Address: 801 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

All AHCCCS Employees must reside within the state of Arizona.

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000

Grade: 21

Position will remain open until filled.

Under the direction of the Chief Communications Officer, the Public Information Officer 3 role is responsible for work of considerable difficulty in high-profile, extensive public relations, publications and public education programs for a public agency of broad scope and complexity; supervises preparation of news releases, publications and educational material; collaborates with key stakeholders and executives to create strategic communications and recommendations, and performs related work as required.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Supervises and directs extensive planning, branding, and communication strategy for agency programs, including planning, writing, and editing of content, including press releases, newsletters, scripting, presentations, and flyers for use in television, radio, and newspapers. Collaborates with key stakeholders, executives, and media.
• Serves as point of contact to compile, route, and track incoming public information office inquiries including timely media relations inquiries, public records requests, and other public information requests.
• Maintains agency’s Editorial Style Guide and editorial proofreading process to ensure all public-facing documents (web pages, presentations, reports, letters, and postings) are written in a consistent voice and tone and are accurate.
• Monitors campaign effectiveness, reviews metrics, uses industry's knowledge and sound judgment to make editorial decisions about how and when to best communicate agency news; and revises communication strategy based on results and feedback.
• Understands complicated, key national and local health care issues, including crisis communications, and the impact on Arizona’s Medicaid population in order to write and disseminate effective communication across earned and owned media.
• Deliver interviews to interested groups, and appear on radio and television programs. Works with Designer to furnish information and photographs regarding the agency or institution to the news media and interested groups upon request.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Knowledge:
• Journalism and mass communication techniques and distribution methods
• Local media landscape, monitoring, and outreach
• Editing, written communication skills, and public speaking
• Crisis communications
• Government public information office communication procedures and records retention a plus
• Industry standard media relations techniques
• AP Style

Skills:
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite (a plus)
• Graphic design software including Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Powtoons
• Public speaking
• Email platform software Constant Contact Social media content creation
• Continuous Improvement (CI) and Lean methodologies

Abilities:
• Work independently with flexibility and accountability to prioritize tasks based on urgency
• Manage multiple projects and meet ever-changing deadlines
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders of various levels of understanding and English proficiency
• Produce high quality, error-free material
• Build trust with stakeholders at all levels of government and executives
• Communicate with diverse audiences in a way that promotes equity and inclusivity

Minimum:
• 3+ years experience performing public relations or communications work which included video production, and writing and editing a variety of communications (e.g., news releases, promotional material). Bachelor's degree in communications, videography, journalism, public relations, public administration, business administration or related field will substitute for some of the experience.

Preferred:

• Candidates with Bachelor's degree.

• Bilingual in Spanish.

• Video Production.

• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.

• Successfully pass fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

• Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) AND have an acceptable driving record for the last 39 months including no DUI, suspension or revocations and less than 8 points on your license. If an Out of State Driver License was held within the last 39 months, a copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is required prior to driving for State Business. Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.

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).

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Other Leaves - Bereavement, civic duty, and military.
• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
• A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
• A variety of learning and career 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 pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
• Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
• Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
• Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).

Deferred Retirement Compensation Program
• Voluntary participation.
• Program administered through Nationwide.
• Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing careers@azahcccs.gov.

Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.