DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

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

Salary: $61,000 - $72,000 

Grade: 21

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 Public Information Officer 3. This position is responsible for managing and creating content for multiple social media channels, including Arizona DES, Arizona DES - DDD, and ARIZONA@WORK. This social media role also coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to satisfy communication initiatives and to plan future social media campaigns. 

This position is a hybrid position, with the current expectation of being in the office a minimum of two days per week.

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:

• Collaborate with the DES Director of Communications, Division Assistant Director and others to assist in the facilitation of communication planning and implementation. 

• Strategic communication planning for divisions, drafting of communication briefs, social media messaging crafting and utilization.

• Writing and editing press releases.

• Produce promotional and educational materials, including DES division success stories for external marketing of DES programs. Plan and promote division special events.

Knowledge in: 

• Knowledge of social media trends, management, and best practices.

• Knowledge of digital marketing.

• Knowledge of project management.

• Knowledge of graphic design (Adobe Express or other Adobe Suite Software applications).

• Knowledge of AP (Associated Press) Style.

• Knowledge of strategic planning.

Skills in:

• Skilled in planning and implementing promotional and educational campaigns.

• Skilled in public-facing communications.

• Skilled in writing and speaking clearly and concisely.

• Skilled in developing and managing successful working relationships with a wide range of people.

• Skilled in understanding of creative applications (Adobe Express).

• Skilled in social media management.

Ability to: 

• Ability to manage time and resources to meet tight deadlines consistently.

• Ability to work independently and lead initiatives with minimal supervision.

• Ability to organize and execute various communication plans simultaneously.

• Ability to think strategically and innovatively. 

• Ability to draft content for internal and external dissemination on behalf of other staff as assigned.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a closely related field and at least three (3) years of professional experience. Being bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus. 

• 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
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• 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.