Communications Director

Communications Director

Maricopa County is seeking a Communications Director to manage the reputation of our large and innovative government organization. This position leads an experienced team of communications professionals who provide consultation and products in strategic and crisis communications, media relations, web design and content, branding, video production, marketing, social media strategy, employee communications, event planning, and more. The Communications Director works closely with executive leadership and the elected Board of Supervisors to align messaging with countywide strategic goals and to respond to sensitive internal and external issues as they arise. An in-depth understanding of Arizona's political and governmental landscape is crucial for this position.

Maricopa County is one of the nation's fastest-growing counties, home to approximately 4.5 million people. With more than 13,000 employees serving the public in areas including safety, public health, flood control, education, parks, libraries, and more, we are an organization that believes in service that helps you solve a problem, move forward with a project, manage a difficult situation, or simply check something off your list.

The County is governed by five elected district supervisors, who approve a budget for all departments and elected offices. The Board of Supervisors appoints a county manager to carry out the Board's vision. The Communications Director works under the County Manager's Office.

Proud To Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% contribution rate per paycheck that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

We Require

• Ten years of professional communications or public relations experience, with five of those years in a management or leadership role
• Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications, or a related field
• Postgraduate degrees or professional-level experience may substitute for the education or experience on a year-for-year basis

We Also Value

• Experience working in the public sector, especially with or for an elected body
• Experience managing and leading a team of professionals
• Comfort speaking to members of the media, including for live or taped interviews
• Strong project management skills, including event planning
• Experience writing clear and accurate messages on tight deadlines

Job Contributions

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the county's Office of Communications
• Plans, implements, and directs departmental short- and long-term goals to align with countywide priorities
• Maintains extensive and positive relationships with local and national media
• Serves as primary media contact and spokesperson as needed
• Oversees press events
• Participates in strategic planning with the Board of Supervisors and County Manager
• Consults and advises on complex, sensitive issues from a communications and public relations perspective
• Oversees communications tactics to enhance and protect the county's reputation in coordination with the Board of Supervisors and County Manager
• Writes or oversees production of high-level communications from board members and executive leadership
• Oversees internal communications to engage and inform thousands of staff members across more than 40 departments
• Oversees external communications to engage and inform Maricopa County's 4.5 million residents
• Collaborates with department public information officers across the county
• Creates and updates countywide communication policies and best practices
• Regularly reviews state and federal laws, court cases, and legislation that may impact business operations and public sentiment
• Makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and County management
• Oversees the preparation and management of the department's budget
• Identifies opportunities for technological advancement to enhance communications
• Ensures superior customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility from all staff members

Working Conditions

Most work is performed in an office environment. Some remote work is possible. Attendance may be required at community or media events that occur outside regular business hours.

Selection Procedure

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact View email address on click.appcast.io to initiate the interactive process.