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New

Critical Communications Director

Maricopa County
parental leave, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, Arizona, Phoenix
301 West Jefferson Street (Show on map)
Jun 25, 2025

Posting Date

06/24/25

Application Deadline

07/01/25

Pay Range

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range: $85,000 - $95,750 annually
Full Pay Range: $85,000 - $128,000 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Recorder

About the Position

Are you a visionary communications leader ready to shape public discourse and ensure vital information reaches the heart of our community, especially during critical moments like elections?

In this pivotal management position, you'll be at the forefront of our public voice. You'll be responsible for media relations, developing and reviewing internal and external content (social media, press releases, newsletters, etc.), developing goals and communications strategies, assisting in the maintenance of our website, and helping to arrange press conferences and other media-related events.

This role offers a unique opportunity to build influential professional relationships by working closely with other MCRO departments, government agencies, and community partners to ensure vital information reaches constituents and voters effectively, particularly during election cycles.

This is a hybrid position that requires a flexible in-office presence. Your ability to be on-site as needed is essential for smooth collaboration and effective communication with the Recorder and Executive Administration team.

If you're ready to take on this vital leadership role and make a tangible impact on public information and civic engagement, we encourage you to apply today!

About Us

The Maricopa County Recorder's Office (MCRO) is responsible for maintaining the Maricopa County voter registration records and for administering elections in partnership with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. The MCRO also maintains the permanent public record of over 50 million documents dating back to 1871, including deeds, plat maps, and a variety of other important documents. Our office serves over 2.5 million registered voters and 4.4 million residents across Maricopa County. The MCRO offers a friendly, welcoming, collaborative environment with opportunities to grow and develop new skills.

Proud to Offer

  • Work with a greater purpose

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid 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 upcoming on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively

  • Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

  • Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts

  • Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12.27% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

  • Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

  • Five years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, or mass media communications, including at least one year of supervisory experience

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field

  • A combination of post-secondary education and/or job-related experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year-for-year basis

We Also Value

  • Experience in media relations

  • Elections and government experience

Job Contributions

  • Serve as the Primary Spokesperson: Represent the Recorder's Office as the official English-language media spokesperson, responding to media inquiries and proactively communicating with the press, the public, and partner agencies.

  • Lead Strategic Communications Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies, including department-specific plans for Voter Registration, Early Voting, and Recording Services, to ensure cohesive messaging across all divisions.

  • Manage Crisis Communications: Design, maintain, and execute a robust crisis communications plan to guide the office's response during emergencies or high-risk situations, ensuring timely and accurate public information.

  • Coordinate Messaging Across Divisions: Work closely with internal departments-including legislative affairs, constituent services, and elections operations-to draft and review public statements, press releases, media responses, talking points, and social media content.

  • Oversee Public Information Campaigns: Create and direct public awareness initiatives to educate and inform the community about Recorder and Elections programs, policies, services, and events.

  • Build and Maintain Media Relationships: Establish and nurture relationships with local, state, and national media outlets to facilitate accurate and favorable coverage of Recorder's Office initiatives and priorities.

  • Expand Digital and Social Media Presence: Enhance and manage the office's social media strategy to improve reach, engagement, and public trust, including identifying opportunities to promote key messages through digital platforms.

  • Oversee Website and Content Management: Ensure timely updates to the Recorder's website, including uploading press releases, alerts, service announcements, and media content to maintain transparency and accessibility.

  • Coordinate Media Engagements and Appearances: Schedule, prepare for, and manage the Recorder's media appearances, interviews, and speaking engagements, providing logistical and messaging support.

  • Support Internal Communications: Oversee internal messaging for Recorder and Elections staff, including newsletters, intranet updates, and visual display content, fostering employee awareness and engagement.

  • Collaborate with County Communications Teams: Partner with departmental public information officers and County communications leadership to align messaging, ensure consistency, and share Recorder's Office updates on broader County platforms.

  • Contribute to Publications and Community Outreach: Support the production of office newsletters and collaborate with the Voter Info and outreach teams to strengthen community engagement and voter education efforts.

Working Conditions

  • Work primarily occurs in a business office setting.

  • Ability to move objects lifting floor to waist (up to 25 pounds) and pushing/pulling (up to 50 pounds).

  • Must successfully complete the next scheduled Secretary of State Election Officer Certification

  • Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire

  • Must be eligible to vote in Arizona and pass an applicable background screening

  • Hybrid schedule options are available after training based on business needs

Selection Procedure

  • Only the most qualified candidates will be considered

  • 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.

Apply Now!

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