Jacki Grainger

About Jacki Grainger

I lead the Public Affairs department at First Things First which includes MarComm, Public Information and Government Affairs. First Things First is Arizona’s early childhood agency which distributes $116 million of tobacco tax annually to birth to five programming throughout Arizona in the areas of quality early learning, parent support and children’s health. My focus is on building high-performing teams that provide parent information and resources while advancing early childhood as a statewide priority, partnering with business leaders and elected officials to solve the child care crisis. This work recognizes child care as both an economic issue and a workforce development strategy for today’s parents and the Arizona workforce of today and tomorrow.For more than 20 years, I’ve worked across the Valley in foundation management, marketing, communications, and community engagement. I specialize in leading teams, connecting people and building practical strategies that drive outcomes. I’ve helped foundations and organizations collaborate around capacity building, long-term impact, and smart investments in community priorities.I bring a strong understanding of how to move complex issues forward. Whether it\'s elevating executive visibility, aligning strategic communications, or helping businesses engage in solutions that benefit families and the economy, I focus on creating work that leads to action and lasting change.

Experience

1. Chief of Public Affairs

   First Things First

   Feb 2024 — Present · AZ, US

   As the Chief of Public Affairs I lead a dynamic, cross-functional team dedicated to elevating awareness and support for early childhood development in Arizona. I oversee the integrated department of Marketing & Communication, Strategic Initiatives, Government Affairs, Statewide Outreach and Public Information. With a combined focus on storytelling, audience engagement, government affairs and long-term systems change.Marketing & CommunicationI manage a creative team of seven that leads our annual, statewide media campaign targeting parents, caregivers, and Arizona businesses, brand integrity, public information and audience expansion. This multi-platform effort spans streaming services, YouTube, Google search ads, social media, radio, and billboards, as well as unique and high-visibility spaces frequented by families. Our team also oversees agency management, content strategy, social media, website management, and audience expansion initiatives to drive meaningful engagement and access to early childhood resources. We collaborate on shared campaigns with Arizona and national thought partners to amplify key messages and align efforts.Strategic InitiativesI lead a team of three focused on partnerships with economic development organizations, business leaders, and statewide stakeholder groups. We collaborate closely with local and national organizations including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Early Childhood Initiative at EPIC to position early childhood as a workforce and economic development priority. Our work highlights the $4.7 billion impact of the child care crisis on Arizona’s economy and builds support for sustainable solutions.This role blends strategic communication, advocacy, and data-informed decision-making to drive impact for Arizona’s youngest children, their families and the business community.

Education

• Northern Arizona University

  B.S., Communication

• University of Washington

  Certificate of Public Relations, Public Relations/Image Management

• Northern Arizona University

  Master's degree, Organizational Leadership

Skills

• Event Planning
• Event Management
• Social Media
• Sports Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Marketing Communications
• Sponsorship
• Sales Management
• Sales
• Public Speaking
• Fundraising
• Marketing Strategy
• Customer Service
• Salesforce.com
• Public Relations
• Internal Communications
• Media Relations
• Advertising
• Trade Shows
• Account Management