Communications Specialist

AHCCCS

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
Accountability, Community, Innovation, Leadership, Passion, Quality, Respect, Courage, Teamwork
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid agency, is driven by its mission to deliver comprehensive, cost-effective health care to Arizonans in need. AHCCCS is a nationally acclaimed model among Medicaid programs and a recipient of multiple awards for excellence in workplace effectiveness and flexibility.
AHCCCS employees are passionate about their work, committed to high performance, and dedicated to serving the citizens of Arizona. Among government agencies, AHCCCS is recognized for high employee engagement and satisfaction, supportive leadership, and flexible work environments, including remote work opportunities. With career paths for seasoned professionals in a variety of fields, entry-level positions, and internship opportunities, AHCCCS offers meaningful career opportunities in a competitive industry.
Come join our dynamic and dedicated team.

Communications Specialist

Office of the Director (OOD)

Job Location:

Address:  801 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

All AHCCCS Employees must reside within the state of Arizona.

Posting Details:

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000

Grade: 21

Position will remain open until filled.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Chief Communications Officer, this role is responsible for the creation of compelling communications messages to engage internal and external audiences; assists in developing communications plans; develops social media content; and promotes agency’s key educational programs to enhance brand recognition. Collaborates with key stakeholders and executives to create strategic communications; monitors and performs related work as required.

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.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Develops, coordinates, and implements strategic communication plans for internal departments and executives using a variety of channels and tools (print/digital promotional materials, newsletters, emails, events, presentations, talking points, videos, website content) to engage and educate employees on agency programs and vision.
• Oversees agency's official social media presence including the development of engaging and informative text,graphics, and video content/scripting; respond to inquiries received on social media and escalate issues as needed; track and report social media effectiveness.
• Provides editorial proofreading; coordinates with Designer to maintain internal templates and documents (web pages, presentations, reports, letters, and postings); and ensures accuracy and consistency in voice and tone.
• Writes and edits branded marketing materials (booklets, pamphlets, brochures, presentations, notices, annual reports) and social media graphics that engage and educate audiences (government, providers, members).
• Connects with community partners and government agencies to elevate agency’s brand and storytelling; showcase agency successes; promote and educate public of new programs, and monitor results.
• Serves as back up to compile, route, and track incoming public information office inquiries including timely public records requests, and other public information requests.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge:
• Internal communication and employee engagement techniques, activities, and distribution methods
• Social media monitoring and outreach
• Branding and marketing outreach
• Editing, written communication skills, and public speaking
• Crisis communications
• Government public information office communication (a plus)
• Industry standard social media outreach
• AP Style

Skills:
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite (a plus)
• Graphic design software including Adobe
• Creative Suite, Canva, Powtoon
• Email platform software Constant Contact
• Development and use of social media platform software (Hootsuite)
• Continuous Improvement (CI) and Lean methodologies
• Video scripting and production
• Planning, organizing, and coordinating assignments independently
• Delegating tasks to colleagues
• Managing constructive criticisms

Abilities:
• Work independently with flexibility and accountability to prioritize tasks based on urgency
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency management, representatives of other governmental agencies, business and community leaders, employees, media representatives, the public and others encountered in the course of work
• Delegate and manage multiple assignments in an effective manner while under strict deadlines
• Create and deliver high quality written communications and presentation materials
• Build trust with stakeholders at all levels of government and executives
• Interpret information and situations and make recommendations in accordance with applicable policies, regulations, and guidelines
• Communicate with diverse audiences in a way that promotes equity and inclusivity

Qualifications:

Minimum:
• 3+ years experience performing public relations or communications work which included writing and editing a variety of communications (e.g., news releases, promotional material). Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public administration, business administration, or related field will substitute for some of the experience.

Preferred:
• Candidates with Bachelor's degree.

• Bilingual in Spanish.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• 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 R2-10-207.12.) 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: 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:

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

Retirement:

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.

Contact Us:

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing careers@azahcccs.gov.

Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Apply