DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Requisition No: 831244 

Agency: Department of Lottery

Working Title: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS - 36000839

 Pay Plan: Lottery Executive M

Position Number: 36000839 

Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 

Posting Closing Date: 06/28/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator 

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF THE LOTTERY – DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS

*Open Competitive Opportunity*

AGENCY BENEFITS:

If hired, as employee of the Florida Lottery, you will be provided the benefits listed below:

• Approximately 97.5%of the premium for health insurance
  • Individual (~$8/month) or Family (~$30/month)
• 100%of the premium for individual or family  dental insurance
• 100%of the premium for basic  life insurance
• Employer contributions to the Pension Plan or Investment Plan; contribution levels will vary based upon Pay Plans.

GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This is a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) position responsible for promoting awareness and understanding of the Lottery’s products, contributions to the enhancement of education in Florida, and responsible gaming initiatives, among other things. The Communications Director (Director) keeps the media and public informed regarding Lottery activities through oral and written communications. Additionally, the Director oversees the Partnership and Engagement team that coordinates initiatives across the state to enhance public awareness of the Lottery and its commitment to education. Internally, the Director provides communications consulting and oversight of the day-to-day operations for the Communications unit. The Director also serves as the primary media spokesperson for the Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Responsible for ensuring information pertaining to the Lottery’s Responsible Gaming program, including the No Underage Play and Play Within Your Means messaging, is disseminated to division/unit employees for use in daily operations and interactions with our retailers and players.
• Plans and directs all communications and public relations strategies in support of the Lottery’s topline business goals.
• Responsible for providing the media and public with accurate information regarding the Florida Lottery.
• Oversees cross-agency efforts with executive leadership to drive PR initiatives in line with the Lottery’s overall mission.
• Keeps broadcast, digital, and print media apprised of the activities of the Florida Lottery.
• Provides oversight and management for all external-facing communications products including media releases, publications, informational materials, public emails, and website content; oversees development of all internal communications materials.
• Coordinates the preparation of speeches, presentations, and other materials for the Secretary, Chief of Staff (COS), and Lottery staff members speaking at public events about the Lottery.
• Manages strategy and response for media and public information inquiries.
• Assists with the coordination and development of print and digital publications, such as the Lottery's annual report, internal newsletter, and website pages.

• Leads crisis communications strategies to address controversial issues and provide ongoing direction for consistent messaging.
• Provides oversight and management for the Lottery’s participation in all contracted partnerships and engagements.
• Provides oversight and management for the procurement of Lottery promotional merchandise.
• Assists Office of the General Counsel with Public Record Requests.
• Provides agency-wide internal consulting on issues relating to written communications, grammar, and style.
• Attendance is an essential function of this position.
  • Total hours in workweek: 40  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Understanding of laws, rules, and regulations governing the Florida Lottery.
• Ability to use knowledge of Lottery operations to respond to inquiries.
• Ability to utilize effective written and verbal communication techniques.
• Knowledge of broad public relations issues and initiatives.
• Ability to work independently while handling multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Proficient in the principles and techniques of public relations, public information, mass communications, journalism, news reporting, and editing; and knowledge of the principles and techniques of advertising and marketing.
• Ability to develop information and communications programs.
• Ability to review and assess information and communications theories for possible application to a public information program.
• Understanding of the rules of grammar, punctuation, and AP style.
• Ability to select and provide appropriate information to others.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to supervise staff.
• Ability to maintain records and documentation pertaining to workforce.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Florida Certified Contract Manager

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to deliver assets on time, handling multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent cross-division collaboration skills; ability to identify relevant information from different divisions within the agency and proactively support those efforts through various public relations outlets.

• Highly organized with great attention to detail.

• A self-starter who is able to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to work beyond scheduled hours when necessary (i.e. early mornings; late nights; and/or weekends).

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and/or Adobe Creative Suite.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education level – Bachelor’s degree in Commnications, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field of study. Professional experience relevant to this position can substitue on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
• Minimum of 4 years experience of professional experience in communications, marketing, or a related field.

• A Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) certification is a plus, but not required.

• Prior management experience is a plus, but not required.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

To be considered for this position, please attach the following documents to your application:

• Current resume or CV
• Cover letter
• Three (3) recent writing samples

MINIMUM AGENCY-WIDE REQUIREMENTS:

Successful passing of a criminal background check (state, local, and national) is required.

A high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Maintains strict confidentiality of information learned while working with the Florida Lottery, whether learned through assigned duties or through working with other units. The types of confidential information may include, but are not limited to, payroll information, budget matters, policy decisions, tax matters, employee disciplinary issues, and other personnel data.

Statutes establishing or defining work performed

Chapter 24, Florida Statutes

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center ). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.