Community Affairs Specialist

This posting is for the State of Hawai'i, Office of the Governor.

The position is located on the Island of Oahu.

Salary: $4167 - $5000 per month

If you have any questions regarding this non-civil service, exempt position, please contact Lori Abe at lori.m.abe@hawaii.gov (Monday - Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (HST).

The State Recruiting Office will refer all inquiries regarding this exempt position to lori.m.abe@hawaii.gov.

Support and work closely with Scheduling team to follow through on scheduling requests – respond to event requests; coordinate and send correspondence declining attendance; and delegation of other surrogates and stakeholders who can attend on the Governor’s behalf.

Initiate preparation for events the Governor or First Lady will attend.

Serve as liaison to community organizations--research and prepare briefing notes for virtual meetings, in-office meetings, and off-site events.

Produce detailed talking points with information and messages tailored to each relevant event.

Draft “run of show” or briefing memo for the Governor’s team.

Lead preparation for events involving Governor and/or First Lady.

Execute events involving Governor and/or First Lady.

Understand and provide guidance regarding diplomatic etiquette, customs, and background of VIPS at meetings and events; and exchanging gifts and other logistical issues regarding dignitaries during visits, meetings, and events.

Provide staffing support to the Governor and/or the First Lady in relationship to meetings, conferences, and events. Events that require staffing support may occur during work hours, evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Draft and send official letters (condolence, certificates, awards, proclamations)

Coordinate Proclamation Signings and Bill Signings. 

Assist in procurement and solicit bids for items used for protocol gifts. 

Manage and track all aspects of the Gift Management Log including gifts the Governor receives and gives.

Conduct research and analysis on issues raised by community organizations, businesses, non-profits, foreign officials, etc. to support the Governor in situational awareness, action and response planning. 

Operate as a liaison for entities wishing to interface with the office of the Governor. Manage ongoing relationships with community organizations, businesses, non-profits, NGOs, foreign officials, etc.

Support Constituent Services; follow up on requests, as needed.

Other duties as assigned by the Director of Events and Protocol, Chief of Staff and Governor.

LEGAL AUTHORIZATION TO WORK REQUIREMENT: The State of Hawai'i 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.

Knowledge: Knowledge of the political landscape in Hawai'i and nationally, including latest news. Cultural awareness and cultural humility knowledge in working with many cultural groups is key to this role.

Skills/Abilities: Must possess oral and written command of the English language; excellent organizational skills and ability to work well with a wide variety of personalities; must be proficient in compiling and writing remarks, special messages and email communications; a professional and positive attitude with a high level of initiative and flexibility to change is required; and must be able to work in fast-paced environment and work collaboratively as part of a team.

Education: College degree or equivalent work experience.

Experience: Experience in event planning, and working with Government entities, legislation, policy, cultural groups, protocol, and public affairs are all helpful attributes to the position.

This position is exempt from the civil service. Therefore, if you are appointed to the position, your employment will be considered as "at will," which means that you may be discharged from your employment at the prerogative of your department head or designee at any time.

Submit resumes to: lori.m.abe@hawaii.gov

Direct all inquiries regarding this position to: Lori Abe/lori.m.abe@hawaii.gov/7:45am-4:30pm

• NOTE: The State Recruiting Office will refer you to lori.m.abe@hawaii.gov regarding this exempt position.