Address: 1700 W Washington Street Phoenix, AZ. 85007

Salary: Up to $115,000

Grade: 27

The Communications Director at the Arizona Secretary of State's Office is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies to promote transparency, engage the public, and enhance the image and reputation of the Secretary of State's Office. This role involves managing internal and external communications, media relations, and public outreach efforts. Under the direction of the Assistant Secretary of State, the Communications Director serves as the spokesperson for the Arizona Secretary of State, including the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, and is responsible for all interaction with members of the media and providing information to the public. Included in these duties are: handling media requests and arranging interviews for the SOS; on camera or on air interviews, as necessary; publicizing the SOS activities and decisions; providing media training as requested to prepare SOS staff for interviews or other public appearances; preparing media materials, including writing and distributing press releases, media advisories, scripts, and press kits; drafting opinion articles, letters to the editor, and press briefing materials; organizing press conferences and public comment meetings; managing the SOS official online and social media presence; oversea and manage Voting Rights Ambassador. The Communications Director must also plan and execute media strategies to raise the profile of the SOS and to maximize attendance at public events.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

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.

• Develop and implement a strategic communication plan aligned with the goals and objectives of the Secretary of State's Office.
• Identify key messaging priorities and ensure consistent communication across all channels.

Media Relations:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Secretary of State's Office.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with members of the media, responding to inquiries and facilitating interviews.
• Prepare press releases, statements, and other communication materials.

Public Outreach:

• Coordinate with Outreach Director to promote public outreach initiatives to inform and engage the public on matters related to the Secretary of State's Office.
• Coordinate with the Outreach Director to promote town hall meetings, public forums, and other events to foster communication with diverse stakeholders.

Internal Communication:

• Develop and implement internal communication strategies to keep staff informed about organizational developments, policies, and priorities.
  
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure consistent messaging across the organization.

Crisis Communication:

• Develop and maintain a crisis communication plan to effectively respond to and manage communication during emergencies or crises.
• Act as a spokesperson and manage communication in high-pressure situations.

Digital Media and Social Media Management:

• Oversee the management of the Secretary of State's social media accounts, website, and other digital platforms.
• Manage the creation and curation of engaging content to reach a broader audience.

Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other state agencies, government entities, and external partners to coordinate communication efforts.
• Work closely with the Secretary of State and senior leadership to align communication strategies with the overall vision of the office.
  

• Public information laws and practices and local, state, and federal levels.
• Must develop substantive knowledge of the function and activities of the SOS.
• Proficiency in digital media, social media platforms, and website management.
• Arizona state government processes and policies is advantageous.
• Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.
• Must have experience interacting all types of media - whether broadcast, print, new, and social media -- in order to effectively disseminate the message of the SOS.
• Ability to write press releases, media advisories, prepare press kits, and briefing materials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong media relations skills
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication and issues management.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• To learn evolving technology to continue to effectively disseminate information in keeping with emerging communications trends. Such technology could include new distribution programs, website management, and social media.
• Develop substantive knowledge of the function and activities of the SOS.
• Handle inquiries and interviews effectively
• Work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Have good judgment to determine what information or activities should be publicized or not be made public and determine the best way to present the information.
• Develop strong professional relationships with members of the media and SOS staff.
• Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

Bachelor's degree in Communications or 10 plus years of experience, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Advanced degree is a plus. Proven experience in a similar role, preferably in government or public service.

• Three to five years of executive or significant level supervision experience

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.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

• 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
  

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Humanresources@azsos.gov