DEPT OF EMERGENCY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS

Work Location: Papago Park Military Reservation (PPMR), Phoenix, AZ

Salary: UP TO $27.1409 per hour (DOE) 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: June 4, 2026

The incumbent serves as the primary media contact within the office. Responds to media queries in a timely manner; develops talking points and trains agency spokespersons; conducts media monitoring; and produces media monitoring reports. Develop videos to help tell the DEMA story. The incumbent shares on-call duties with other members of the PIO staff and has the authority to post/remove Emergency Bulletins to/from the Arizona Emergency Information Network (ein.az gov) in accordance with established procedures. Actively participates in promoting a continuous improvement of workplace culture, through the use of teamwork, root cause problem solving, standard operating procedures, and review of performance metrics.

• Prepare, review and edit public information materials, including news releases, scripts, articles, brochures, videos, website content, social media copy, talking points, presentations, plans and procedures, and other forms written, verbal and electronic communication.
• Maintain PIO situational awareness by monitoring traditional and social media, preparing reports, and responds to public and media inquiries.
• Post information to the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) website and its ancillary social media channels, during normal working hours and evenings, weekends and holidays on a rotating on-call shift as assigned/needed.
• Raise public awareness of the department and its brand through education, outreach and support of stakeholder activities (e.g., training exercises and emergency responses).
• Prepare and coach subject matter experts for media interviews. Serve as spokesperson during training, exercises and emergency activations.
• Capture photos and videos of department activities (exercises, activations, presentations) to build a library of agency content.

Knowledge of:
• Federal The principles, practices and procedures used in public affairs/relations and communications.
• Desktop publishing and video, photo and audio production hardware, software and formats.
• Social media platforms and principles.
• Microsoft Office products, Google and other relevant technologies.
• Drupal content management system and Photoshop, lnDesign, Gimp or Illustrator is a plus
• Management

Skilled in:
• Effective Prioritize multiple tasks/projects to meet deadlines
• Review (e.g., fact check) materials for accuracy and adherence to Department policies and procedures.
• Write in a variety of styles and according to Associated Press style guidelines.
• Operate standard office equipment (e.g., computer, copier, scanner, etc.).
• Communicate complex concepts in clear, expressive language understandable to the public and media.
• Demonstrable on-camera spokesperson experience.
• building

Ability to:
• Communicate Gather and verify news information through interviews, observation and research.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, media and stakeholders.
• Interpret policies and procedures; complete assignment on deadline.
• Produce professional-quality verbal, written and electronic communication.
• Serve as spokesperson during training, exercises and emergency activations.
• Exercise sound judgment in interacting/interviewing with the public, media and stakeholders.
• Present to small and large groups.
• Summarize and communicate complex information.
• Respond to citizen and media requests in a courteous and effective manner.
• Organize, prioritize and perform multiple tasks.
• Work evenings, weekends, rotating "on-call" shifts, and overtime.

Desired qualifications include any combination of experience, education, and training that meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities as described. The preferred candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or a related field, or at least 4 years of professional experience in which the knowledge, skills, and abilities pertinent to this job were learned and/or applied. Completion of FEMA Professional Development Series, Basic Academy, PIO Credentialed through the Arizona Qualification System, certified as an Associate Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers, Certified as an Associate Emergency Manager through the Arizona Emergency Managers Association

Special Job Requirements:
• This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid Arizona state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)
• In State travel is required.
• Individuals are required to pass a criminal background investigation.
• In state and out of state travel is required.
• Completion of FEMA Independent Study courses: ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 700, ICS 800, IS 230.

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).

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• 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

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

Eligible DEMA employees participate in excellent retirement programs provided by the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and for fire personnel the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact hr@azdema.gov.
DEMA is a smoke-free work environment.
ADA/EEO Employer
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Employer