Communications Coordinator

Pima County • Tucson, AZ

2d

About The Position

The Communications Coordinator serves as the primary contact for assigned client departments, working closely with department directors and program managers to develop messaging that promotes important County programs and initiatives. Serves as a team leader of other staff assigned to support the same departments and agencies. Tracks and manages requests for communications materials from departments and coordinates their completion by other divisions of the Communications Office. This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules. Essential Functions: As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in journalism, communications, public relations, media communications, English or other closely-related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND two (2) years of experience in journalism, public relations or media relations. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
• OR: One (1) year of experience with Pima County as a Communications Specialist or related classification as determined by the department head.
• Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
• Valid driver license is required at time of application.
• Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
• The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures.
• Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum four (4) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or closely related field.
• Minimum two (2) years of project management experience (coordinating projects for multiple initiatives, establishing timelines and managing deadlines).
• Minimum two (2) years writing, copy writing, or content creation experience (developing communication materials that translate technical, policy-related info for easy consumption).
• Minimum one (1) year of supervisory or team lead experience.
• Experience in public health, healthcare, government, nonprofit, or human services communication.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary contact between the Communications Office and assigned client departments or within an Elected Official's Office, and develops relationships with departmental staff and an understanding of the department's needs and goals
• Advises, instructs and assists Communications staff in developing communications strategies for assigned departments, or individuals for specific projects, and monitors work produced for the client departments
• Serves as a liaison among senior management in the Communications Office, clients, and Communications Office staff tasked with writing, multimedia and social media to accurately communicate client goals and objectives on given projects
• Oversees all current or planned projects for the assigned departments and monitors work quality and progress completion
• Analyzes issues and generates story ideas for the approval of the client departments
• Works closely with department leaders and Communications Office staff on multi-platform campaigns that further the departments' goals and objectives
• Researches and gathers information so staff may produce articles and news releases written in readable, non-technical prose for a general audience
• Writes opinion or commentary pieces as assigned
• Cultivates and maintains working relationships with external media and assists them with story production
• Advises media representatives on complex issues and connects reporters to proper sources within County government
• Responsible for other duties as assigned in support of the overall goals and functions of the Communications Office and Pima County.

Benefits

• Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security.
• Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs.

What This Job Offers

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