DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Office of the Director (OOD)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $61,591 - $66,001 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: October 6, 2025

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here  to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our communications team as a Public Information Officer 3 (PIO 3) with a focus on internal communications. This position is responsible for strategic communication planning and coordination for agency-wide initiatives, as well as drafting emails, Intranet content, flyers, video scripts, templates, and other channels, to keep DES employees informed about critical information they need to perform their jobs effectively. The PIO 3 will also play a key role in change management for major Department initiatives. This role may also support external activities, when needed.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords flexibility, autonomy and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona, unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Produce promotional and educational materials, including email notices, web content, graphics, copy for print material, and more, for internal communications
• Draft and edit internal and external division communications, and create templates and project plans for internal subject matter experts
• Provide change management and organization for internal initiatives in HR, IT, employee engagement, finance and operations
• Assist the division with strategic planning and implementation of their communication initiatives
• Provide backup for the PIO Supervisor when needed, including working with program staff and other PIOs, depending on the project

Knowledge of:

• Digital Marketing
• Project Management
• Change management
• AP Style
• Strategic Planning

Skills In:

• Planning and implementing promotional and educational campaigns
• Internal communication
• Writing and speaking clearly and succinctly
• Developing and managing successful working relationships with a wide range of people
• Understanding of creative applications (Adobe Express)

Ability to:

• Manage time and resources to meet tight deadlines consistently
• Work independently and lead initiatives with minimal supervision
• Organize and execute various communications plans simultaneously
• Think strategically and innovatively
• Draft content for internal and external dissemination on behalf of other staff as assigned
  

This ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Preferred candidate will possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science or a closely related field and at least three (3) years of professional experience
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

• In-state travel and out of state travel is required. Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at 480-435-0897 or OODHRstaffing@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480-435-0897 or OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.