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

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

Salary

$119,706.00 - $169,453.00 Annually

Location

Communications: 1390 Miller Street, Room 303, Honolulu, HI 96813

Job Type

Full-time 12-month

Job Number

2026-02969

District / Complex Area

EO / DSSA / Communications

School / Office

EO / Communications Sec

Opening Date

07/16/2026

Closing Date

7/25/2026 11:59 PM Hawaii

Position %

100%

Position Number

606725

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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.

Examples of Duties

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 Departments 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors 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 masters 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.

Supplemental Information

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 applicants 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

Equal Opportunity

The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate in its educational policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. The Department does not discriminate in its employment policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sexual orientation, arrest and court record, and National Guard participation, as well as on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability, in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, Equal Pay Act of 1963, and Chapter 378, Part I, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Payday

New employees can expect their first paycheck within the first 3 pay periods of their start date. Payday is on the 5th and 20th (or previous business day) of every month.

12-month certificated employees enjoy a range of competitive benefits:

• Holidays: Employees observe paid holidays during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Vacation: 12-month certificated employees earn 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12-month certificated employees earn 21 days per year. Accumulated (unused) credits may be used toward computing retirement benefits.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employees enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan.
• Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Participating 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 employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees with at least 10 years of credited service and who have reached 62 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and are 55 years old may retire and receive benefits.
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an employee-selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several investment options are available.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits 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 employees social security account.
• Workers Compensation: If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers compensation.
• Union & Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employees job is excluded from collective bargaining.

The above is intended as a general summary of the benefits offered and is subject to change. This does not constitute a contract or binding agreement. Benefits vary by type of employment appointment and collective bargaining agreements.

01

INTERNAL APPLICATION QUALIFICATION:

Are you a current salaried employee who is a tenured educational officer or was previously a tenured educational officer in the Hawai`i State Department of Education?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Hawaii State Department of Education

Address P.O. Box 2360

Honolulu, Hawaii, 96804

Website https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org