Communications specialist

1. INTRODUCTION The State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Division of Consumer Advocacy (DCA) is recruiting for a Communications Specialist position. The ideal candidate is a multidisciplined professional experienced in public communications, digital media, and/or marketing. The position is located in the Division of Consumer Advocacy. DCA provides administrative support to the Consumer Advocate in representing, protecting, defending, and advancing the interests of consumers of utility and transportation services on a statewide basis. These lifeline services include electricity, gas, telecommunications, property carriage over land and water, and private water and waste water. Primary responsibilities of the Communications Specialist are contributing to the evaluation and consultation of the DCA’s education and outreach program; initiating, planning, and executing statewide public utility education and outreach; gathering and analyzing data for dissemination to the public; and assisting the Executive Director and Public Utilities / Transportation Officer with research, development, and presentation of divisional and regulatory information. 2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Communications and Educational Outreach Reviews and conducts research on pertinent issues to compile written informational materials, presentations, and visual assets. Develops, designs and/or coordinates the production and distribution of informational materials. Plans, schedules, and conducts public seminars or workshops to educate the public, stakeholders, or regulated entities. Develops content and multimedia for posting on digital platforms and website. Assists with monitoring all channels of digital media for corrections, archiving, and recommends responses. Provides communications support and training to department staff as needed. Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director. Electronic Media Assists with the dissemination of information through electronic media, including DCA website, email, phone, social media, etc. Writes and updates content for DCA website and intranet with information, announcements, photos, and graphics, as appropriate. Maintains, updates, and enhances the DCA website. Analytical Services Reviews appropriate docketed material in order to determine the extent to which public sentiment on the subject matter is required to be gathered in order to formulate the division’s recommendation for the regulatory agency’s consideration. May be required to submit written and oral testimony in support of any analysis conducted, findings, and recommendations. Administrative Duties Assists DCA with writing and sending correspondence. Attends meetings and other functions of interest to the DCA and provides news and/or photographic coverage of those events as appropriate. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with communications officers and staff of other state departments and agencies. 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 public information 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; Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office products and the ability to keep up to date with new technologies and platforms. A bachelor’s degree and 2 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as public relations or communications, program research, outreach, and engagement; or equivalent education/training or experience is required. Starting salary is $63,000 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. The State of Hawaii allows for a partial telework schedule. If you are interested, please email a resume and work samples to: consumeradvocate@dcca.hawaii.gov.

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