Job No: 541501
Work Type: Full-time
Location: PHOENIX
Categories: Marketing/Pub Info
DEPT OF EMERGENCY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS The Department of Emergency & Military Affairs (DEMA), led by The Adjutant General, provides emergency management and military capabilities to the citizens of Arizona and the nation. The Emergency Management Division consists of three sections-operations, preparedness, and financial administration. Each section works collaboratively across the agency and with external partners to manage emergency responses and reduce the impacts of disasters. Additionally, DEMA is the headquarters for the Arizona National Guard, the primary combat reserve of the United States military. The Arizona Army and Air National Guard provide military forces and equipment to accomplish community, state, and federal missions.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 4
Job Location:
Work Location: Papago Park Military Reservation (PPMR), Phoenix, AZ
Posting Details:
Salary: UP TO $32.4840 per hour (DOE)
Grade: 22
Closing Date: June 12, 2026
Job Summary:
The Public Information Officer (PIO) 4 is experienced in the principles and practices used in public information and communication (e.g., journalism, public relations, social marketing, and public affairs). Under the supervision of the DEMA Deputy Director, this position leads the development, interpretation, and implementation of public information and marketing policies, standards, and procedures (PSPs). The PIO 4 also oversees the marketing of DEMA brands, programs, and activities during emergency and "steady-state" operations. This position is the primary point of contact and coordination for the Governor's Communication Office; coordinates with DEMA PIO (Public Information Officer) partners at all emergency management phases to ensure proportionate situational information awareness; confers with the DEMA Deputy Director on matters of public information/relations/affairs procedure and enactment; represents PIO interests at policy-level meetings and deliberations, and in the development of (inter)agency PSPs; and quality assures the work of the PIO office, including staff interactions with the public and media. Responsibilities also include the preparation of news releases, speeches, talking points, presentations, photographs, new media content, and publications (e.g., brochures, newsletters, and manuals); preparing and delivering speeches/presentations to interested groups; supervising all media relations; arranging subject matter expert interviews with reporters; overseeing outreach and marketing strategies and tactics; identifying opportunities to raise awareness of Department activities among stakeholders; arranging public appearances to promote the Department's range of activities and expertise; managing conference and convention preparations; coordinating tours for visitors; serving as spokesperson during exercises, trainings, and activations; supervising the External Affairs and Public Inquiry functions; and other duties as assigned. The PIO 4 also administers the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN.gov), including the Emergency Bulletin System and accessory social media accounts. AzEIN provides near real-time emergency information and is updated 24/7/365 by a rotating "on-call" PIO, putting PIOs in frequent verbal and written communication with agency personnel, stakeholder PIOs, and the Governor's office.
The position will travel in- and out-of-state for training and fulfillment of operational position opportunities. Actively participates in promoting a continuous improvement of workplace culture, through the use of teamwork, root cause problem solving, standard operating procedures, and review of performance metrics.
Job Duties:
Responsibilities include:
Leads the development, interpretation, and implementation of public information and marketing policies, standards, and procedures (PSPs).
Supervises the work of the PIO office, including staff interactions with the public and media, and the preparation of news releases, speeches, talking points, presentations, photographs, new media content, and publications (e.g., brochures, newsletters, and manuals)
Coordinates with DEMA PIO partners at all emergency management phases to ensure proportionate situational information awareness.
Represents PIO's interests at policy-level meetings and deliberations, and in the development of (inter)agency policies, standards, and procedures.
Confers with the DEMA Deputy Director on matters of public information/relations/affairs procedure and enactment.
Administers the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) website, including the Emergency Bulletin System, and its ancillary social media channels.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
The principles, practices, and procedures used in public affairs/relations, marketing, and communications.
Associated Press (AP) style.
Staff management.
Social and new media tools, technologies, and etiquette.
Microsoft Office products.
Desktop publishing and video, photo, and audio production hardware, software, and formats is a plus.
Drupal content management system and Photoshop, InDesign, GIMP, or Illustrator is a plus
Skilled in:
Effective communication both oral and written
Prioritize multiple tasks/projects to meet deadlines.
Provide supervision and leadership to PIO Staff.
Lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of a dynamic public information and marketing (e.g., brand development) program.
Develop collaborative relationships with DEMA stakeholders and partner agencies.
Proof materials for accuracy and adherence to Department policies and procedures.
Write in a variety of styles and according to Associated Press (AP) style guidelines.
Operate standard office equipment (e.g., computer, copier, fax machine, etc.).
Communicate complex concepts in clear, expressive language to the public and media.
Demonstrable on-camera experience is preferred.
Ability to:
Process and synthesize complicated concepts and ideas.
Establish effective working relationships with the public, media, and stakeholders.
Participate in the development of policies, standards, and procedures.
Produce professional-quality verbal, written, and electronic communication.
Serve as spokesperson during trainings, exercises, and activations.
Exercise professionalism in interacting/interviewing with the public, media, and stakeholders.
Present to small and large groups.
Summarize and communicate complex information.
Respond to citizen and media requests in a timely and courteous manner.
Organize, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks.
Work occasional evenings and weekends, rotating "on-call" shifts, and overtime.
Selective Preference(s):
Desired qualifications include any combination of experience, education, and training that meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities as described. The preferred candidate will have 5 years of experience as a communications professional.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
Special Job Requirements:
This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid Arizona state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)
In and out of State travel required.
Individual is required to pass a criminal background investigation.
Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications, or a related field, and previous experience as a communication professional.
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. (https://publicstorage.dc4.pageuppeople.com/1045/ClientPublicFile/3601803f-02e5-4b70-b325-26c8ef309c1b.pdf)
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 offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here (https://hr.az.gov/about/resources/family-leave-expansion) . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page (https://benefitoptions.az.gov/jobseekers)
Retirement :
Eligible DEMA employees participate in excellent retirement programs provided by the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and for fire personnel the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).
Contact Us:
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact hr@azdema.gov.
DEMA is a smoke-free work environment.
ADA/EEO Employer
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Employer
