COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Office of the Economic Opportunity Mission: Strengthen Arizona’s workforce and economy. The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) coordinates workforce development strategy and evaluation, monitors the state's tax and regulatory competitiveness, and produces labor market, economic and demographic research and analysis. OEO is also home to the Arizona Finance Authority, which offers innovative, responsible, and sustainable financing solutions for public and private borrowers. HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Job Location: 1400 West Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 Posting Details: Salary: $65,968 - $90,000 Grade: 24 Closing Date: May 20, 2026 Job Summary: The Healthcare Workforce Communications Manager will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communication and marketing initiatives in support of the Office of Economic Opportunity’s Rural Health Transformation project and related initiatives. The role works closely with the Arizona Healthcare Workforce Project Office team to manage marketing, public relations, content development, digital communications and project branding to enhance visibility and engagement with key audiences. Reports directly to the Communications Director. The position is grant-funded and employment is contingent upon the availability of funding. Arizona’s Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a part of a financial assistance award totaling $166,988,955.92 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government. This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. 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. Job Duties: • Management of team and overall strategic messaging & brand management: Provide programmatic direction and quality oversight to communications staff executing RHT outreach deliverables, campaign content, and stakeholder engagement activities. Develop and manage integrated marketing and communication plans and campaigns, including campaign vendors. Track and report campaign effectiveness against RHT program enrollment targets, community activation milestones, and CMS performance indicators. Coordinate with RHT program teams to ensure outreach messaging is accurate, culturally appropriate, and aligned with CMS program objectives across all public-facing channels serving rural communities. • Media Relations & Spokesperson Duties: In coordination with contracted vendors, manage media inquiries, pitch stories that highlight the project successes, and prepare leaders for interviews and press or stakeholder events. • Oversee digital communications and support of stakeholder relations: Actively manage digital engagement with rural healthcare employers, community organizations, and workforce pipeline partners to drive program participation and awareness in underserved populations. Coordinate with the government affairs, policy and program teams to translate technical info/data into digestible information for the public. Manage social media and digital marketing strategies and manage website content and ensure digital accessibility best practices are implemented. • Internal communications: Manage internal communications to keep agency staff informed and aligned while also assisting with change management associated with growth of the agency as a result of the new project staff and responsibilities. • Crisis Communications & Issue Management: Anticipating potential public risks and develop rapid-response plans including during emergencies or policy/program rollouts to maintain public trust and mitigate misinformation. • Other duties as assigned as related to the position Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of: • Mass communication techniques and distribution methods. Industry-standard media communication techniques and standards. Skill in: • Usage of Word, Excel, and Google applications. • Usage of graphic design software • Usage of social media applications and web presence. Ability to: • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing • Work independently and with flexibility to prioritize tasks based on urgency • Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines • Communicate effectively with stakeholders of various levels of understanding and English proficiency. Selective Preference(s): • Bachelor’s degrees in communications, public relations, or related field, preferred • Preferred at least 5 years of media relations, external communications, and public relations • Some leadership or management experience. Pre-Employment Requirements: 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: The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: • Sick leave • Retirement plan • Health and dental insurance • Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year • Life insurance and long-term disability insurance • Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance • For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page 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 program here . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page Retirement : • Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). *NOTE - Enrollment eligibility in ASRS will become effective after 27 weeks of employment. Contact Us: • If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mariem Ly at [email protected]