Public Information Officer - Community Outreach

The Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions licenses, monitors, investigates, examines, and ensures the safety and soundness of, regulated entities. The Department also helps resolve consumer complaints against financial-services and insurance entities; takes action in response to violations of law; encourages competition, innovation, and economic development; collects taxes and assessments that support State government operations; combats auto theft and insurance fraud through public awareness campaigns, and funding for law enforcement and dedicated prosecutors.

Our mission is to help Arizonans receive the benefits and protections to which they are legally entitled by enforcing insurance and financial institution laws and by providing information and assistance and to combat vehicle theft.

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER - COMMUNITY OUTREACH

*This position will supervise other employees*

100 North 15th Avenue

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Annual Salary Range: $73,000 - $77,000

Grade: 22

This position will remain open until filled  

The Public Information Officer/Community Outreach Coordinator is responsible for the public relations publications and public education program for the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions.

The PIO/Community Outreach Coordinator will supervise the preparation of news releases, publications and educational material; and performs related work as required. Responsible for the development and implementation of outreach strategies, training curriculum and presentations.

Works closely with managers, staff and the public. Presents workshops and creates appropriate curriculum and educational materials for the public at large.

• Oversees public information, engagement and outreach function at an agency level. Works directly with state and national media in response to inquiries related to agency functions. Supervises and directs an extensive information and education program, including commitments to television, radio, and newspapers. Edits material for daily and weekly press, periodicals and magazines, radio and television, and education and training releases. Directs the writing, editing, layout and reproduction of booklets, pamphlets, brochures, notices, annual reports and other materials of general interest

• Supervises the work of the Communications Coordinator and provides direction on creative and content-based messaging for internal and external stakeholders and social media platforms

• Oversees the development and utilization of the agency website. Works with Information Technology staff at an agency and state level. Facilitates website functionality, design and appearance. May work with contracted vendors in support of website enhancements

• Works in conjunction with agency managers to coordinate and disseminate public information to the public and various groups and stakeholders. Exercises independent judgment in strategically planning, developing and implementing workshops or presentations to educate the public and other organizations. Responsible for the development and implementation of outreach strategies, training events and presentations for the community

• Provides customer service and outreach. Requires collaboration with agency departments. Support and educate through all necessary public events, meetings, workshops and seminars. Facilitate presentations and is also responsible for training others on how to effectively present information and materials at public meetings

• Produces news, public service, and educational programs for radio and television. Recruits and arranges public appearances for experts in the agencies' field of activity. Tailors information output to style and wishes of agency officials who will present it

• Researches, outlines and prepares speeches. May deliver speeches to interested groups, and appear on radio and television programs. Furnishes information and photographs regarding the agency or institution to the news media and interested groups upon request

• Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism, public relations, advertising and mass communications as applied to public information programming for television; the preparation and reproduction of written and photographic materials

• Knowledge of insurance-related topics -Knowledge of Financial Institution/Enterprises related topics

• Political and community infrastructure-Principles and practices of supervision and management

• Department's mission goals, directives, rules, regulations and organizational structure

• Federal, state and local statutes, regulations, mandates, and court decisions

• Electronic information systems (databases, spreadsheets, word processing

• Departmental programs-Issues related to auto theft and public safety

• Basic principles of budget development and management

• Principles of program management

• Principles of conflict management

Skill in:

• Written communication to prepare clear, accurate and comprehensive reports and press releases

• Oral communications to diverse audiences of varying sizes

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of assignment

• Plan, organize, and manage human and material resources

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in public affairs, communications, political science, or related field or an Associate degree and five years of progressive supervisory or management experience

Preferred:

• Two years experience in public affairs or related field; basic understanding of insurance and financial services industries; basic understanding of communications platforms, including social media

• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver license record checks, required to maintain acceptable driving records and complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11)

• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver license appropriate to the assignment

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.

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Vacation plus 10 paid holidays per year

• Health and dental insurance

• Retirement plan

• Sick leave

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

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Note that enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact Shawn McConnell at shawn.mcconnell@azdoa.gov