Chief Marketing & Public Affairs Officer

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

FIRST THINGS FIRST (ARIZONA EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH BOARD) IS AN ESSENTIAL LEADER AND PARTNER IN CREATING A FAMILY-CENTERED, EQUITABLE, HIGH-QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEM THAT SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT, WELL-BEING, HEALTH AND EARLY EDUCATION OF ALL ARIZONA’S CHILDREN, BIRTH TO AGE 5. CREATED BY VOTER INITIATIVE IN 2006, FIRST THINGS FIRST IS GOVERNED BY A STATE BOARD WITH 28 REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP COUNCILS. FIRST THINGS FIRST IS A DECENTRALIZED ORGANIZATION THAT ENGAGES DIVERSE CONSTITUENCIES TO ACCOMPLISH ITS MISSION. ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES INCLUDE A COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION; A FOCUS ON ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY, COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION; AND AN EMPHASIS ON IMPROVING OUTCOMES THAT WILL ENSURE YOUNG CHILDREN START KINDERGARTEN HEALTHY AND READY TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL AND IN LIFE.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, political science, communications, or bachelor's degree and equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrate leadership in managing teams that implement strategic marketing, communications or public awareness initiatives showing ability to analyze data and lead agency relationships that ensure alignment with overall marketing strategy.
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing and developing strong community and business relationships and/or communications initiatives to advance an organization's mission and goals, with a proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with business objectives and drive growth in key market segments.
• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output.
• Expertise in managing remote statewide teams that promote a growth mindset. Ability to motivate teams to advance the brand of First Things First with community, business, parent and business audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; particularly adept in public speaking and presentations. Ability to distill complex issues and convey a compelling story in a clear, concise manner in individual, group and conference settings.
• Knowledge of the role of the public and private sector in contributing to the early childhood system-building work of the agency.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Participate as a contributing member of the leadership team, working collaboratively across departments to achieve the agency’s mission, goals and values.
• Work collaboratively with the Board and Executive Leadership Team to develop and implement a future-focused strategic plan for supporting statewide and regional partnerships in funding well-coordinated, high-quality, evidence-based or informed activities that achieve measurable results for children birth to 5 that advance awareness of First Things First to a variety of audiences.
• Direct the effective development, implementation, and growth of existing and emerging statewide initiatives to support the strategic plan.
• Lead, inspire and motivate the staff to accomplish the department’s goals.
• Supervise staff effectively and maintain a positive team environment, ensuring staff coordinate their work to foster an aligned approach, group learning, and efficiencies.
• Develop and manage departmental and project budgets.
• Establish a collaborative relationship with other State agencies, regional councils, community partners, grantees, and other outside stakeholders to advance the work of First Things First and the ECE efforts in Arizona.
• Prepare Board materials and conduct Board presentations.
• Performs duties in a manner that supports the First Things First internal culture and mission with respect and cooperation.
• Serve as a partner to the Chief Executive Officer in audience expansion and community relations efforts statewide.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive