchimp.
  
  

Research, Strategy & Support (20%)

• Stay current on higher education trends and best practices in storytelling and communications.
• Support the integration of social media into news and publicity efforts.
• Assist with communications during campus events or in crisis situations, when needed.
• Contribute ideas for new ways to share Chaminade’s stories and expand audience reach, including partnering with other members of the University & Communications team to share and distribute stories.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• 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.

• Education and Experience
  
  

Minimum Education

• Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of professional writing experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience at an educational institution (preferred not required)
• Must provide writing samples
  
  

Experience And Skills

• 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.
• Basic photo editing.
• Positive attitude, flexibility, and sound judgment.
• Physical Requirements
  
  

Ability to lift, move, maintain, and set up computer, audio-visual, and simulation lab equipment weighing up to 50 lbs., without assistance. 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 walk the campus with ease, have excellent motor skills, and be able to sit or stand for 30 minutes at a time. Must have finger dexterity. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so that others will understand.

• Other Requirements
• This is a full time and exempt position. Forty hours per week (M-F) will be the general rule. However, depending on the 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
• 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
• 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.