What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Communications Director for Public Information position at Arizona Department of Transportation?
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (ADOT)
Driving the future of transportation with a diverse and innovative team
Job Summary:
The Assistant Communications Director for Public Information works with ADOT leadership to develop messaging and promote key initiatives to the public. This position leads a team of public information officers/spokespeople, including communications support for the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), in a fast-paced working environment. They will build critical partnerships with news media and develop proactive positive communication to strategically meet ADOT's goals. This position also oversees Constituent Services.
Job Duties:
Establish strategic direction for public information, manage public information officers serving as spokespeople, provide official agency responses to media inquiries, media requests for information & interviewees on a timely basis. Is a primary agency resource for crisis communications.
Lead the development of news releases, other written and digital communications, provide senior-level editing of news releases/documents. Pitch proactive/positive stories to reporters/producers through news releases & other channels; including outreach to Spanish-speaking & other diverse media.
Coordinate with ADOT executive leadership on messaging; with other agencies on joint messaging; with the Governor's Office and other elected officials’ staff on high-visibility topics. Respond to media-related public records requests.
The Ideal candidate for this position will have:
Ten years of experience in journalism, media relations, public information and/or public relations. Ideal candidate will have experience working in government communications, managing a team and possess a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or closely related field.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, and the following requirements apply. 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).
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
- Accrued vacation at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
- Sick days at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
- 10 paid holidays per year
- Deferred compensation plan
- Wellness plans
- Great Work Life Balance!