DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

 Division of Financial Operations

Assistant Director’s Administration

Address: 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $65,000.00-$72,400.00 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: 03/01/2026

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!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Financial Services, is seeking a driven and experienced individual to join our team as the Executive Staff Assistant to the Assistant Director (AD) for the Division of Financial Operations (DFO). This role involves reviewing and assessing project assignments and providing the AD with recommendations for staff coordination and assignment. The Executive Staff Assistant will coordinate projects and activities both within the division and with other divisions and agencies. They will research and suggest changes to address operational deficiencies and provide technical assistance and guidance on various topics and assignments. Additionally, the Executive Staff Assistant will serve as a lead for administrative support functions across the division, coordinate processes among executive assistants in the administration, and oversee these functions as appropriate.

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Partner with the Assistant Director (AD) to design and execute strategies that optimize daily operations and drive efficiency
• Deliver high-level administrative and technical guidance to the AD, Program Administrators, and team members, ensuring projects, work plans, and operational strategies align with division goals and quality standards.
• Act as the AD's representative to field inquiries and foster relationships with a diverse, high-level network of internal and external stakeholders. This includes members of the Governor’s office, legislators, community partners, and leadership from other agencies. Additionally, this role will draft a wide range of communications, from routine emails to formal correspondence requiring the AD's or Director's signature.
• Serve as the primary bridge between the DFO and the Director's Office. Manage the full lifecycle of formal requests, including legislative inquiries and proposed legislation, by receiving, delegating, tracking, and finalizing responses with the appropriate teams.
•  Conducts special studies and research projects; initiates/prepares business reports, directives, formal recommendations, and solutions for resolution or problems as related to operations, policies, procedures, budget development, strategic organizational planning, and other areas of assignment.
  

Knowledge in:

• Knowledge of governmental organizations, and State and Federal rules/regulations governing DES
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the creation, development, and editing of high-level business communications (i.e., letters, memos, emails, and reports)
• Appropriate data gathering, summarization methods, and report preparation
• Procedure analysis and policy development
• Time-line management
• Basic accounting, budgeting, and strategic planning concepts
• Microsoft computer programs such as Word, EXCEL, ACCESS, Outlook, SharePoint, Google Office Suite Products - Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, Email
• Knowledge of personnel rules, policies, and procedures

Skilled in:

• Taking initiative to anticipate challenges and proactively address upcoming needs
• High-level skills in analyzing, problem-solving, and decision-making
• Prioritizing, multitasking, and working independently on projects
• Project planning, coordinating/organizing, and completion
• Excellent oral and written communication, including graphic presentation of information/data
• Excellent research skills (e.g., Internet and other sources)
• Excellent skills in writing/formatting/editing business communications, including letters, memos, emails, and reports
• Handling sensitive matters, including those of a highly confidential and/or legal nature

Ability to:

• Provide professional executive-level administrative and technical support to the Assistant Director in areas of program policy, development, and implementation
• Review and evaluate program activities analytically and develop effective work plans and methods for improvement
• Judgment, problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making ability
• Coordinate and track projects/assignments from start to completion
  

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• A combination of education and work experience that shows 3-5 years of progressively higher-level executive or administrative responsibility with senior-level management and supervisory experience. Experience in state government preferred.

• 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. 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 accommodate any restrictions reasonably.
• 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
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

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 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 602-908-4504 or email dbsdfohr@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  602-908-4504. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.