Director of Communications and Public Relations

Title: Director of Communications and Public Relations

Job Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Work Year: 12-months

Salary Range: $100,000 to $125,000 annually based on experience

Reports To: Chief Advancement Officer

Job Summary: ʻIolani School is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and creative communications leader to serve as Director of Communications. This senior-level position is responsible for advancing the School’s mission and brand by leading all internal and external communications, marketing, and media production efforts. The Director will oversee a team of professionals who manage photography, social media, written publications, graphic design, digital content, and promotional materials—as well as an A/V staff responsible for video production, live streaming, and sound engineering.

If you are a leader with excellent project management skills, a collaborative mindset, a love for ‘Iolani School’s mission, and a passion for storytelling in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply!

Essential Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications & Brand Management

• Develop and lead integrated communication strategies that reflect the School’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Ensure brand identity and voice are consistently applied across all platforms and communications.
• Plan and manage communication calendars to support school needs.
• Serve as editor-in-chief for major school publications, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with messaging goals.

Project & Team Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations and long-term planning for the Communications and A/V teams, including:
• Content creators, photographers, writers, graphic designers, social media managers.
• Videographers, video editors, audio technicians, live stream producers, sound engineers.
• Provide clear direction, timelines, and accountability for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring timely and high-quality execution.
• Lead cross-departmental projects from concept through delivery; coordinate with Admissions, Advancement, Development, Athletics, and Academic teams.
• Manage project workflows, budgets, vendors, and outside creative partners as needed.
• Mentor and support the career development of team members by providing feedback, guidance, and opportunities for professional development.

Content Development & Media Production

• Oversee the creation of written, digital, and video content, including:
• Social media campaigns, school bulletins, website content, advertising, admissions materials, event programs, annual reports, and internal communications.
• Ensure quality control, consistency, and alignment with institutional goals across all platforms.
• Supervise documentation and live coverage of school events as needed.

Event & Crisis Communications

• Collaborate with school leadership on communications for special events, emergency situations, and sensitive topics.
• Prepare crisis communication plans and act as lead communicator and spokesperson as needed.

Data & Performance Analytics

• Monitor and analyze communications metrics across platforms (website, email, social media, etc.) to assess impact and improve engagement.
• Use data insights to inform future strategy and resource allocation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years in a communications leadership role—preferably in an independent school or nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated experience managing creative teams and complex projects from start to finish.
• Strong background in both strategic messaging and hands-on content development.
• Exceptional project management skills: ability to plan, prioritize, delegate, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with tools such as CMS platforms, social media management tools, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace, and project management platforms.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to think creatively, solve problems, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and mission-driven communication.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.