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POLICY UNIT MANAGER

  • 541169
  • PHOENIX
  • REMOTE OPTIONS
  • DEPT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
  • Full-time
  • Closing at: Jun 3 2026 - 23:55 MST
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DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

POLICY UNIT MANAGER

Job Location:

Division of Business Services
Office of Accounts Receivable and Collections
1717 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $65,500 -$67,567 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: June 3, 2026

Job Summary:

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!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Business Services & Office of Accounts Receivable and Collections, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Policy Unit Manager to lead policy development and strategic initiatives supporting the Administration’s accounts receivable and collection programs. This position is responsible for researching, developing, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures; advising leadership on policy matters; analyzing operational data and trends; and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

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 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.

Job Duties: Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
  • Conduct policy research, analyze operational data and trends, and recommend process improvements
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and policy documents for executive leadership.
    Provide policy guidance and strategic recommendations to leadership and stakeholders
  • Supervise and direct staff, assign and monitor work activities, and lead policy-related projects and initiatives
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to support operational and program goals.
    Interpret and communicate complex policies, procedures, and regulations
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:

  • Policy development within a government agency
  • Applicable laws, legal codes, regulations, executive orders, and departmental policies
  • Strategic planning, project management, resource allocation, and leadership/supervisory practices
  • Data collection processes, research/survey methodology, and data analysis
  • Computer software and operating systems
  • Mathematical/statistical methods, logic, and reasoning
  • Interviewing, selecting, training, and evaluating personnel

Skilled in:

  • Planning, organization, and prioritization
  • Concise and professional written and verbal communication to internal/external audiences
  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis
  • Business judgment and strategic decision-making

Ability to:

  • Understand and explain complex policy issues
  • Synthesize policy documents and identify key facts/statistics
  • Read, interpret, and communicate information effectively
  • Develop and manage projects
  • Anticipate and resolve operational or policy problems
  • Think creatively and analytically
  • Build consensus among differing viewpoints
  • Maintain relationships with government and non-government stakeholders
Selective Preference(s):
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience. Two years of experience in a policy, operations, or legal role in the state or federal government or private sector. Advanced understanding of state and federal legislative and regulatory processes
Pre-Employment Requirements:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Employee shall obtain and maintain a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card that meets DES requirements for a Level One card pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1969.
  • All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:

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
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee 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 program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

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.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at salexander@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 dbsdfohr@azdes.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.

ARIZONA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (AMS)

All Arizona state employees operate within the Arizona Management System (AMS), an intentional, results-driven approach for doing the work of state government whereby every employee reflects on performance, reduces waste, and commits to continuous improvement with sustainable progress.  Through AMS, every state employee seeks to understand customer needs, identify problems, improve processes, and measure results.  
State employees are highly engaged, collaborative and embrace a culture of public service.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

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