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Hawaii State Department of Education

Communications Specialist III - Communications Section, 606725 (2026-02969)

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What they do

A Communications or Public Relations Specialist coordinates internal and external communications for a company or organization. Provides information to employees on company activities, such as the launch of a new product or a community service initiative. Writes and edits public communications; develops media contacts and prepares material for press and media distribution; monitors media coverage. May assist with events planning.

$85,724 / year median in Hawaii

+2% projected growth

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Job Description

APPLICANTS MAY BE EDUCATIONAL OFFICERS, TEACHERS AND OTHER QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS SPECIAL INTERNAL / EXTERNAL TYPE OF APPOINTMENT ISSUED
This position is excluded from the Educational Officers' Bargaining Unit and will be filled as a clear line appointment.
A WRITTEN EXAMINATION/ASSIGNMENT MAY BE ADMINISTERED TO HELP DETERMINE POSSESSION OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES PORTIONS OF THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
Under the general supervision of the Communications Director of the Communications Branch, the
Communications Specialist III:
1. Under the general supervision of the Director of Communications, oversees the staff production of print, web and broadcast content to showcase schools, programs and initiatives aligned to the Department's mission and strategic goals and progress on Department activities. Reviews requests from schools, complex areas and state offices to assist with materials for distribution and submits recommendations to the Director. 2. Works closely with the Director of Communications and other Communications Specialists to generate timely and accurate information about Department programs for print and digital materials, including but not limited to news releases, public announcements, newsletters, ads, flyers, reports, social media posts, videos and other collateral. Ensures accuracy, clarity, coherence and consistency of language for all content. 3. Works in collaboration with the Director of Communications to strategically plan the messaging, content, organization, format and dissemination of information to internal and external audiences. Manages the timely execution and dissemination of approved content to internal and external audiences. 4. Responds to inquiries for public information concerning Department operations, programs, activities and policies. 5. Assists with conference/event planning and logistics for training and award ceremonies and other promotional events sponsored or co-sponsored by the Department 6. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education :
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in communications or journalism, which included coursework in public relations, news or professional writing, marketing and advertising.
Desired Education :
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in communications or journalism, which included coursework in news writing or professional writing, public relations, marketing and advertising.
Experience :
Seven (7) years of responsible professional work experience in communication, journalism and/or public relations of which three (3) years shall have been in an education program, agency or system.
Desired Experience :
Seven (7) years of responsible experience working in a professional communications environment in the public sector with an emphasis on crisis communications, multimedia design/content and digital environments, including managing a team.
Combined Education and Experience :
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be acceptable, as determined by the Department.
Knowledge :
Communication principles in theory and practice; expository writing; news writing and digital journalism; familiarity with media relations protocols; current practices and challenges in public relations and crisis communications; traditional media, social media, and digital platforms used in public communication; laws, rules, regulations and administrative procedures pertinent to area(s) of assignment.
Desired Knowledge :
Writing for public relations; current practices and challenges in crisis communications; team management principles. Ability to : Deal effectively with internal stakeholders, the public and the media; draft and edit news releases; develop and deliver clear, timely and accurate communications during crises or emergencies; prepare speeches, annual reports and other public statements; communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing; operate still and video camera equipment and other business machines.
Desired Abilities :
Supervisory skills, prepare speeches, annual reports and other public statements; adept at researching and interviewing for news and marketing content; excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills; proven success in writing for print, web and broadcast; record of success in strategy development and execution of content marketing and public relations; demonstrated proficiency in media relations and planning/production of promotional media events.
SALARY RANGE
EOSR-8, $119,706 to $169,453. Department of Education certificated employees will be placed on the salary range in accordance with Department regulations. All others will be placed on the first step of $119,706.
NOTE:
Department of Education employees will be placed on the salary range in accordance with Department regulations. All new external applicants will be placed on the initial step of the salary range. However, placement above the initial step of the salary range will be based on special characteristics and critical needs of the position, an applicant's exceptional qualifications, the availability of funds, and other relevant factors. Such appointments require prior approval.
WORK YEAR AND BENEFITS
This appointment will be on a 12-month basis with vacation and sick leave provided according to applicable regulations.
POSTING CYCLE
Vacant or unfilled positions may be internally and/or externally advertised on the 1st and/or 16th of any calendar month.
HOW TO APPLY
All materials submitted become the property of the Hawaii Department of Education and will not be returned to the applicant. Visit the Hawaii Department of Education career page, listed below. Click on the title of the position you are interested in and click on the green APPLY button in the top righthand corner. Provide all relevant information for consideration including but not limited to your education, work experience, and certificates. It is optional to include a "Personal Statement" of what you can contribute to this specific position.
http:
//www.schooljobs.com/careers/hawaiipublicschools Official transcripts (if not on file) must be submitted at the time of an official offer of employment. Transcripts may be sent by U.S. mail to the Office of Talent Management/EO Recruitment, P.O. Box 2360, Honolulu, HI 96804. After you submit your online application, you will receive a system generated email acknowledging receipt of your application.
EDUCATIONAL OFFICER CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT
Priority for appointments shall be given to qualified and tenured educational officers in that class who wish to move to that position through lateral transfer or a voluntary demotion and second to all other qualified educational officers with tenure.
APPROVED
Sean Bacon Assistant Superintendent Office of Talent Management