Address:

Government Affairs Division
701 East Jefferson Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
https://corrections.az.gov

Salary:  $94,250.00

Grade: 25

Closing Date: 07/12/2024

The Deputy Communications Director supports ADCRR’s communication needs under the Director of Communications to ensure the accomplishments of ADCRR are communicated accurately, its constituents are informed, and positive news is amplified. Under the Director of Communications, this position assists in developing and implementing a wide variety of key communications, including but not limited to: social media, press releases, video scripts, internal and external webpage content, internal and external reports, stories for the Department’s newsletters, and responses to media inquiries. This position also assists with: conducting on-camera interviews for ADCRR’s internal and external videos, and planning Department events, on-site prison visits, and press conferences.

The Deputy Communications Director takes a proactive approach in reaching out to ADCRR’s various staff, internal teams, and liaisons at each complex to identify and highlight positive news stories. In conjunction with the Director of Communications, this position works regularly with the Department’s Public Records division on public records requests from members of the media. This position is required to drive on State business and perform other duties as assigned.

- Assists in developing and implementing a wide variety of key communications, including but not limited to: social media, press releases, video scripts, internal and external webpage content, internal and external reports, and stories for the Department’s newsletters
- Regularly monitors the Department’s media inbox and responds to telephone and written media inquiries in collaboration with the Director of Communications
- Regularly scans social media and a variety of print media reports to maintain the Department’s situational awareness
- Drafts communications for the signature of the Director
- Works with the Department’s Public Records division on media requests for public records
- Drives on State business, travels to prisons around the state and escorts the media and various dignitaries to prison sites
- Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment

Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of marketing administration and management
- Understanding of the authority and responsibilities of ADCRR as well as other Arizona state agencies, their relationships to each other, local jurisdictions and other government agencies
- Project management
- Computers and various software to include Microsoft Office and Google
- Posting content on a variety of social media platforms while seeking to grow engagement numbers through creative and engaging content

Skill in:
- Verbal and written communication
- Building interpersonal relationships with a wide variety of audiences including staff, leadership, inmates, other agency counterparts, external partners and members of the press
- Supervision/management of projects and publications
- Self-motivation
- Exceptional organization
- Extraordinary collaboration
- Attention to detail

Ability to:
- Translate complex ideas for mass audiences
- Effectively articulate and rally support for program goals and outcomes
- Supervise when necessary
- Remain calm in stressful situations
- Perform multiple tasks against rapid and frequent deadlines
- Be available 24/7 to monitor and coordinate media responses with the Director of Communications
- As needed, have availability on weekends, weeknights and holidays
- Work in collaboration with other state agencies, and internal and external partners to ensure ADCRR objectives are communicated effectively and efficiently
- Engage with a variety of print, TV, radio and online media on a daily basis
- Offer timely, accurate responses while working with legal, policy, and ADCRR leadership teams regarding responses
- Accept constructive changes, edits, and creative feedback regarding work production
- Work in an office and a prison setting

- A background and extensive knowledge in corrections and law enforcement is preferred, but not required
- Extensive experience as a communications professional at a government agency or large private organization will be considered in lieu of corrections

Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

In an effort to maintain a safe environment, all employees are required to take a Tuberculosis (TB) test during their New Employee Orientation and every year thereafter.

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

We offer an excellent and affordable comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees:
- Vacation and sick days 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).
- Robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability options
- Exceptional retirement program
- Optional employee benefits such as deferred compensation plans, credit union membership, and a wellness program
- An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program

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

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Current ADC Employees: Consult with your respective Human Resources Liaison if you are in a different retirement plan than the one indicated above.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 255-2430. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.