Communications Manager 1

I'MN

The Minnesota State Lottery is a state agency that generated over $787M in sales last year, returning a record $196M to our beneficiaries: State's General Fund to support services like K-12 Education and health care, and environmental programs supporting natural resources, game, and fish funds.

Working Title: Director of Public Affairs
Job Class: Communications Manager 1
Agency: Minnesota State Lottery

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 3/26/2024
• Closing Date: 4/17/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota State Lottery/Lottery - Managerial
• Division/Unit: Public Affairs
• Work Shift: Day
• Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $41.51 - $59.72 / hourly; $86,673 - $124,695 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Telework Eligible: Hybrid
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The Director of Public Affairs will lead the Minnesota Lottery’s public affairs department, including but not limited to: public relations, social responsibility, and legislative initiatives. Develop a pro-active strategic plan to enhance the MN Lottery brand internally and externally with key stakeholders that include the general public, lottery players, retail partners, legislators, and beneficiary organizations. Execute pro-active communications strategies leveraging public relations, legislative affairs, and internal communications. Work closely with Lottery executive team to identify key strategic objectives that will increase employee satisfaction and engagement, ensure the future of a strong and viable state lottery for Minnesota, and make sure the Lottery is a responsible actor in the marketplace.

They will lead and supervise a staff of public affairs professionals. The Director will plan, facilitate, and advance both internal and external communications activities to meet the department’s key strategic objectives. Serve as primary Lottery Spokesperson during crisis or before the legislature, develop/enhance key media relationships, and represent the Lottery in the community. Develop a high-level legislative strategy and build key legislative relationships to help ensure MN Lottery goals can be accomplished. Pro-actively build legislative alliances with Governor’s office, key legislators, committee chairs and strategic beneficiaries.

The Director of Public Affairs will collaborate with the Sales and Marketing Division on joint initiatives that involve the MN Lottery brand, specific MN Lottery products, and MN Lottery marketing campaigns. This may include creating and distributing media kits, issuing press releases, and developing and executing earned media campaigns.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper credit, your resume must clearly describe your experience and skills in the areas listed below and indicate the beginning and ending month and year of each job held.

Two (2) years of managerial Public Relations experience OR three (3) years of supervisory Public Relation experience OR four (4) years of advanced Public Relations experience that includes strategic planning, implementation, and administration of an organization’s communications program, including oversight and expertise in several communication areas.

Experience must include the following:

• Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills to effectively relate and work with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong public speaking and writing skills.
• Knowledge of political process and/or experience working in a political environment.
• Thorough knowledge of communications practices.
• Demonstrated proficiency in media relations, interviewing skills, and understanding of social media tools.
• Demonstrated ability to think and act creatively to solve complex problems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple relationships and projects concurrently in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment; a great degree of flexibility with the proven ability to adapt to change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience with public sector organizations and the gambling industry.
• Knowledge of state policies, procedures, and practices in the areas of information, Legislative and state Gambling laws, and human resources management.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

The Minnesota State Lottery will conduct a criminal background check and fingerprint check at the time of job offer for all prospective new employees.

The Minnesota State Lottery cannot hire any person who's been convicted of a felony or a crime involving fraud or misrepresentation within five years of employment or who's ever been convicted of a gambling-related offense.

In addition, the Minnesota State Lottery will perform the following background checks:

• Employment Reference Checks (includes review of personnel file for current and former State of Minnesota employees)
• SEMA4 Records Check (for current and former State of Minnesota employees)
• Driver's License Records Verification

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

To be considered for any Veteran’s Status, you must indicate this on your application and follow the instructions below:

RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. To qualify, you must meet the following: 1) have separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States; 2) have served on active duty for 181consecutive days or more or for the full period ordered to active duty or have separated by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty; 3) be a United States citizen or resident alien; and 4) have served in active military service at any time on or after September 11, 2001, as shown on your DD-214 form. To be considered under this legislation, you must: 1) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting; 2) meet all the above RSV criteria; and 3) submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date to: HRDept@mnlottery.com. Failure to submit your DD-214 form will affect your consideration for an interview under this legislation.

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if you: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to:
HRDept@mnlottery.com.

If you have questions about the position, contact the Human Resources office at HRDept@mnlottery.com.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to
HRDept@mnlottery.com.

About the Minnesota State Lottery

The Minnesota State Lottery exists to create a fun, quick, and thrilling form of entertainment for Minnesotans. We’re proud that a portion of Lottery proceeds goes back to the state to benefit our natural environment. We’re in the entertainment business and are always looking for more ways to have fun as a group. We would love for you to join us!

Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence and understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.