Public Relations Chief

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

6d • $41 • Onsite

About The Position

The DEMA Public Relations Chief serves as an agency's communications leader and spokesperson responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering strategic public information, media relations, and outreach efforts for the Department. This position supports emergency and steady-state operations by ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent communication with the public, media, stakeholders, partner agencies, and the Governor’s Communication Office. This role helps strengthen DEMA’s reputation as a trusted source of emergency information while promoting awareness of Department programs, services, and priorities.

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.
• Skilled in effective communication both oral and written.
• Skilled in prioritizing multiple tasks/projects to meet deadlines.
• Skilled in providing supervision and leadership to PIO Staff.
• Skilled in leading the development, interpretation, and implementation of a dynamic public information and marketing (e.g., brand development) program.
• Skilled in developing collaborative relationships with DEMA stakeholders and partner agencies.
• Skilled in proofing materials for accuracy and adherence to Department policies and procedures.
• Skilled in writing in a variety of styles and according to Associated Press (AP) style guidelines.
• Skilled in operating standard office equipment (e.g., computer, copier, fax machine, etc.).
• Skilled in communicating complex concepts in clear, expressive language to the public and media.
• Ability to process and synthesize complicated concepts and ideas.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with the public, media, and stakeholders.
• Ability to participate in the development of policies, standards, and procedures.
• Ability to produce professional-quality verbal, written, and electronic communication.
• Ability to serve as the spokesperson during trainings, exercises, and activations.
• Ability to exercise professionalism in interacting/interviewing with the public, media, and stakeholders.
• Ability to present to small and large groups.
• Ability to summarize and communicate complex information.
• Ability to respond to citizen and media requests in a timely and courteous manner.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to 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.
• Must complete any required driver training.
• Must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• A bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• 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

• Serving as the Agency’s primary spokesperson to the public and media including fielding inquiries from all outside entities.
• Supervising 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).
• Supporting and assisting other DEMA sections within the Agency with communication strategy, outreach, technical advice and presentation development including facilitating the 'employee idea' program.
• Coordinating with DEMA PIO partners at all emergency management phases to ensure proportionate situational information awareness.
• Serving as spokesperson during exercises, trainings and activations.
• Acting as chief content creator for communications material including news releases, social media, online content, program announcements, graphic design, newsletters and official reports.
• Serving as the primary point of contact for all agency public record requests.
• Coordinating and providing thorough information to requesters, DEMA employees, Legal and the Governor’s office for all external requests for public records.
• Administering 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