PR & EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Makawao (HI); On-site; USD 66,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i seeks a MISC Public Relations & Education Specialist in Maui to develop public image, design PR/education programs, and coordinate the PR team for invasive species management.

Required are 5–7 years in PR/education related to natural resources, strong communication skills, and proficiency with ArcGIS StoryMap and web design. Ability to work weekends and travel as needed is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university.
• 5–7 years of experience in public relations or education related to natural resource management, including at least 3 years producing public messages across print, radio, video, website, and television, and preparing reports.
• Knowledgeable about Hawaiian biota and threats from invasive species; familiarity with native and introduced Hawaiian plants and animals; community‑based social marketing concepts; social media presence; website design and maintenance.
• Excellent public speaking, interpersonal, writing, and editing skills; ability to produce creative, original content; strong computer skills including word processing, desktop publishing, ArcGIS StoryMap, and web design software; negotiation skills with reluctant landowners; ability to communicate clearly with diverse publics; valid driver’s license and personal vehicle insurance.
• Secondary qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or experience in Education, Journalism, Marketing, or related field; Education in natural resources management or prior experience working in natural resources management; Experience with outreach program development; Knowledge of natural and cultural history in Hawai‘i.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a positive public image for MISC operations.
• Develop and implement public relations and education programs to raise public awareness and support for MISC’s invasive species management efforts.
• Coordinate and direct the MISC PR and Outreach team.
• Oversee outreach personnel, provide instruction, scheduling, timekeeping, evaluations, and hiring decisions.
• Communicate MISC’s work and the importance of invasive species management to the community and partners.
• Negotiate access to public and private property for survey and control operations.
• Use design and writing skills to create original educational and PR materials.
• Support program performance reporting across MISC programs.
• Serve as primary contact for media inquiries and social media; maintain websites and community engagement programs.
• Represent MISC at statewide venues and school/community presentations.
• Develop relationships with local media, partners, and the public; track PR activity and outcomes.
• Plan outreach strategies and funding opportunities; manage budgets; negotiate vendor agreements.
• Operate project vehicles to access sites and attend PR events; lift/move materials; work weekends/holidays.

Skills

Public relations

Public speaking

Writing

Interpersonal skills

Editing

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

ArcGIS StoryMap

Web design software

Desktop publishing

Job description

MISC PUBLIC RELATIONS & EDUCATION SPECIALIST

ID# 226427. Closing date: July 28, 2026.

Regular, Full-Time, Limited-Term (not to exceed two (2) years in duration from date of hire), RCUH Non‑Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) in Maui, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

Monthly salary range: $5,497.35 – $5,717.98 per month.

Duties

• Develop and maintain a positive public image for MISC operations.
• Develop and implement public relations and education programs to raise public awareness about and generate support for MISC’s efforts to control invasive plants and animals.
• Coordinate and direct the MISC PR and Outreach team.
• Oversee personnel on the outreach team and provide instruction, guidance, scheduling, timekeeping, personnel evaluations, and hiring decisions for Education/Outreach Program Associates.
• Communicate MISC’s work and the importance of invasive species management to the community and partners.
• Negotiate access to public and private property for survey and control operations.
• Use graphic design programs, creative writing, and artistic skills to design original educational and public relations materials.
• Support and facilitate program performance reporting across MISC programs.
• Act as primary contact for media inquiries and social media.
• Maintain MISC websites and develop community engagement programs.
• Represent MISC at appropriate venues, including statewide working groups on invasive species.
• Create and conduct presentations to community and school groups.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with local media, partners, and the public.
• Track and prepare reports on public relations activities and accomplishments.
• Plan outreach strategies and implement initiatives.
• Identify funding opportunities through networking and participation in statewide working groups.
• Develop and track budget for outreach and education programs.
• Negotiate agreements with vendors for outreach-related materials and services.
• Operate project vehicles to access work sites and attend PR events; lift and move materials and supplies as needed.
• Work weekends, holidays, and occasionally evenings to attend community events.

Primary Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university.
• Experience: Five to seven (5‑7) years of experience in public relations or education related to natural resource management, including at least three (3) years producing public messages across print, radio, video, website, and television, and preparing reports.
• Knowledge: Knowledgeable about Hawaiian biota and threats from invasive species; identification and detection techniques; familiarity with native and introduced Hawaiian plants and animals; community‑based social marketing concepts; social media presence; website design and maintenance.
• Abilities & Skills: Excellent public speaking, interpersonal, writing, and editing skills; ability to produce creative, original content; strong computer skills, including word processing, desktop publishing, ArcGIS StoryMap, and web design software; negotiation skills with reluctant landowners; ability to communicate clearly with diverse publics; ability to think independently and present a positive image; valid driver’s license and personal vehicle insurance.

Secondary Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or experience in Education, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Education in natural resources management or prior experience working in natural resources management.
• Experience with outreach program development.
• Knowledge of natural and cultural history in Hawai‘i.

Physical / Medical Demands

Ability to lift and carry at least twenty (20) pounds and set up exhibits/displays.

Policy / Regulatory Requirement

As a condition of employment, the employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i’s and/or business entity’s policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of these policies or applicable State or Federal laws may lead to disciplinary action, including possible termination.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.