Communications Manager / Public Information Officer

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

9d • $70,000 - $85,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Gaming is seeking a Communication Manager/PIO. This position is a mid-level management position responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Arizona Department of Gaming’s Communications Unit. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Government and Community Affairs, this role develops and implements strategic communications that support the agency’s mission, promote transparency, and strengthen public trust. As the Department’s designated Public Information Officer, the Communication Manager leads all media relations, crisis communications, and external messaging efforts, while also supporting internal communications and employee engagement. The position requires close collaboration with executive leadership, agency staff, tribal partners, and industry stakeholders to ensure timely, consistent, and audience-focused messaging across all public platforms. The Communication Manager/PIO directly supervises the Marketing Strategist and Communication Intern and plays a key role in advancing the agency’s outreach, education, and engagement priorities.
The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, media relations, or communications.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or lead-level experience.
• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) If 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in communications, public administration, political science, journalism, or related discipline is preferred; Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or other relevant professional certification; Experience working with or for Tribal Nations, including knowledge of Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compacts; Experience in a regulatory agency or gaming-related environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the Communications Unit to execute agency priorities; ensure alignment across internal and external messaging; support the Assistant Director and Executive Team with message development and long-term communications planning; develop executive communications, including speeches, memos, presentations, and formal messaging.
• Serve as the Department’s Public Information Officer and primary media liaison; coordinate with the Constituent Services Unit and Legal Unit to ensure timely, accurate responses to public records and public information.
• Oversee the agency’s content strategy and brand alignment across all digital platforms, including social media and the website; ensure messaging is consistent, timely, and reflective of the agency’s voice and priorities future strategies.
• Ensure internal communications support agency goals, priorities, and workplace culture; provide strategic oversight and guidance to the agency in developing internal messaging, staff updates, and agency-wide communications; support executive leadership and the Employee Advisory Council in promoting employee engagement, transparency, and mission alignment through agency events and consistent and timely communication.
• Support the Executive Team in implementing agency engagement strategies with tribal governments, regulated industries, and community partners; assist with planning and facilitating formal tribal consultations, annual summits, and stakeholder events; identify and support opportunities for public education and consumer outreach in collaboration with program areas.
• Track and report on communications performance using metrics, analytics, and audience insights to inform continuous improvement; contribute to agency-wide continuous improvement and reporting efforts by compiling data, tracking outcomes, and summarizing results for executive leadership.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave - Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance.

What This Job Offers

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