COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH BOARD

First Things First (Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board) is an essential leader and partner in creating a family‐centered, equitable, high‐quality early childhood system that supports the development, well-being, health and early education of all Arizona’s children, birth to age 5. Created by voter initiative in 2006, First Things First is governed by a state Board with 28 regional partnership councils. First Things First is a decentralized organization that engages diverse constituencies to accomplish its mission. Organizational values include a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;
a focus on accountability, transparency, coordination and collaboration; and an emphasis on the outcomes that will ensure young children start kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed in school and in life.
The Communications Manager will work in the Phoenix Office located at 4000 N. Central
Avenue with the opportunity for a hybrid work environment that may include working in the office and working remotely.

Address:4000 N Central Ave., Ste. 500, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Salary: $70,000 - $72,400

Grade: 21

The Digital Communications Manager at First Things First oversees and implements strategic communication initiatives across various digital platforms. This role involves managing the development, production and execution of digital content, including social media, while monitoring and analyzing key performance indicators. The ideal candidate will be a proactive and organized individual with a strong background in project management, digital communication platforms, content creation and graphic design. They will enthusiastically support the vision and mission of First Things First and have the proven ability to work within teams to accomplish tasks, keep multiple projects organized and meet deadlines. Displaying great initiative and attention to detail, the candidate will effectively work independently and as part of a team that values creativity, collaboration and a sense of humor. Solid communication skills are required. This position reports to the Senior Director of Marketing and Strategic Initiatives.

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.

• Project Management: Manage various communications and parenting projects via the internal ticketing system (Asana), ensuring deadlines and goals are met. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to streamline communication processes and quality assurance.
• Social Media Management: Collaborating with the internal team and external vendor, develop and execute social media campaigns to increase brand visibility and engagement. Monitor social media trends and recommend strategies to enhance the agency's online presence. Serves as a frontline social media manager, monitoring and responding to comments as needed.
• Analytics and Reporting: Monitor and analyze key performance indicators for all online content, providing regular reports to assess the effectiveness of digital communication efforts. Use insights to refine strategies and improve overall digital performance. (Google Analytics)
• Content Development & Design: Design engaging, parenting-related content and agency updates for social media, the website and blog while maintaining brand voice and messaging. Work closely with the graphic designer to support and design visual elements that complement written content (Adobe Suite).
• Content Publishing: Oversee content publishing and editorial calendars for the agency's website, blog (WordPress) and social media channels, ensuring accuracy, relevance and SEO optimization.
• Team Collaboration: Performs duties in a manner that supports the First Things First internal culture and mission with respect and cooperation. Supports additional opportunities for the role and the Marketing and Strategic Initiatives functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or related field preferred.
• Three to five years or more of direct experience managing marketing communications projects and digital content development across various media.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proactive in identifying and completing tasks.
• Strong computer skills and working knowledge of digital, social media, email marketing systems and design software.
• Strong writing, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment dedicated to quality.
• Knowledge of early childhood or human services systems/policy is a plus.
• Ability to attend meetings in Phoenix and travel up to 10% of the time throughout the state of Arizona.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

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).

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.

ASRS

HR@FirstThingsFirst.org