Media and Community Relations Specialist

The Alaka’ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is looking for a Media and Community Relations Specialist to support a customer out of Camp Smith, Hawai'i.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research, draft, and coordinate media engagement activities with higher headquarters and subordinate commands to support current and future OAIs and exercises.
• Develop Public Affairs Guidance (PAG), Responses to Queries (RTQs), talking points (TPs), and executive media prep materials for senior INDOPACOM leaders.
• Conduct real-time media monitoring and develop “Media Atmospherics” reports following high-profile events or media engagements.
• Coordinate and gain OSD/PA and JS/PA approval on all PA products within 3 days of task receipt using email or Task Management System (TMS).
• Plan and execute media embed programs, including travel coordination, visa requirements, and liaison with U.S. Embassies—estimated 2-4 per month.
• Conduct daily conference calls with component PA offices and provide weekly email updates to leadership regarding planned media embeds.
• Produce the “J0PAC Update” for presentation during thrice-weekly briefs to the INDOPACOM Commander, covering key media activities, articles of interest, senior DoD statements, and upcoming events.
• Ensure PA guidance and TPs are included in major briefings such as the Theater Synchronization Working Group (TSWG), Distinguished Visitor (DV) meetings, and Future Operations (FUOPS) briefs.
• Attend daily B2C2WG meetings and support off-shift hours during 24/7 operations in times of crisis or exercise events (with 48-hour notice).
• Write and edit daily news and feature stories in AP style for the INDOPACOM website and social media.
• Prepare and schedule daily social media content via J0PAC’s Google Docs approval process, highlighting OAIs, outreach initiatives, and key Hawaiian cultural events.
• Plan, manage, and support community outreach across INDOPACOM components and with the State of Hawaii.
• Develop and maintain a monthly calendar of engagement events (e.g., neighborhood boards, civic organizations, military affairs councils).
• Track, summarize, and respond to community complaints and inquiries related to military presence across Hawaii.
• Represent INDOPACOM PA at monthly community meetings including Military Affairs Council, Native Hawaiian groups, and other civic entities—clearly identifying as a contractor, not a U.S. government representative.
• Submit meeting summaries and follow-up actions within one business day of engagement.
• Maintain communication with the Hawaii State Legislature; track bills, educate components on legislative procedures, and draft testimony.
• Submit a monthly legislative tracker in Microsoft Office format to J0PAC leadership.
• Develop civic engagement strategies for INDOPACOM leadership interactions with elected officials and special interest groups.
• Develop and deliver a Hawaiian cultural and history training program for newcomers to INDOPACOM and service components.
• Review and approve content for newcomer briefings; submit training materials in PowerPoint or other Office formats monthly.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

Educational background in communications, public affairs/relations, journalism, history, marketing, political science, and/or international affairs.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience including but not limited to high-level media and public relations, strategic and tactical communications development in the Government, private sector, or both, community outreach, and stakeholder collaboration.
• Expertise in strategic targeted messaging and leadership advisement.
• Ability to develop broad, organization-wide communication strategies that support identified communication goals, needs, and objectives.
• Knowledge of media communications, social media applications and technologies, dissemination techniques and methods, as well as experience with crisis communications.
• Ability to effectively train, coach and assess organizations’ communications capabilities and in a variety of forums, including one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, town hall events, large group oratory, and video-teleconference events.
• Experience with Hawaiian community activities and outreach techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Experience with developing and maintaining effective working relationships with Hawaii government and State Legislators.
• Knowledge of the Hawaii State legislature and regulatory oversight process, its members, to include public testimony methods.
• Knowledge and expertise of Hawaiian culture and history and able to provide insightful, objective analysis to assist the Task Force to formulate effective, regionally tailored, communications plans and products.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience in a joint, combatant command, or INDOPACOM-related environment.
• Familiarity with Indo-Pacific regional issues, cultures, and current affairs.
• Experience conducting media training and developing media prep materials for senior leaders.
• Understanding of U.S. military-community relations in Hawaii, including cultural and political sensitivities.

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• An active DoD TS/SCI Clearance is required. ​

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is a fast-growing government service provider. Employees enjoy competitive salaries. Eligible employees enjoy a 401K plan with company match; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage; tuition reimbursement; paid time off; and 11 paid holidays.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer of individuals with disabilities and veterans. We are proud to state that we do not illegally discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of any protected categories. If you are a person with a disability and you need an accommodation during the application process, please click here to request accommodation. We E-Verify all employees

“EOE, including Disability/Vets” OR “Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans”

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is comprised of industry-recognized government service firms designated as Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO)-owned and 8(a) certified businesses. The Family of Companies (FOCs) includes Ke`aki Technologies, Laulima Government Solutions, Kūpono Government Services, and Kapili Services, Po`okela Solutions, Kīkaha Solutions, LLC, and Pololei Solutions, LLC. Alaka`ina Foundation activities principally benefit the youth of Hawaii through charitable efforts which includes providing innovative educational programs that combine leadership, science & technology, and environmental stewardship.

For additional information, please visit www.alakainafoundation.com

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