Join McREL International and become part of our rich legacy of making a difference in the quality of education for all, through excellence in applied research, product development, and services. Since 1966, we have demonstrated a track record of success in the U.S., Canada, the Pacific Region, Australia, and other parts of the world. Join us at The Regional Educational Laboratory of the Pacific (REL Pacific) at McREL International and help us improve teaching and learning for all students across the REL Pacific region. Funded by the Institute of Education Sciences at the US Department of Education, REL Pacific serves education stakeholders in Hawai‘i, American Samoa, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. We work with principals, teachers, and central office staff to design and support professional learning systems that work to consistently improve teaching and learning.

Our Honolulu office focuses on supporting courageous leaders across the Pacific region who are committed to improving student achievement. To accomplish this, the staff works with practitioners within the region to research, develop, implement, and evaluate strategies for improving systems and creating environments in which students achieve great results consistently.

POSITION SUMMARY:

McREL is currently seeking a communications specialist with expertise in communications for both internal and external audiences to be based in our Honolulu, Hawaii office and work on the Regional Educational Laboratory for the Pacific Region (REL Pacific), which includes the state of Hawaii, American Samoa, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

The candidate for this position will perform a variety of tasks under the direction of senior staff,  focusing primarily on communications under the REL Pacific contract, including developing formal reports for submission to the Institute of Education Sciences, and infographics, webinars, presentations, and print materials for use in projects with research-practice partnership members. This will include collaborating with REL Pacific staff and partnership members throughout the development and editorial process and ensuring that all materials developed adhere to the IES Style Guide for the REL program.

This position requires periodic international travel as well as occasional national travel to locations within the Hawaiian islands and the continental United States. Position responsibilities include:

1. Conceptualizes and generates ideas, adapts material, and develops copy and materials for webinars, infographics, videos, blog posts, and other REL Pacific dissemination activities related to education issues within the region.
2. Develops website and social media content and assists with social media monitoring and response.
3. Contributes to the design and management of websites and other electronic media to optimize the access and experiences of users based on information gained through website analytics.
4. Conceptualizes and generates ideas, conducts interviews, and researches and writes stories, reports, and briefs for multiple purposes on complex subjects.
5. Proofreads, copy edits, and developmentally edits articles, newsletters, research reports, presentations, and other REL Pacific documents.
6. Collaborates with REL Pacific staff, assisting with their editing, design, and production needs.
7. Plans production schedules and keeps projects on track and within timelines.
8. Keeps abreast of current issues in education, education reform, and education policy.
9. Ensures that all written materials meet Institute of Education Sciences’ (IES) requirements for work under the REL program.
10. Works with a team to implement and oversee project plans, seeking assistance and guidance from more senior team members, REL Pacific task leads, and the Executive Director as needed.
11. Prioritizes multiple responsibilities and takes initiative in work.
12. Works as an effective team member to ensure completion of assigned tasks.
13. Proactively monitors project hours to ensure that they stay within budgeted project hours and that all work is delivered on time and within budget.
14. Alerts REL Pacific management when there is the potential for delays in meeting deliverable deadlines and milestones.
15. Responds to internal and external requests in a timely manner, including, at times, non-traditional business hours.
16. Makes decisions and performs in a manner which is congruent with organizational goals, strategy, vision, mission, and values.
17. Knows and follows corporate policies, procedures, and processes.

SKILLS: 

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including familiarity with various styles, e.g., Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Associated Press.
• Ability to recognize quality writing and to give editorial guidance.
• Knowledge and understanding of copywriting and message development for marketing purposes.
• Knowledge and understanding of web design and social media software.
• Proven organizational skills and the ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, follow tasks to completion, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member in a positive, collaborative manner.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to synthesize complex information.
• Knowledge and understanding of K-12 education systems and marketplace reform.
• Ability to work directly, cooperatively, and effectively with education professionals both within and outside of the organization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three years of experience in conceptualizing and creating formal reports, infographics, webinars, videos, presentation content, and print materials desired.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s in communications, education, journalism, or related field.
• Three years of experience editing scholarly or research-based publications desired.
• Experience working on a Regional Educational Laboratory or other IES-funded project.
• Experience working in international, Pacific, English learner or underserved contexts.
• Project management experience.
• Knowledge of Pacific region languages, cultures, and traditional practices. Strong relationships with other educators and educational institutions across the region.
• Willingness to increase knowledge of education, Pacific region languages and cultures, business processes, and effective leadership practices.
• Functional language skills in one or more of the local languages of the Pacific region.

TRAVEL:

Must be willing and able to perform all national and international travel (including overnight and commercial airline travel) that is necessary to accomplish the essential functions of this position. Travel for this position is estimated at up to 20%.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT A COVER LETTER AND RESUME. WHEN APPLYING, PLEASE SELECT THE OPTION TO ADD ANOTHER DOCUMENT IN ORDER TO UPLOAD YOUR COVER LETTER.

We are proud to offer our employees a substantial benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, flexible spending accounts, and an employee assistance program. In addition, we offer a retirement savings plan with a significant employer contribution. We strive to support a work-life balance for our employees with a generous time off policy including vacation, personal time, sick days, and paid holidays.

Applicants must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States and with McREL International.

McREL International is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Required Skills Required Experience

• High School diploma / G.E.D. equivalent or currently enrolled in high school or GED Program.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible shifts as required (day, evening, weekend, holiday).
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Must be authorized or have the ability to obtain authorization to work in the UnitedStates.
• Must be able to demonstrate ability to correctly add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

1. FOR NEW CANDIDATES THAT WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER THEIR INTEREST FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE CHOOSE NEW RESUME/CV BELOW AND CLICK ON "ACCEPT" IN THE NEXT SCREEN.
2. FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED THEIR INTEREST PLEASE CHOOSE EXISTING RESUME/CV BELOW AND CLICK ON "ACCEPT" IN THE NEXT SCREEN.