DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Director Office

Salary: $60K-$70K 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: Open Until Filled 

This position serves as the Deputy Public Information Officer for Air Quality and coordinates and implements Air Quality Division communications programs including media relations, marketing, social media and web content and other public relations and communications efforts designed to promote and support existing and new Air Quality Division initiatives and proactively communicate successes, achievements and delivery of mission outcomes. In this role, you will perform complex and sensitive work as a media liaison and information provider and prepare subject matter experts for live/recorded media interviews.

• Mission-driven with a passion for protecting and enhancing public health and the environment and in particular, water quality.
• A team player who is organized, creative, and self-motivated, comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, and will thrive in a fast-paced, outcomes-driven environment.
• Detail-oriented with an ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• A skilled communicator with strong verbal and written communication skills, able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively, providing strategic support and performing the direct day-to-day work necessary.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and 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.

• Assist in external communications of Air Quality Division strategies and messages, which also support the agency's strategic objectives.
• Create, review, edit and fact check public information content including news releases, talking points, opinion pieces, fact sheets, media statements/responses, scripts, videos, social media and website content, mass emails, presentations, communications plans and other forms of written, verbal and electronic communication.
• Create and execute proactive air quality-focused social media/campaigns and content to educate and inform stakeholders about daily air quality, air quality programs and highlight achievements. This includes social media listening and responding to constituents.
• Proactively engage and coordinate with internal stakeholders responsible for providing documentation for content development.
• Work collaboratively with Air Quality program staff and the Communications team to execute activities, administer campaigns, define goals and prepare and review performance metrics, e.g., social media analytics.
• Maintain situational awareness by monitoring both, traditional and social media. Track media engagement, coverage and prepare media monitoring reports.

• Demonstrated experience required in working in a position dealing with topics under public and media scrutiny; or any combination of education, training and experience, which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures used in public affairs, media relations and communications, professional applications of research and writing skills, media tactics (interview techniques and preparation), and online and social media platforms
• Knowledge of principles, practices and tools, including performance metrics (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Sprout Social Meltwater, CRMs); MS Office, Adobe & Google Suites; structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar and proficiency in AP Style
• Skill in prioritizing multiple tasks/projects to meet deadlines, reviewing (e.g., fact check) materials for accuracy and adherence to Department policies and procedures, writing in a variety of styles and according to Associated Press style guidelines
• Skill in communicating complex concepts in clear, expressive language understandable to the public and media, creating well-written, engaging copy for different audiences
• Ability to gather and verify news information through interview, observation, and research; interpret policies and procedures, manage and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Ability to produce professional-quality verbal, written and electronic communication
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, media, and stakeholders and exercise sound judgment in these interactions
• Ability to present to small and large groups, transform technical data and complex information into understandable language to communicate to the general public, policy makers and local communities
• Ability to respond timely to citizen and media requests in a courteous and effective manner, work with scientists, engineers and other technical professionals on developing written content for specific audiences

• A background in environmental science is preferred.
• This position requires you to travel statewide and attend meetings and events outside of normal working hours. You also may be required to respond to urgent situations during evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, marketing, journalism, communications, or a closely related field
• Minimum of five (5) years recent professional work experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, communications, media coverage or related area.

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).

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
· 10 paid holidays per year
· Accrual of sick and annual leave beginning at 12 and 13 days per year respectively for full-time employees
· Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
· A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
· A robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability
· An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program
· We promote the importance of work/life balance by offering workplace flexibility
· We offer a variety of learning and career development opportunities

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

ASRS Lifetime Benefits

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