Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Department: Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
Position: CCA Communications Specialist
Division: Communications
Classification: Exempt

1. INTRODUCTION

The State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is recruiting for a Communications Specialist position. The ideal candidate is a multidisciplined professional experienced in public communications, digital media, and/or marketing.

Our mission at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is to protect Hawaii’s consumers and service its business community with respect and fairness to the interests of both. DCCA serves the public through a variety of functions, including regulating and licensing more than 140,000 professionals, oversight of local banks and insurance companies, investigating complaints of fraudulent and unfair business practices, and conducting information campaigns to keep consumers informed.

The position is located in the Office of the Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The Office of the Director is responsible for the over-all management and administration of the department and its programs and activities. The Communications Section directs and administers the overall communications and media activities for DCCA to formulate and operationalize a proactive communication and outreach strategy; implement communication policies, procedures and plans for the department and its divisions; provide general guidance and support in responding to media and public demands for information; and develop content for and manage social and digital platforms.

Primary responsibilities of the Communications Specialist are to assist with the department’s public information activities, manage consumer education programs, and other projects as assigned by the Office of the Director.

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supports Public Information and Communications Activities

Assists with public information initiatives; drafts media releases, informational materials, newsletters, and marketing materials.

Engages with local and national media including TV, radio, print and online outlets to advance the objectives of the department.

Reviews and conducts research on pertinent issues to compile written informational materials, presentations, and visual assets.

Assists with development and implementation of strategies for all digital media.

Develops content and multimedia for posting on digital platforms and website.

Maintains and manages digital media and website.

Assists with monitoring all channels of digital media for corrections, archiving, and recommends responses.

Serves in a backup capacity to the Communications Director.

Provides communications support and training to department staff as needed.

Administers the department Language Access Plan.

Other duties as assigned by the Office of the Director.

Manages Consumer Education Programs

Plans, develops, conducts and evaluates educational and informational aspects of consumer education programs for the department and its divisions.

Develops information campaigns about the department and its consumer education programs for dissemination statewide through various media (e.g., TV, newspaper, brochures, website, digital); develops informational materials about consumer issues and distributes them to the public, industry groups and within the department; acts as a spokesperson outside the department; prepares and assists members of the department in updating public information and content; and updates department website.

Internal Communications and Emergency Management Operations

Participates in design and implementation of internal communications with the aim of promoting understanding of and engagement with initiatives and strategies throughout the department.

Assists with department and State of Hawaii emergency operations functions. Responsible for the department internal Emergency Notification System and dissemination of emergency notifications to the department’s employees in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

3. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Strong oral and written communication skills;

Ability to draft media releases, informational materials, copy for newsletter, brochures, websites;

Experience with graphic design and visual content production;

Social media strategy and content management, including planning, drafting and scheduling posts, and monitoring all major platforms (Facebook, Website, Instagram);

Comfort speaking to the audiences individually and in group settings;

Strategic and creative thinking for the development, organization, and execution of consumer protection campaigns;

Ability to quickly and effectively adapt to departmental needs, as well as facilitate an efficient and timely workflow;

Exceptional organization skills to assist with day-to-day operations and activities;

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and other individuals; and

Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office products and the ability to keep up to date with new technologies and platforms.

A bachelor’s degree and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for journalism, communications, government, public relations, or marketing; or equivalent education/training or experience is required.

Starting salary is $69,250 and State of Hawaii government benefits apply.  State of Hawaii employees are eligible for a broad range of valuable benefits, such as comprehensive health care insurance, life insurance, retirement programs, 21 days each per year vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays. DCCA allows for a partial telework schedule.

If you are interested, please email a resume, cover letter, and work samples to: William Nhieu at [email protected]. Include in the subject line the word “RESUME.”