Chief Communications Officer

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the agency's public-facing communications, as well as coordinating internal communications across the agency. The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) leads the agency's communications strategy, promotes the work of the agency through various communications channels (including social media, earned media, and the agency's website), and maintains a positive public image of the agency through brand management and stewardship. The CCO leads the communications team and develops and oversees scopes of work for contractors that may be hired to assist with public relations needs.

The position reports directly to the Deputy Director of Community Engagement & Regulatory Affairs and maintains a close working relationship with the agency's Director/CEO, Deputy Directors and other members of the leadership team.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Media Relations - Develop and carry out a strategy to proactively facilitate positive stories about the agency's work through multiple media channels. Serve as the initial point of contact between the agency and all media outlets, managing agency responses to the media. Oversee public records requests from the media, and delegate follow-up responsibilities to subordinate staff as appropriate.
• Public Relations - Develop and oversee strategy to generate opportunities for the agency to present, be featured, and/or participate in external forums for the purposes of fostering transparency, building trust and maintaining a positive brand. Oversee the agency's website content and design. Provide social media support as needed.
• Communications Team Management and Overall Strategy - Develop communications strategies, delegate responsibilities and oversee work products of team members. Manage and direct subordinate staff (work assignments, setting priorities, hiring, discipline, provide training, approving leave requests, and preparing evaluations). Offer constructive feedback/coaching/staff development to team as needed.
• Internal Communications - Maintain an understanding of key efforts occurring across the agency. Use this knowledge to coordinate mass communications across all agency divisions. Ensure cross-agency compliance with brand standards. Lead editorial review processes for documents prior to public release. Serve as the primary point of contact between the agency and other communications teams within state agencies.
•Design and manage scopes of work for contractors as needed.

Knowledge:
• Media relations and an understanding of Arizona media outlets, both print and television, as well as national media outlets that cover health care issues
• Experience in social media, including Twitter and Facebook, website design and/or maintenance and public service announcement placement
• State government and health care issues and the Medicaid Program
• Media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including ways to inform via written, oral and visual media
• Key stakeholder groups and forums in Arizona

Skills:
• Team leadership and strategy
• Writing skills with a professional posture
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Messaging, writing and editorial skills
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• Managing constructive criticisms
• Planning, organizing, and coordinating assignments independently
• Recognizing news-worth content, visual materials and graphics
• Development and use of social media capabilities
• Strong customer service and communication skills to advise senior leadership on communication strategies

Abilities:
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency management, representatives of other governmental agencies, business and community leaders, employees, media representatives. the public and other stakeholders encountered in the course of work
• Create and deliver high quality written communications and presentation materials
• Adapt to various audiences
• Make independent decisions concerning communication strategies and their effectiveness
• Delegate and manage multiple assignments in an effective manner while under strict deadlines
• Interpret information and situations and make recommendations in accordance with applicable policies, regulations, and guidelines
• Represent the agency effectively in public setting and with media representatives on a variety of issues

Minimum:

• Five years work experience for a large organization or public relations firm dealing with media relations and/or serving as a Public Information Officer.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree or Master's in communication, marketing, public relations, journalism or related field.

• 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 .) 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: 

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 (21 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 . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our

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.