DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address:  150 N. 18TH Ave

Phoenix, AZ  85007

Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 

Grade: 26

Closing Date:  OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The Director of Media Relations is essential to respond to media inquiry, develop media relations strategy and ensure the agency is represented fairly across all outlets. This position will lead earned media and public relations functions for the agency, developing proactive external communication strategies and serving as a resource and expert for agency leadership in deploying strategic communications and public relations efforts for a wide range of public health areas. Responds in a timely manner to media requests, arranges for interviews with agency subject-matter-experts, prepares talking points and supports agency subject-matter-experts throughout the entire interview process, and conducts all follow-up with media personnel in a timely manner. Pitches proactive stories to media partners to ensure critical health information and education is shared with relevant audiences. Proactively maintains and increases the number of effective relationships with local press outlets. Develops and implements strategic communications for the agency to improve public trust, increase reach to diverse audiences including those living in Tribal and rural communities, Spanish language media, and improves accessibility and inclusion of agency communications for Arizonans with disabilities. Supervises and directs the publicity, educational, and information programs of an agency, including the editing of material intended for daily or weekly press, periodicals and magazines, radio and television, and education and training use. Researches, outlines, and prepares speeches; may deliver speeches to interested groups and appear in print, radio and television interviews. Furnishes information and photographs and video regarding the agency or institution to the news media and interested groups upon request; oversees the maintenance of picture and information files. Arranges tours for visitors; manages projects to research, review, and evaluate new tools to be used for the purposes of communication. Organizes and oversees administration of various assets as need arises, serves as a resource in the evaluation of digital data and analytics for the agency’s web-based and social properties. This position provides direct supervision of the agency public information coordinator.

Serves as liaison and primary point of contact to media outlets, providing information in a
consistently timely,accurate and professional manner. Responds to requests from the media in the most positive and proactive way, serving in an advisory role and coordinating with agency Director, Assistant Directors, and other members of the Executive Team as needed.
Oversees earned media and public relations functions for the agency, developing proactive internal and external communication strategies and responding to requests for information from media representatives and others. Develops a strategic communications plan that outlines proactive steps to be taken to improve agency communication efforts and public relations.
Coordinates public outreach efforts to educate and engage new audiences and diverse community members and various stakeholders of the Arizona Department of Health Services processes and initiatives. Assists with identification and resolution of concerns and issues raised by the media, community members, and representatives of political subdivisions.
Manages and directs the public information coordinator (work assignments, setting priorities, hiring, discipline, provide training, approving leave requests, and preparing evaluations).
Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:
-Government procedures and policies.
-Audience-appropriate strategic communications and public relations.
- Developing and implementing strategic communications and public relations plans.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism, public relations, advertising and mass communications as they apply to departmental public information functions.
- General knowledge and understanding of public health and public health principles as they apply to work done within the state of Arizona.
-Delivering compelling stories on subjects of interest to the target audience.
- Maintaining effective relationships with members of statewide and regional media outlets.
-Associated Press Style.
-Regional issue awareness.
-Public records laws.
-Emerging social media strategies.
-Emergency operations protocols.

Skills in:
-Directing media, communication, and public relations functions.
-Managing strategic planning for media relations efforts.
-Providing expert consultation to leadership on strategic communications actions.
-Attention to detail.
-Extremely strong writing and editing skills.
-Strong public speaking skills.
-Strong news management skills.
-Strong organizational skills.
-Strong networking skills.
-Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
-Time management.
-Writing and editing for the web and diverse audiences. Strong computer skills.
-Effective writing and communication techniques and tools.

Ability to:
- Communicate across diverse audiences including to rural and non-metro, Tribal, Spanish language, and specialty media.
-Develop and maintain community and agency sources and contacts.
-Maintain confidentiality.
-Develop innovative and creative communication and public relations programs on ADHS related issues.
-Ability to make quick and independent decisions.
-Deal diplomatically and interact professionally with a variety of individuals.
-Communicate accurate information to customers and staff members both verbally and in writing.
-Manage and motivate direct reports to drive results, cohesion, and job satisfaction.
-Effectively manage multiple and changing priorities.
-Work independently and/or in a team setting.
-Take initiative.
-Develop collaborative working relationships; -Analyze and address complex issues;
-Prepare and present updates and reports;
-Identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.

Bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcast journalism, communications, or a closely related field & 6 years experience in journalism, media relations, public information and/or public relations. Master's may substitute for two years of experience. Preferred candidate will have professional experience directing media, communications, and public relations functions in a government environment. Supervisory experience a plus.

Driver's License

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 and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

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

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will contribute to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27-week wait period for contributions to begin.

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 emailing Tammy.Kaczmarek@azdhs.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.