Public Information Officer

Posting Date

Application Deadline

Pay Range

Job Type

Department

About the Position

Being prepared for emergency situations is something we continually strive to improve. If communication is your passion, and you are cool under pressure, this position is for you!

As a Public Information Officer for the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the public receives clear, accurate, and timely information during both routine operations and emergency events.

This is a dynamic role where you'll manage and create social media content, design graphics, edit videos, and support public outreach. You'll also help shape and maintain the department's visual brand, ensuring consistent and engaging messaging across all platforms. In emergency situations, you may serve as the department's spokesperson, delivering potentially life-saving information under pressure.

Your work will have a direct and meaningful impact on the safety and preparedness of our community. From everyday awareness campaigns to urgent emergency messaging, your efforts will help inform and protect residents across Maricopa County.

You'll collaborate with internal teams, County departments, partner agencies, and volunteer organizations, making this a highly visible and collaborative role. It's an exciting opportunity for a creative, strategic communicator who's eager to make a real difference.

About Us

Are you ready to help your community prepare for a large-scale emergency? We are looking for motivated individuals to rise to the occasion! Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management prepares for, responds to, and recovers from large-scale community disasters. Some of our partners include local and state governments, industry leaders, universities, and community organizations active in disaster. Our department embraces cutting-edge technologies and innovative partnerships to bring unique solutions to complicated problems. Join our team to continue our efforts keeping our residents safe from disaster!

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose

• Tuition reimbursement

• Exceptional work-life balance, 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% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

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

We Require

• One year of professional experience in public relations, social media content creation, and multimedia communications, including videography, graphic design, or journalism

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or 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 with Adobe Creative programs (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, InDesign)

• Experience using cameras, lighting, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe After Effects software

• Knowledge of social media best practices

• Public speaking/presentation experience

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking

Job Contributions

• Contributes to and assists with the development and execution of department communication strategic goals

• Plans, writes, and produces multimedia content-including graphics, videos, brochures, and other materials-to support cohesive branding and public messaging

• Develops and manages the social media strategy and content calendar, including the creation of posts, design of visuals, copywriting, and scheduling

• Monitors and responds to social media engagement and constituent inquiries in a timely and professional manner

• Reviews social media analytics and prepares reports with recommendations to improve strategy and audience engagement

• Supports the visual presentation of information across platforms, including the website and social media

• Coordinates and responds to media inquiries and may serve as the department's spokesperson as needed

• Attends and documents public events by capturing images and information, including outside of standard work hours

• Effectively communicates complex or sensitive information to a variety of audiences

• Collaborates with internal teams and assists the Senior Communications Officer with special projects as assigned

• Works efficiently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Working Conditions

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

• Availability for non-standard work hours is required to support public events and emergency response operations

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, negligible amounts constantly

• Ability to walk or stand to a significant degree

• Position is typically office or administrative, but may be subject to extreme temperatures, wetness/humidity, respiratory hazards, and noise and vibration

• Hybrid schedule options are available after the training period 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!