DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

OOD/OSC
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: 80,000 

Grade: 23

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

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, Office of the Director is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Program Coordinator. 

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, 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. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervise the organization’s public relations (PR) team and oversee all day-to-day activities.

• Develop and implement communication strategies and plans to support divisional needs, implementing the PR plan developed by OSC leadership, including budgets, timelines, etc.

• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to curate a positive public image with new and existing press contacts.

• Conduct analyses of media coverage to assist with the drafting of appropriate responses and oversee the social media team to create a content calendar.

• Participate as an active member of the OSC leadership team, responsible for creating a culture of excellence, adhering to the agency's overarching mission, vision, and values. 

Knowledge in: 

• Advanced understanding of the media landscape including print, broadcast, and online media.

• Advanced knowledge of best practices related to public engagement and communication methods.

• Advanced knowledge of public affairs and policy to effectively manage media interactions.

Skilled in:

• Skills in drafting press releases, statements, speeches, and other communications with a clear and persuasive style.

• Skills in writing, editing, and proofreading.

• Skills in building rapport with diverse stakeholders, including journalists, internal teams, and the public. 

• Skills in effectively managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and media inquiries. 

Ability to: 

• Ability to articulate complex information clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally.

• Ability to build relationships with journalists, and effectively pitch stories.

• Ability to respond quickly and strategically to negative situations or controversies.

• Ability to anticipate media trends and develop proactive communication strategies. 

• Ability to craft compelling narratives, problem solve, and work cooperatively and courteously with others.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• One (1) or two (2) years of experience in marketing, communications, project management, or website management; Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field; Experience working with media and members of the press. 

• 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. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

• 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.

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

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

• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years

• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly

• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).

• Deferred compensation plan

• Wellness plans

• Tuition Reimbursement 

• Stipend Opportunities 

• Infant at Work Program 

• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy

• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

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

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.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at descruitment@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 desrecruitment@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.