ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

The Arizona Department of Homeland Security was established in 2006 by the Arizona State Legislature to support the mission of providing strategic direction and access to federal homeland security grant program resources that will further enable the stakeholders collective goals to prevent protect mitigate respond to and recover from attacks and other critical hazards that affect the safety wellbeing and economic security of Arizona.

100 North 15th Avenue

Phoenix Arizona 85007

Annual Salary Range: $70000 $80000

Grade: 24

This position will remain open until filled

Responsible for overseeing the implementation of both internal and external communication strategies; managing external communication channels like social media platforms the website and media relations; writing copy; and growing brand trust by publishing regular content and informational materials.

Responsible for organizational and creative tasks to standardize and improve the communication efforts of the agency.

This position reports to the Deputy Director of Border Coordination.

Consults with BCO team to develop effective communication procedures and policies for various situations or crises. Drafts and publishes media releases to announce and promote agency news and critical public information. Develops talking points for agency and state leadership. Responds to media inquiries. Writes letters memos and other business correspondence. Communicates with media outlets and journalists and create press kits. Develops materials to educate staff on communication practices

Develops branding materials and templates for standard work use (e.g. style guides communications materials media releases and brand templates). Coaches and assists team members on improving communication skills. Performs communications research and monitors the progress of various communications strategies

Represents AZDOHS at conferences and events on task forces and workgroups and with communities as needed

Participates in general AZDOHS staff activities and performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge:

To perform satisfactorily an individual in this position should have knowledge of Arizona state and local and tribal government. Proficiency in various marketing tools and technologies including social media platforms membership platforms and analytical tools

Skills:

To perform the work satisfactorily an individual should possess advanced interpersonal skills for building relationships with stakeholders and the media; excellent oral and written communication skills public speaking skills and the confidence to address large audiences; networking and relationshipbuilding skills; management and administrative skills typing note taking research skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office operating systems and software (e.g. Word Excel and PowerPoint) as well as GSuite

Ability:

The desirable candidate for this position will have the ability to translate complex issues into easily understood content; work in a nonpartisan issuefocused way with policymakers aligned with both political parties; manage multiple projects dealing with a wide range of issues; adapt to frequent change; prioritize tasks; recognize and be politically sensitive; work in a team environment; handle sensitive documents; and will possess excellent listening skills; be self motivating/selfdriven; and be able to travel frequently; operate a motor vehicle; and have a clean driving record

Required:

Bachelors Degree demonstrable experience with public messaging availability for critical incidents that may occur outside of regular business hours

Possession of and ability to retain a current valid stateissued drivers license

Preferred:

Public Information Officer experience or training

Experience working with a State agency

Masters degree (or in process)

Existing media portfolio

Bilingual

Ability to maintain a clean driving record; Ability to pass a background check performed by Arizona Department of Public Safety

Ability to possess and maintain a valid Arizona Drivers License and operate a motor vehicle

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

Optional employee benefits include shortterm disability insurance deferred compensation plans and supplemental life insurance

Life insurance and longterm disability insurance

Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

Health and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Sick leave

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

Please note enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Ariel Gonzalez at for assistance