
DEPUTY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Arizona State Government, Phoenix, AZ, United States
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
REHABILITATION & REENTRY
Our mission is to enhance public safety across Arizona through modern, effective correctional practices and meaningful engagements. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) is committed to creating a safe, secure, and humane correctional system. With public safety top of mind, ADCRR and its more than 8,000 officers and professional staff are driven by a heart for public service and a commitment to deliver perfect effort each day. ADCRR is redefining itself as an agency whose daily work centers on transparency, accountability, and fairness.
DEPUTY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (COMMUNICATIONS ADMINISTRATOR)
Job Location:
Media and Communications 701 East Jefferson Street Phoenix, Arizona 85034
https://corrections.az.gov
Posting Details:
Salary: $94,250.00
Grade: 25
Closing Date: 04/17/2026
Job Summary
The Deputy Communications Director supports ADCRR’s communication needs under the Director of Communications to ensure the accomplishments of ADCRR are communicated accurately, ensure constituents are informed, and positive news is amplified. Under the Director of Communications, this position assists in developing and implementing a wide variety of key communications, including but not limited to: social media, press releases, video scripts, internal and external webpage content, internal and external reports, stories for the Department’s newsletters, and responses to media inquiries. Assists with: conducting on-camera interviews for ADCRR’s internal and external videos, and planning Department events, on-site prison visits, and press conferences. The Deputy Communications Director takes a proactive approach in reaching out to ADCRR’s various staff, internal teams, and liaisons at each complex to identify and highlight positive news stories. In conjunction with the Director of Communications, this position works regularly with the Department’s Public Records division on public records requests from members of the media.
Job Duties
Assists in developing and implementing a wide variety of key communications, including but not limited to: social media, press releases, video scripts, internal and external webpage content, internal and external reports, and stories for the Department’s newsletters
Regularly monitors the Department’s media inbox and responds to telephone and written media inquiries in collaboration with the Director of Communications
Regularly scans social media and a variety of print media reports to maintain the Department’s situational awareness
Drafts communications for the signature of the Director
Works with the Department’s Public Records division on media requests for public records
Drives on State business, travels to prisons around the state, and escorts the media and various dignitaries to prison sites
Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of marketing administration and management
Understanding of the authority and responsibilities of ADCRR as well as other Arizona state agencies, their relationships to each other, local jurisdictions, and other government agencies
Project management
Computers and various software, including Microsoft Office and Google
Posting content on a variety of social media platforms while seeking to grow engagement numbers through creative and engaging content
Skill in:
Verbal and written communication
Building interpersonal relationships with a wide variety of audiences, including staff, leadership, inmates, other agency counterparts, external partners, and members of the press
Supervision/management of projects and publications
Self-motivation
Exceptional organization
Extraordinary collaboration
Attention to detail
Ability to:
Translate complex ideas for mass audiences
Effectively articulate and rally support for program goals and outcomes
Supervise when necessary
Remain calm in stressful situations
Perform multiple tasks against rapid and frequent deadlines
Be available 24/7 to monitor and coordinate media responses with the Director of Communications
As needed, have availability on weekends, weeknights, and holidays
Work in collaboration with other state agencies, internal and external partners, to ensure ADCRR objectives are communicated effectively and efficiently
Engage with a variety of print, TV, radio, and online media on a daily basis
Offer timely, accurate responses while working with legal, policy, and ADCRR leadership teams regarding responses
Accept constructive changes, edits, and creative feedback regarding work production
Work in an office and a prison setting
Selective Preference(s)
A background and extensive knowledge in corrections and law enforcement, necessary to provide accurate information as the agency spokesperson
Basic graphic arts and/or video editing experience for posting on social media
Pre-Employment Requirements
Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation. If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance. In an effort to maintain a safe environment, all employees are required to take a Tuberculosis (TB) test during their New Employee Orientation and every year thereafter.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits
Vacation and sick days with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave - up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
Robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability options
Exceptional retirement program
Optional employee benefits such as deferred compensation plans, credit union membership, and a wellness program
An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program
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). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment. Current ADC Employees: Consult with your respective Human Resources Liaison if you are in a different retirement plan than the one indicated above.
Contact Us
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 255-2430. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
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