Communications Director

Maricopa County • Phoenix, AZ

4d • $146,500 - $205,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Maricopa County is seeking a Communications Director to manage the reputation of our large and innovative government organization. This position leads an experienced team of communications professionals who provide consultation and products in strategic and crisis communications, media relations, web design and content, branding, video production, marketing, social media strategy, employee communications, event planning, and more. The Communications Director works closely with executive leadership and the elected Board of Supervisors to align messaging with countywide strategic goals and to respond to sensitive internal and external issues as they arise. As such, an in-depth understanding of Arizona's political and governmental landscape is crucial for this position.

Requirements

• Ten years of professional communications or public relations experience, with five of those years in a management or leadership role
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, or a related field
• Postgraduate degrees or professional-level experience may substitute for the education or experience on a year-for-year basis

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in the public sector, especially with or for an elected body
• Experience managing and leading a team of professionals
• Comfort speaking to members of the media, including for live or taped interviews
• Strong project management skills, including event planning
• Experience writing clear and accurate messages on tight deadlines

Responsibilities

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the county’s Office of Communications
• Plans, implements, and directs departmental short- and long-term goals to align with countywide priorities
• Maintains extensive and positive relationships with local and national media
• Serves as primary media contact and spokesperson as needed
• Oversees press events
• Participates in strategic planning with the Board of Supervisors and County Manager
• Consults and advises on complex, sensitive issues from a communications and public relations perspective
• Oversees communications tactics to enhance and protect the county’s reputation in coordination with the Board of Supervisors and County Manager
• Writes or oversees production of high-level communications from board members and executive leadership
• Oversees internal communications to engage and inform thousands of staff members across more than 40 departments
• Oversees external communications to engage and inform Maricopa County’s 4.5 million residents
• Collaborates with department public information officers across the county
• Creates and updates countywide communication policies and best practices
• Regularly reviews state and federal laws, court cases, and legislation that may impact business operations and public sentiment
• Makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and County management
• Oversees the preparation and management of the department’s budget
• Identifies opportunities for technological advancement to enhance communications
• Ensures superior customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility from all staff members

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% contribution rate per paycheck that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

What This Job Offers

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