DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Child and Community Services Divison (CCSD)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $72,099-$74,360.00 

Grade: 23

Closing Date: November 25, 2024

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Strategic Planner. This position will be responsible for complex planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating effectiveness for projects under the direction of the Senior Administrator for Strategy and Critical Initiatives in the Child and Community Services Division (CCSD); Work closely with the Sr. Administrator and teams across CCSD; Develop and maintain relationships with local, statewide, and national partners; Coordinate with other agencies on critical projects and service coordination to improve outcomes for programs within CCSD; Responsible for the development, organization, and implementation of organizational strategies and special projects that directly affect program effectiveness. This position will provide team leadership to staff in different areas of the Division and will provide regular updates to CCSD Leadership.

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 flexibility, autonomy and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop, organize, implement, and monitor inter-connected special projects which support the Administration's mission, strategic objectives, and goals. Develop, facilitate, and manage projects and programs to support the achievement of key objectives, annual improvement priorities, and other strategic priorities.
• Assist the Program Administrator and Deputy Program Administrator to plan, develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate statewide CCA program(s) goals, objectives, performance standards, initiatives, and operations and work across the Division, Department, and other partner entities to achieve success.
• Attends meetings related to the area of assignment, within the Division, Department, and with representatives from other state agencies and partner entities in the areas identified as strategic objectives and goals.
• Promote a continuous improvement culture. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of special projects, to meet strategic objectives and goals.

Knowledge of:
• Federal and State programs including early childhood education, child care law, IDEA Part C and early intervention, and programs supporting economic independence including food and housing security
• Federal and statue funding rules and regulations.
• Community resources.
• Government practices, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation
• Familiar with DES programs and lean principles
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging framework
• Google suite and other software applications to include documents, spreadsheets, and email

Skills In:
• Strong coaching skills including team building and negotiation skills for accountability and establishment of performance standards
• Strategic planning.
• Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Skill in interpretation and application of complex
• Planning, directing, and monitoring group processes.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
• Plan logistics and time frames to solve problems and make sound independent decisions.
• Effective organization, time management, prioritizing projects, and planning

Ability to:
• Ability to work and resolve complex problems
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship across partners both in public and private sector
• Able to utilize independent judgment and independent decision making
• Respond quickly and effectively to resolve complex planning, program, and audit related items • Manage projects effectively with attention to detail
• Ability to take raw data sets or information and quickly analyze and implement solutions
• Perform literature review/ searches, design, implement, evaluate projects for program effectiveness and enhancement

This ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Federal or State Auditing experience and Data analysis and compilation experience

• This position may require 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. 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).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

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.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at 520-235-3174 or OODHRstaffing@azdes.gov.

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 contacting at 520-235-3174 or OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.