DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

3003 N Central Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Salary: $99,000 - $126,000 

Grade: E4

Open until filled

The Assistant Director of Communications serves as a member of the DCS Executive Leadership Team and reports directly to the Director. This role requires professional engagement with representatives from diverse backgrounds, including government, legislative bodies, media, private sector organizations, as well as local, statewide, and non-profit entities.

• Develops and executes communications campaigns. Co-Chairs annual events, training and staff as needed. Manages workforce retention strategies and acts as Chair of the DCS Spirit Committee. Communications, Media Relations, and Public Information, including work with the media and press contacts; coordinates all agency speaking engagements, presentations, and tours; and facilitates responses to all media records requests.
  
• Confers with the Director and the Department Leadership Team.
  
• Manages the Director's Monthly Podcast, internal news letters and communication as needed. Manages the agency's website. Management of Social Media Platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn). Serves as the Executive Sponsor for the agencies' SharePoint Site.
  
• Oversees Department's Correspondence Control, Photography, and Videography. Forms and print management.
  
• Develops public relations strategies; selection and oversight of relationship with Public Relations Firm. Serves as the agency's Communication Liaison.
  
• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Public Information Office. Assigns and reviews work, prioritize tasks, monitors work to ensure assigned deadlines are met. Mentors, trains, and develops the Communication team.
  
• Participate in Quarterly Community Forums and with other state agencies as needed.
  
• Oversees Department's Correspondence Control, Photography, and Videography. Forms and print management.
  Media monitoring and reporting.
  
• Communications, Media Relations, and Public Information, including works with the media and press contacts; coordinates all agency speaking engagements, presentations, and tours; and facilitates responses to all media records requests.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)
  

Knowledge Of:

• Arizona State Government general operations
• Arizona Revised Statutes regarding Child Safety
• Arizona State personnel rules and practices
• Arizona legislative process
• Community organizations and stakeholders interested in child welfare programs and services
• Federal and state laws, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to Department programs and services, including child welfare program policies and practices
• Managerial principles and practices, including motivating and mentoring staff; Executive level organizations and their operation
• Problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritization; and development of responses to critical incidents

Skill In:

• Management and leadership
• Effectively supervising staff, evaluating performance, and providing professional development opportunities
• Writing and public speaking
• Organizational planning
• Interpersonal skills including interacting positively with staff in diverse operational areas, the media, members of the public, and community organizations
• Planning, organizing and producing complex work products which survive substantial, biased scrutiny
• Preparation of reports and recommendations to executive management, media, and other areas of the government including the Governor's policy advisors and legislative representatives
• Excellent judgment when dealing with elected officials, government officials, representatives of the media and stakeholders on sensitive issues
• Strong project management and oversight

Ability To:

• Manage handle high pressure and workload demands
• Analyze complex problems or issues and develop communication related responses for community and media distribution
• Make effective oral presentations on complex issues
• Manage major projects by successful interaction with staff from all levels and individuals from other state and federal governmental entities, state agencies, and private sector partners
• Learn and adhere to the policies and regulations of the Department of Child Services (DCS) that apply to area of assignment
  

At least five (5) years of experience as a Communications Director in a large, complex organization is required. Expertise in developing critical incident plans is desirable. A Bachelor's Degree in public administration, business administration, communications, or a related field is preferred; a Master's Degree is a plus.

Requires the possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training. Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintain valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration.

Employees must also obtain and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card and clear the DCS Central Registry.

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: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

● Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
● Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
● 10 paid holidays per year
● Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
● Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
● Deferred compensation plan
● Wellness plans

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

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV.   Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.  Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov.  The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.