Job Description
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona. DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona. DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO) 3
Job Location: Office of the Director
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 Posting Details: Salary: $61,591 - $66,000
Grade: 21
Closing Date: April 13, 2025 Job Summary:
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 PIO 3 (Public Information Officer 3). This position collaborates with the Public Relations Chief, PIO 4, Division Assistant Director and other colleagues to assist in the facilitation of communication planning and implementation. This position creates and executes communications-related activities in alignment with unit value proposition, content calendar and ad hoc division needs. This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business.
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.
Job Duties Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Drafts external content to highlight important initiatives and successes, including success stories, info-graphics, and media pitches, advisories and releases. Drafts supplementary digital content, including articles, how-to and info-graphics to support clients accessing DES services.
- Develops social media posts in coordination with the content calendar, division needs, events and other ad hoc requests. Coordinates with program staff, outreach and engagement teams, and G&D to develop content for collateral and campaigns.
- Develops and executes internal communications plans in alignment with unit communications plan/strategy. Drafts internal communications, including but not limited to, division-wide emails, AD messages and newsletters.
- Develops, reviews and revises web content based in coordination with program teams and web teams. Collaborates with Public Relations Chief and PIO 4 to build out content calendar for the month.
- Acts as an expert and primary point-of-contact for associated division(s) and provide input to division-specific speaking points as needed.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge Of - Basic principles of marketing
- Principles of journalism
- Principles of public relations
- Advanced theories of persuasive writing and speaking
- Accepted principles of written English, including punctuation, grammar, usage and style
- Principles and methods of strategic planning
- Preparation and production of written and visual materials and materials to be presented orally
Skills In - Planning and implementing promotional campaigns
- Writing and speaking clearly and succinctly
- Addressing staff, clients, media and the general public with professionalism and courtesy
- Developing and managing successful working relationships with a wide range of people
- Preparing materials for oral, visual or written presentation
Ability To - Manage time and resources to consistently meet tight deadlines
- Organize and promote special events
- Think and speak extemporaneously
- Draft content for internal and external dissemination on behalf of Division Assistant Directors and other staff as assigned
Selective Preference(s):
This Ideal Candidate For This Position Will Have - Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science or a closely related field and at least three (3) years of professional experience
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus
Pre-Employment Requirements:
- 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).
Benefits 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
Retirement 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.
Contact Us For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at 480-435-0897 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 480-435-0897 or OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
Job Tags
Remote job, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work from home, Home office, Flexible hours,