Job Title: Director of Public Relations
Job ID: 89344
What you’ll be doing:
Minnesota Lottery | Executive Leadership Opportunity
The Minnesota Lottery is seeking a visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as its Director of Public Affairs. This executive-level position oversees the Lottery’s Public Affairs Department, driving initiatives in public relations, social responsibility, and legislative engagement. The Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the Lottery’s brand, reputation, and relationships with stakeholders across Minnesota.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a proactive public affairs strategy that strengthens the Lottery’s brand and reputation among key audiences, including the general public, players, retailers, legislators, and beneficiary organizations.
- Collaborate with the executive leadership team to align communications with organizational goals, enhance employee engagement, and support the long-term success of the Lottery.
- Lead internal and external communications efforts, including media relations, crisis communications, and community engagement.
- Serve as the Lottery’s primary spokesperson during public events, legislative hearings, and media inquiries.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, community leaders, advocacy groups, and government partners.
- Develop and execute legislative strategies to support the Lottery’s mission and operations.
- Cultivate strategic alliances with the Governor’s Office, key legislators, committee chairs, and organizations such as the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of public affairs professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
- Oversee departmental planning, budgeting, and performance metrics to ensure effective resource management and measurable outcomes.
- Partner with the Sales and Marketing Department to advance brand initiatives, product launches, and promotional campaigns.
- Direct the development of media kits, press releases, and earned media strategies that elevate the Lottery’s visibility and credibility.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job.
Four (4) years of advanced managerial experience or five (5) years of supervisory experience in the strategic planning, implementation, and administration of an organization’s communications program that includes oversight and expertise in several communication areas.
***Note: *Bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience; Master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience; PhD substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience.
Candidates who meet the above education/experience will be further evaluated on the following during the interview:
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholder groups
- Strong public speaking and writing abilities
- Deep knowledge of political processes or experience in a political environment
- Proven expertise in media relations, interviewing, and communications strategy
- Familiarity with social media platforms and digital engagement tools
- Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills in complex scenarios
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities
- Ability to manage multiple projects and relationships in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, with flexibility and adaptability
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
- Extensive experience developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies and managing media relationships
- Experience working in the public sector or gaming industry
- Knowledge of state policies, legislative and gambling laws, and human resources practices
- Strong understanding of Minnesota’s legislative process, including key stakeholders, procedures, and state government dynamics
- Familiarity with Minnesota state government operations, including administrative policies and procedures
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
The Minnesota Lottery will conduct a criminal background check and fingerprint check at the time of job offer for all prospective new employees. The Minnesota 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
Posting Dates: 10/09/25 through 10/29/25
