COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST - 36000247

Requisition No: 841930 

Agency: Department of Lottery

Working Title: COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST - 36000247

 Pay Plan: Lottery Exempt Serv

Position Number: 36000247 

Salary:  $50,000.00 - $64,484.04 

Posting Closing Date: 11/29/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF THE LOTTERY – DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS

**Interal Agency 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:

The primary duties of this position include developing and implementing creative and comprehensive public relations strategies that successfully communicate Lottery messaging and raise awareness of upcoming Lottery games, promotions, and campaigns. In addition, the position is responsible for performing a variety of media and public relations responsibilities. The workload of this position is consistently heavy, and the pace is fast. This person must be detail-oriented, able to work well under pressure, and effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Each employee is expected to be knowledgeable of the Lottery’s Responsible Gaming program, including the No Underage Play and Play Within Your Means messaging, and will ensure retailers and players are aware of the program and provide information as necessary.
• Develop Communication plans for game launches and promotions, and write Lottery press releases, advisories, correspondence, reports, and other informational documents to inform the public and the media about Lottery operations and games.  
• Assist the media and the public with various inquiries. Research and develop appropriate information to disseminate to the media, players, retailers, industry stakeholders, and the general public.
• Prepare speeches, talking points, and other materials for Lottery Secretary, Chief of Staff, and District Managers.
• Travel to and staff events for the Lottery Secretary, Chief of Staff, and District Managers.
• Assist the Communications Director and Manager.
• Maintain a filing system of media information, including news clip library, editorial files, and related material, correspondence, and media contact information.
• Assist with preparing correspondence from the Governor's Office and the Office of the Secretary.
• Answer telephones.
• Monitor Communications and Citizens Services inboxes.
• Write and disseminate news releases and secure positive media coverage for Lottery winners.
• Respond to incoming media inquiries as assigned
• Assist in planning and executing media events and promotions as needed.
• Prepare copy as assigned for annual reports, monthly newsletters, & other publications as needed.
• Respond to public records requests as assigned.
• Work outside of scheduled work hours when needed to support the Communications Office.
• Perform other communications-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to utilize effective written and verbal communication techniques.
• Knowledge of AP writing style.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments independently.
• Ability to select and provide appropriate information to others.
• Knowledge of the rules of grammar and punctuation.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to respond to customers, the media, and the public tactfully and courteously.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and written, and to project a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
• Detail-oriented, able to recognize, identify, and resolve issues at a high level.
• Ability to quickly learn new concepts and procedures.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and deadlines and prioritize them effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, primarily Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proficient in social media platforms, including Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• Must be reliable, have a professional appearance, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to speak and write Spanish is a plus, though not required. 

Other job-related requirements and authorization to substitute related work experience in lieu of post-secondary educational requirements.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field of study. Professional and nonprofessional experience in communications or a closely related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

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

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 (1-866-663-4735). 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.