Public Information Specialist,

Honolulu, HI - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 22 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Title: PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST (Director of Communications)

Position Number:

Hiring Unit: OFFICE OF THE PROVOST OFFICE OF THE PROVOST OFFICE OF THE PROVOST

Location: UH at Manoa

Date Posted: December 3 2025

Closing Date: December 17 2025

Band: C

Salary :salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Duties and Responsibilities

*Serves as the official Spokesperson for the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM).
*Works closely and in coordination with the UH System Office of Communications on system-level and Manoa initiatives.
*Cultivates and maintains strategic relationships with all traditional and digital media outlets ensuring timely and strategic responses to all media inquiries and requests.
Proactively collaborates with faculty staff managers and executives to develop a comprehensive communication plan that highlights the unique attributes of UH Manoa programs and aligns with strategic initiatives.
Cultivates strong connections with internal and external stakeholders to support transparent and effective communication channels.
*Provides leadership in communication planning developing organizing and managing the university media and production program consistent with institutional goals and Manoa-wide strategic communication and marketing priorities.
*Oversees the production of University stories and multimedia content to ensure message consistency and strategic alignment.
*Establishes Manoa-wide policy and governance over content for all social media platforms and digital channels (including Instagram X (formerly Twitter) TikTok LinkedIn YouTube and other contemporary forms of communication).
*Continuously monitors current and emerging issues adapt and keep pace with rapidly changing media platforms technologies and audience expectations.
*Oversees the development design production and editing of all Manoa-level communication vehicles including videos Content Management Systems (CMS) analytics platforms the UH News Online site and other digital and print assets.
Serves as a consultant Manoa-wide on implementing a cohesive web and digital strategy consistent with the universitys corporate identity and marketing objectives.
Ensures that all content and messages disseminated by the Manoa Communications Office are consistent with the direction and strategy set forth by the leadership team.
Partners with state and national news organizations and program outlets to provide content and edited stories promoting campuswide activities and programs to a broader audience.
Ensures that complete and thorough research has been performed prior to making recommendations or delivering final production material for public release.
Collaborates with all stakeholders to ensure that all material and information publicly disseminated on behalf of the University of Manoa is comprehensive and accurate.
Manages the day-to-day operational efficiency of the Manoa Communications Office.
*Assigns projects tasks evaluates staff performance against desirable outcomes and ensures all elements of the comprehensive communication strategy are developed and delivered at a high standard.
Oversees administration of the Communications Office budget ensuring expenditures are on target and assists in the development of the annual budget plan.
Collaborates closely with UH Foundation to coordinate successful messaging in line with UH Manoas fundraising goals and key initiatives.
Other duties as assigned.

*Denotes Essential Function

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in in Journalism Communications Marketing Public Relations or related field and seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for communications public relations; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education knowledge skills and abilities as indicated.
Advanced and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of developing and emerging concepts principles and methodologies in the area of strategic communications digital content governance and/or integrated media relations.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of principles theories federal and state laws and systems associated with public records media law and regulatory compliance.
Demonstrated ability to understand problems from a broad interactive perspective and use reasoning to discern underlying principles and issues when problem solving and apply creative thinking to resolve problems in new and innovative approaches.
Demonstrated written and verbal competence in presenting ideas concepts and models clearly using persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations groups team leaders and members and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer apply word processing software andContent Management Systems (CMS) web and social media analytics platforms professional graphic design and multimedia editing software and Project Management (PM) tools.
For supervisory work demonstrated ability to lead subordinates manage work priorities and projects and manage employee relations.
Proven track record in building collaborative relationships with key community leaders including public officials corporate partners and educational institutions.
Demonstrated professional experience in coordination and planning an effective media strategy at an organizational or leadership level.
Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and direct subordinate level supervisors and technical professionals.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive crisis communication plans and manage real-time issues affecting the organization.
Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize data and web/social media analytics to measure communication campaign effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.
Proven ability to manage the administrative and fiscal operations of a strategic communications office including direct responsibility for resource management budgeting and policy implementation.

Desirable Qualifications

Masters degree from a college or university of recognized standing with a major in journalism communications marketing public relations or a related field.
Significant experience as a professional working journalist in both print or broadcast and electronic media and a thorough understanding of the working environment of each media.
Extensive experience working with online web-based formats such as blogs and live-stream video.
Demonstrated success in building public engagement or community-based programs with an educational or media impact.
Demonstrated record of national recognition and/or leadership in media communications or related areas.
Proven ability to manage media relationships across major platforms supporting high-impact communications and outreach initiatives.
Familiarity with shared governance structures and the political dynamics of a large public university system.
Demonstrated understanding of the University of Hawaii system its campuses program offerings and administrative frameworks.
Experience in a communications or public affairs role within a higher education institution or a complex public-sector organization.
Demonstrated success in executing internal communications strategies that improve employee engagement and operational alignment.
Working knowledge of fundraising and advancement communications principles and experience collaborating with development offices on campaign messaging.
Certification or specialized training in digital media search engine optimization (SEO) or advanced content marketing.

To Apply:

IfyouhavenotappliedforapositionbeforeusingNeoGovyouwillneedtocreatean account.

ClickontheApplybuttononthetoprightcornerofthescreentocompleteanapplicationand attach required must submit the following:

Coverletter indicating your interest in the position and how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications;
Resume;
Names and contact information (telephone number and email addresses) of three (3)professional references; and
Copy of unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required at the time of hire). Academic record/grade summaries will NOT be of diplomas will NOT be accepted.)Documents issued from an institution outside the United States of America require a course- by- course analysis with an equivalency statement from a n agency having membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. Expense of the evaluation shall be borne by the applicant.

IMPORTANT: If multiple applications are received fromthesamecandidateonlythelastonewillbe reviewed.Please DO NOT include any self-identifying photos REFERENCES TO SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND BIRTH DATE on any documents within the application packet. All items become the property of the University of Hawaii and will not be returned. Only complete applications will be passed on to the search committee for consideration. Incomplete or unreadable application materials will not be considered.

Inquiries:Eric Matsunaga

EEO Clery Act ADA

The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information visit: is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawaii may be viewed at: or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawaii complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information please refer to the following link:

Required Experience:

DescriptionTitle: PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST (Director of Communications)Position Number:Hiring Unit: OFFICE OF THE PROVOST OFFICE OF THE PROVOST OFFICE OF THE PROVOSTLocation: UH at ManoaDate Posted: December 3 2025Closing Date: December 17 2025Band: CSalary :salary schedules and placement infor...