Communications Specialist

This posting is for the State of Hawaii, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of the Director. The position is located on Oahu (Downtown Honolulu). Salary commensurate with education and experience. If you have any questions regarding this non-civil service exempt position, please send an email to Mr. William Nhieu View email address on click.appcast.io Duties Summary The position is located in the Office of the Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The function of the organizational unit is to coordinate the various activities of the department within the scope of laws and established policies and rules. The Office of the Director is responsible for the over-all management and administration of the department and its programs and activities. The primary purpose of the position is to independently perform duties in support of the department’s public information program and the department’s consumer protection education program. The position prepares informational material for dissemination though various media and outreach events. The position also initiates, plans and executes activities relating to statewide consumer protection education programs for the public and implements programs to foster effective communication within the department. Education : Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably in journalism, communications, or related field of study Experience: Possess a minimum of two and one-half (2-1/2) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in one or more of the following fields of work: communications, public relations, digital media production, education, and marketing. Knowledge: Journalism, communications, marketing, digital media, and/or public relations principles and best practices; principles, concepts and techniques used in developing communications strategy and writing informational materials; processes involved in disseminating information through the various media and the most effective means of utilizing each medium; information gathering and interviewing techniques; and processes involved in the production, and presentation and dissemination of a variety of informational material. Methods of public information and communications; public relations, economic, cultural or other factors which motivate consumer actions; principles and techniques in preparing informational and educational materials; effective means of educating various segments of the population. Skills/Abilities: Understand and apply the principles, theories and concepts of public information and consumer education campaigns. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; develop, write, design, edit and produce effective informational material in a timely manner and under deadline pressure; identify and/or appropriately respond to media and public inquiries; develop and execute a statewide consumer protection education program; establish and maintain a positive and effective working relationship with staff, outside organizations, other departments and jurisdictions, media representatives, vendors and the general public; deals tactfully with the public; provide guidance and training on communication strategies; and understands department mission and policies. Exercise sound judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential matters. Ability to drive a vehicle for business activities; work flexible hours; and travel off-island as required. Other Information This position is exempt from the civil service and considered temporary in nature. Therefore, if you are appointed to the position, your employment will be considered to be "at will," which means that you may be discharged from your employment from the department head or designee at any time. EXEMPT BENEFITS This is a non-civil service position. Benefit information will be provided at time of offer by the Department Personnel Officer or Director of the hiring department. Listed below is a summary of the benefits the State offers to exempt employees, which is based on full-time employment. Paid Holidays Eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year. Paid Vacation Eligible for 21 days per year. Eligible for 21 days per year. Other Leaves Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights. Health Insurance The State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website for coverage and options. Group Life Insurance The State provides a free life insurance policy for eligible exempt employees. Retirement Plan The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to Participating exempt employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld. Flexible Spending Accounts Eligible exempt employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes by setting aside money from their paychecks to pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis. Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions. Deferred Compensation The State offers exempt employees a tax-deferred retirement savings program. This program allows employees to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary, pre-tax payroll deductions. A broad range of investment options are available to select from. Temporary Disability Insurance Qualified exempt employees may be eligible to receive partial wage replacement, at no cost to the employee, for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program. Social Security As an employer, the State also contributes to an exempt employee's social security account. Training & Continuing Education The State supports developmental activities related to an exempt employee's work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees. Travel Expenses The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state. Union & Collective Bargaining Exempt employees may have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation depending on the status of the exempt position. The above information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees and is subject to change. Whether or not you are entitled to a particular benefit will depend on your specific appointment and employment status (included, excluded, exempt, non-exempt). Please refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or executive order and all applicable laws, rules, policies, or plan documents for further details. Nothing herein shall be deemed as creating an employment contract, promise of employment, promise of continued employment, or obligation of any kind on the part of the State of Hawaii. CLICK HERE for more information on the State of Hawaii's Benefits At-A-Glance. The State of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer Revised 01/13 Agency Information Employer State of Hawai'i Address DHRD - Employee Staffing Division 235 S. Beretania Street, 11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813-2437 Phone View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY) ******* Website #J-18808-Ljbffr