To provide expert communications support to the DHS CWS branch with a focus on timely, culturally informed, and effective communication to internal and external stakeholders, the general public, and the media. The overarching goal is to support reputation management, enhance public awareness of CWS services, and foster trust in the agency’s mission and efforts. The selected vendor will work closely with the DHS Public Information Officer (PIO) to convey the department’s work clearly and responsibly; while ensuring communication efforts are trauma informed and rooted in the cultural values of Hawai‘i. Communications must be responsive to children and families statewide, actively and intentionally inclusive of the neighbor islands. The vendor shall provide the following services, in close collaboration with the DHS Public Information Officer: 1. Strategic Communications Planning o Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy tailored to CWS goals and stakeholder audiences. o Integrate cultural knowledge and sensitivity throughout the messaging, particularly as it pertains to Native Hawaiian families and rural communities. 2. Crisis Communications Support o Provide real-time, responsive communications guidance during highprofile or sensitive incidents. Draft and review crisis messaging, press statements, talking points, FAQs, and internal communications as needed. o Serve as a behind-the-scenes advisor to support the department’s unified voice. 3. Media Relations and Story Pitching o Identify and pitch proactive story ideas to highlight CWS’s efforts, success stories, and community partnerships. o Cultivate relationships with local media outlets, including those focused on neighbor island news and Hawaiian language/cultural coverage. o Provide media training and interview preparation for DHS leadership, if requested. 4. Media Production o Identify media production partners o Develop storylines o Develop PSAs o Develop reach structure and calendar 5. Reputation Management and Public Trust Building o Monitor public sentiment and media coverage related to CWS. o Advise on responses to misinformation or negative narratives, ensuring culturally appropriate tone and content. o Assist in the development of key messages, speeches, opinion pieces, or video scripts. 6. Culturally Rooted Communications o Ensure all materials reflect a strong understanding of Hawaiʻi’s values, customs, and linguistic preferences. o Incorporate Hawaiian language (ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi), when appropriate, and consult with cultural practitioners and/or community leaders to validate content. o Demonstrate sensitivity to intergenerational trauma, colonization, and community resiliency.
