Media Relations Manager

Job Description

Olomana Loomis is an integrated communications agency rooted in Hawai'i. The firm helps organizations navigate complexity, strengthen public trust, and communicate clearly across marketing, public relations, digital, and community-facing channels.

We are looking for a Media Relations Manager who will support a major client where media visibility, operational reliability, and public confidence are closely connected. The client operates in a highly visible, highly regulated environment with statewide community impact. The position will report to our communications manager.
Position summary

Olomana Loomis is looking for a media-savvy communications professional who can manage news relationships, develop strong story angles, and support issues and crisis response when fast, accurate communication matters most. This person will play a central role on a client account that demands sound judgment, excellent writing, strong local awareness, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

The ideal candidate understands Hawai'i's media environment, knows how to move comfortably between planning and response mode, and can translate operational or technical subject matter into clear public-facing language. Experience in transportation, utilities, infrastructure, maritime, or other regulated sectors would be especially valuable.[manatal +1]
What you'll be responsible for

Build and maintain productive relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and assignment desks across Hawai'i.
Identify timely story opportunities and help shape outreach that earns meaningful coverage for clients.
Draft press materials, statements, briefing documents, talking points, and executive messaging.
Support spokesperson readiness by preparing backgrounders, Q&A, and interview prep materials.
Track relevant news coverage, industry developments, and emerging issues that could affect client reputation or operations.
Prepare recurring coverage summaries and insight reports that help clients understand media traction, themes, and perception.
Contribute to crisis readiness efforts, including scenario planning, message development, response protocols, and communications playbooks aligned with client operational plans.
Support live response during incidents by helping gather facts, draft materials, route approvals, and coordinate communications across agency and client teams.
Work closely with senior agency leaders and client stakeholders to ensure messaging is accurate, strategic, and appropriate for the moment.
What success looks like
Reporters know and trust you as a responsive, credible resource.
Client leaders feel well prepared for interviews and public-facing moments.
Issues are identified early, and communications plans are thoughtful rather than reactive.
During fast-moving situations, you bring structure, calm, and clarity to the response process.
Deliverables are polished, timely, and strategically grounded.
Qualifications
Minimum a Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
5 - 10 years of experience in media relations, public relations, strategic communications, or a related role.
Strong writing, editing, and message development skills across multiple formats.
Experience pitching media, managing press inquiries, and building relationships with journalists.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work effectively in high-pressure situations.
Familiarity with Hawai'i's media landscape strongly preferred.
Preferred experience
Background in crisis communications, issues management, or reputation strategy.
Experience supporting clients in regulated or operationally complex industries.
Comfort working across agency teams and with senior client stakeholders.
Familiarity with media monitoring, analytics, and reporting tools.
Working style

The strongest candidates will be proactive, steady under pressure, highly organized, and comfortable working in a client-service environment. This role requires good instincts, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to solving communication challenges.[breezy]
Location and availability

This position is based in Honolulu and follows a hybrid schedule. Some early morning, evening, weekend, or rapid-response availability may be needed depending on media opportunities, client needs, or active issues.
To apply

Please submit a resume, a short cover letter, and two to three writing samples that show range in media relations, executive messaging, or issues communications.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in communications, with a proven track record of managing projects, generating content, and supporting clients effectively.
Strong writing skills, with command over tone, grammar, punctuation, and style.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets).
Experience with project management tools such as Asana or similar platforms.
Perks
Parking subsidy or monthly Bus Pass
401(k) with Company Match
Health insurance coverage (including Acupuncture and Massage) paid by employer
Group Term Life Insurance
Supplemental Insurance available
Flex Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
Year-end performance bonus
Paid Vacation, Holiday and Sick Pay
Professional development supported
Application Process
The screening process includes interviews, written and math tests, reference checks and a background check. If hired, you will be in good company as your colleagues have all gone through the same screening process.
Candidates must be ready to begin work within a month of offer; therefore only candidates currently on island (or en route to return/relocate to Hawaii) will be considered.