APPLICATION

Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Interested parties shall email a resume, cover letter, and work samples to: William Nhieu at wnhieu@dcca.hawaii.gov. Include in the subject line the word "RESUME."

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 170,000 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 Communications Specialist serves as part of the Department’s Communications Office and will be primarily responsible for leading the department’s 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 Hawai’i residents actually 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.

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.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Consumer Education & Digital Content

Plans, develops, and produce 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.

General Communications Support

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.
Other duties as assigned by the Office of the Director.

Internal Communications and Emergency Management Operations

Supports internal communications efforts that build understanding of and engagement with department initiatives.
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.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND 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.

A bachelor’s degree and 6 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.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Starting salary is $80,000 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. DCCA allows for a partial telework schedule.

Legal Authorization to Work Requirement: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.

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 at the prerogative of the department head or designee at any time.

Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs jobs

Communications Specialist