PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 4

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Information Officer (PIO) 4 is experienced in the principles and practices used in public information and communication (e.g., journalism, public relations, social marketing, and public affairs). Under the supervision of the DEMA Deputy Director, this position leads the development, interpretation, and implementation of public information and marketing policies, standards, and procedures (PSPs). The PIO 4 also oversees the marketing of DEMA brands, programs, and activities during emergency and "steady-state" operations. This position is the primary point of contact and coordination for the Governor's Communication Office; coordinates with DEMA PIO (Public Information Officer) partners at all emergency management phases to ensure proportionate situational information awareness; confers with the DEMA Deputy Director on matters of public information/relations/affairs procedure and enactment; represents PIO interests at policy-level meetings and deliberations, and in the development of (inter)agency PSPs; and quality assures the work of the PIO office, including staff interactions with the public and media. Responsibilities also include the preparation of news releases, speeches, talking points, presentations, photographs, new media content, and publications (e.g., brochures, newsletters, and manuals); preparing and delivering speeches/presentations to interested groups; supervising all media relations; arranging subject matter expert interviews with reporters; overseeing outreach and marketing strategies and tactics; identifying opportunities to raise awareness of Department activities among stakeholders; arranging public appearances to promote the Department's range of activities and expertise; managing conference and convention preparations; coordinating tours for visitors; serving as spokesperson during exercises, trainings, and activations; supervising the External Affairs and Public Inquiry functions; and other duties as assigned. The PIO 4 also administers the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN.gov), including the Emergency Bulletin System and accessory social media accounts. AzEIN provides near real-time emergency information and is updated 24/7/365 by a rotating "on-call" PIO, putting PIOs in frequent verbal and written communication with agency personnel, stakeholder PIOs, and the Governor's office.
The position will travel in- and out-of-state for training and fulfillment of operational position opportunities. Actively participates in promoting a continuous improvement of workplace culture, through the use of teamwork, root cause problem solving, standard operating procedures, and review of performance metrics.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures used in public affairs/relations, marketing, and communications.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style.
• Knowledge of staff management.
• Knowledge of social and new media tools, technologies, and etiquette.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Effective communication both oral and written
• Prioritize multiple tasks/projects to meet deadlines.
• Provide supervision and leadership to PIO Staff.
• Lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of a dynamic public information and marketing (e.g., brand development) program.
• Develop collaborative relationships with DEMA stakeholders and partner agencies.
• Proof materials for accuracy and adherence to Department policies and procedures.
• Write in a variety of styles and according to Associated Press (AP) style guidelines.
• Operate standard office equipment (e.g., computer, copier, fax machine, etc.).
• Communicate complex concepts in clear, expressive language to the public and media.
• Process and synthesize complicated concepts and ideas.
• Establish effective working relationships with the public, media, and stakeholders.
• Participate in the development of policies, standards, and procedures.
• Produce professional-quality verbal, written, and electronic communication.
• Serve as spokesperson during trainings, exercises, and activations.
• Exercise professionalism in interacting/interviewing with the public, media, and stakeholders.
• Present to small and large groups.
• Summarize and communicate complex information.
• Respond to citizen and media requests in a timely and courteous manner.
• Organize, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends, rotating "on-call" shifts, and overtime.
• Possession of and ability to retain a current, valid Arizona state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment.
• In and out of State travel required.
• Pass a criminal background investigation.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications, or a related field, and previous experience as a communication professional.

Nice To Haves

• Desktop publishing and video, photo, and audio production hardware, software, and formats is a plus.
• Drupal content management system and Photoshop, InDesign, GIMP, or Illustrator is a plus
• Demonstrable on-camera experience is preferred.
• 5 years of experience as a communications professional.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development, interpretation, and implementation of public information and marketing policies, standards, and procedures (PSPs).
• Supervises the work of the PIO office, including staff interactions with the public and media, and the preparation of news releases, speeches, talking points, presentations, photographs, new media content, and publications (e.g., brochures, newsletters, and manuals)
• Coordinates with DEMA PIO partners at all emergency management phases to ensure proportionate situational information awareness.
• Represents PIO's interests at policy-level meetings and deliberations, and in the development of (inter)agency policies, standards, and procedures.
• Confers with the DEMA Deputy Director on matters of public information/relations/affairs procedure and enactment.
• Administers the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) website, including the Emergency Bulletin System, and its ancillary social media channels.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• 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
• Paid Parental Leave program

What This Job Offers

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