Communications Specialist

Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is seeking a multidisciplined professional experienced in public communications, digital media, and/or marketing. Our mission is to protect Hawaiʻi’s consumers and serve its business community with respect and fairness to the interests of both. DCCA regulates and licenses over 170,000 professionals, oversees local banks and insurance companies, investigates fraudulent and unfair business practices, and conducts information campaigns to keep consumers informed.

About the role

The Communications Specialist serves as part of the Department’s Communications Office, leading digital storytelling and consumer education efforts. This role is ideal for a self-directed communicator who can turn complex regulatory and consumer-protection information into content that Hawaiʻi residents want to read, watch, and share—across social media, video, graphics, and community outreach. The position will take the lead on planning, creating, and evaluating consumer education content and campaigns, with latitude to bring new ideas, formats, and platforms to the table, while also providing general communications support to the department.

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, and produces consumer education campaigns on topics such as scam and fraud awareness, licensing verification, and consumer rights.
• Leads day-to-day social media strategy and content management—planning, drafting, designing, and scheduling posts, and monitoring engagement across Facebook, Instagram, the department website, and emerging platforms.
• Develops original multimedia content—graphics, short-form video, reels, infographics, and photography—for the website and social channels.
• Designs and produces informational materials (brochures, newsletters, web content) that translate technical or regulatory topics into clear, engaging consumer-facing content.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with community organizations, kupuna groups, schools, and military audiences to expand the reach of consumer education initiatives through presentations, informational booths, and events.
• Identifies opportunities to launch new content formats or outreach initiatives independently, bringing recommendations to the Communications Officer.
• Updates and manages the department website and digital media library.
• Assists with public information initiatives, including drafting media releases and informational materials as needed.
• Engages with local and national media including TV, radio, print, and online outlets to advance the objectives of the department.
• Conducts research on department issues to compile written materials, presentations, and visual assets.
• Serves in a backup capacity to the Communications Director and provides communications support and training to department staff.
• Administers the department Language Access Plan.
• Supports internal communications efforts that build understanding of and engagement with department initiatives.
• Assists with department and State of Hawaiʻi emergency operations functions, including managing the department internal Emergency Notification System and disseminating emergency notifications to employees in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
• Other duties as assigned by the Office of the Director.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and 6 years of progressively responsible professional experience in journalism, communications, government, public relations, or marketing; or equivalent education/training or experience is required.

Skills

• Social media strategy and content management experience, including planning, drafting, scheduling posts, and monitoring major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, website).
• Experience with graphic design and visual/multimedia content production (photo, video, or animation a plus).
• Strategic and creative thinking for developing, organizing, and executing consumer education campaigns.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft newsletters, brochures, web copy, and media releases.
• Comfort presenting to individuals and community groups.
• Ability to quickly and effectively adapt to departmental needs and keep workflows efficient and on schedule.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage day-to-day content operations.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with internal teams and outside organizations.
• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office and a track record of staying current with new content platforms and technologies.

Pay

Starting salary is $80,000.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement programs.
• 21 days each per year vacation and sick leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Partial telework schedule.

This position is exempt from civil service and considered temporary in nature, meaning employment is "at will" and may be terminated at any time at the prerogative of the department head or designee.