Asst Dir - Comms

Department Of Child Safety

The Arizona Department Of Child Safety (Dcs) Is A Social And Human Services Agency Whose Mission Is To Successfully Partner With Families, Caregivers, And The Community To Strengthen Families, Ensure Safety, And Achieve Permanency For All Arizona’S Children Through Prevention, Services, And Support.

Assistant Director - Comms

Job Location:

Office Of Communications3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, Az 85012

Posting Details:

Salary: $126,500.19 Salary

Grade: E4

Closing Date: September 18, 2025

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Relations and Communications is a member of the DCS Executive Leadership Team and works directly for the Director.

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.

Job Duties:

• Communications, Media Relations, and Public Information, including working with the media and press contacts; developing public relations strategies; coordinating public awareness campaigns; coordinating all agency speaking engagements, presentations, and tours; and facilitating responses to all media records requests.
• Government Affairs, including acting as the liaison with federal, state, local, and private entities; oversight of all external agency reports and external performance audit activities; completion of assignments resulting directly from Executive Orders and enacted laws; and development of agency policy documents and policy correspondence.
• Manages the day to day operations of Legislative Services and the Public Information Office. Assigns and reviews work, prioritizes tasks, monitors work to ensure assigned deadlines are met. Trains and mentors staff who perform duties within the Legislation, Policy and Communications Bureau.
• Confers with the Director, Deputy Director and Assistant Directors on sensitive issues. Provides recommendation(s).
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Arizona State Government general operations;
• Arizona Revised Statutes regarding Juvenile Corrections;
• Arizona State personnel rules and practices, including performance appraisal;
• Arizona legislative process;
• Community organizations and stakeholders interested in child welfare programs and services;
• Federal and state laws, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to Department programs and services,
including child welfare program policies and practices;
• Managerial principles and practices, including motivating and mentoring staff;
• Executive level organizations and their operation;
• Problem solving, decision making, and prioritization; and developing critical incident responses.

Skills in:

• Management and leadership;
• Writing and public speaking;
• Organizational planning;
• Interpersonal skills including interacting positively with staff in diverse operational areas, the media, members of the public, and community organizations;
• Planning, organizing and producing complex work products which survive substantial, biased scrutiny;
• Preparation of reports and recommendations to executive management, media, and other areas of the government including the Governor's policy advisors and legislative representatives;
• Excellent judgment when dealing with elected officials, government officials, representatives of the media and stakeholders on sensitive issues;
• Project management and oversight.

Ability to:

• Provide accurate information and well organized reports; communicate effectively (both oral and written);
• Handle high pressure and work load demands;
• Deal professionally with representatives with diverse backgrounds from government, legislature, media, private, local, statewide, and non-profit organizations;
• Analyze complex problems or issues and develop communication related responses for community and media distribution;
• Make effective oral presentations on complex issues;
• Manage major projects by successful interaction with staff from all levels and individuals from other state and federal governmental entities, state agencies, and private sector partners;
• Effectively supervise staff, evaluate performance, and provide professional development opportunities.

Selective Preference(s):

Requires the possession of, and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to drivers license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12).

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Requires the possession of, and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to drivers license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12).

Must be able to secure and maintain clearance from DCS Central Registry.

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).

Benefits:

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
● Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
● Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
● 10 paid holidays per year
● Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
● Sick time accrued at 3:42 hours bi-weekly
● Deferred compensation plan
● Wellness plans

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:

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Contact Us:

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV.   Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.  Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov.  The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.