GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Address:  5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Hiring salary range: $70,000 - $80,000 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 08/05/2026

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a talented Community Relations Project Manager who is passionate about conservation and public service and wants their work to make a lasting impact on Arizona’s wildlife and wild places.

This position plays a critical role in advancing the Department’s mission to conserve and protect more than 800 wildlife species by connecting people to science-based wildlife management and responsible outdoor recreation. As a Community Relations Project Manager, you will help lead with development of stories to showcase Arizona’s landscapes, species, and the professionals working every day to safeguard them. Through strategic communication, media relations, and direct public engagement, you will build understanding, trust, and support for conservation efforts across the state.

You will collaborate with biologists, wildlife managers, and leadership to translate complex conservation issues into clear, engaging messages for diverse audiences. Your work will help ensure Arizonans and visitors understand how wildlife is managed, why stewardship matters, and how outdoor recreation can be enjoyed safely and sustainably—now and for future generations.

This role is ideal for a skilled communicator who values teamwork, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is motivated by meaningful work that serves both people and wildlife. At AZGFD, your communications will do more than inform—they will inspire conservation, strengthen community relationships, and support the long-term protection of Arizona’s natural heritage.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (2 days per week in the office) based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The Community Relations Project Manager supervises and directs development and implementation of short- and long-range goals for the public affairs and community relations team, executing strategic communication plans and tactics that advance branch priorities and directly support the Department’s mission to conserve and protect Arizona’s wildlife and natural resources.

Major duties may include:

- Plans, supervises and directs public affairs and community relations projects
- Plan, implement, and manage public Information communications programs that support the Department's mission
- Write and prepare targeted public Information communications, working with internal and external subject matter experts to create accurate, timely and engaging talking points, including news/media releases, electronic newsletters, articles, public service announcements, brochures, web content, etc
- Ensure consistent implementation of the Department's brand across various platforms
- Build and maintain relationships through communication, outreach and public affairs efforts. Assist with event/conference execution and participate in community engagements
- Handle various aspects of media relations which includes; writing and distributing news releases and media advisories, making proactive pitches to news media, handling and coordinating agency responses to media queries, and assisting with critical incident communication.
- Select, train, supervise, mentor and provide oversight of subordinate staff
- Oversee and manage program budget(s)
- Create opportunities to engage constituents, convey narratives, and facilitate dialogue with diverse stakeholders.
- Assist internal customers with public information planning and provide advice and counsel on media relations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

The candidate will have knowledge of all aspects of public affairs and community relations, AP style design and layout, marketing and promotion techniques, journalism, state procurement procedures, contract negotiation, personnel management, supervision, mentorship, delegation, and Arizona geography, including a strong interest in Arizona wildlife species, their habitats, ecology, and outdoor recreation.

The candidate will be skilled in communication, writing, editing, organization, listening, problem solving, and production. The candidate must have skill in personnel, budget, project management, Google suit and Microsoft Office programs and time management.

The candidate will have the ability to supervise and coach subordinates, evaluate work processes and products and administer the program budget. Must be able to manage multiple projects and priorities, meet deadlines, communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally, adapt to changing priorities, think strategically, take initiative, and prioritize projects to completion. Edit, rewrite, proofread copy, perform editorial research, evaluate story quality, originate and develop new article/issue ideas, and write non-fiction material. Guide agency staff on communications and constituent relations strategies. Collaborate and participate with/on projects and teams. Provide exemplary customer service.

The preferred candidate should have at least 4 years of experience in professional public affairs work, news or feature writing, broadcast news, public relations, or related experience with a minimum of 2 years experience supervising staff. Bilingual fluency in Spanish would be a plus but not required.

Position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Milani Barron at mbarron@azgfd.gov for assistance.

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 offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:
● 13 days’ of vacation
● 12 sick days
● 10 paid holidays
● Tuition Reimbursement Program
● Participation in the nationally recognized Arizona State Retirement System
● Superior health care options
● Vision care, dental care, pharmacy benefits, and flexible spending account (options available)
● Life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance options are available
● Many more benefit programs are available

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave 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). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Milani Barron at mbarron@azgfd.gov for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.