Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs - Exempt

The Vermont Department of Liquor & Lottery Principal Assistant provides legislative, policy, communication, and marketing support for the Department of Liquor and Lottery. In this role you will interfaces with the Legislature, the Governor's Office, federal/state governmental entities, business partners, media, and external stakeholders. You will coordinate discussions and decision-making with other Departments, stakeholders, or legislative representatives. The Principal Assistant serves as the spokesperson for the Department and key public contact for media. This position designs and implements communications strategies for the Department's policy initiatives, and marketing strategies for the Department's consumer-facing businesses. You will also oversee the marketing functions of Vermont Lottery and 802Spirits to include advertising, social media marketing and newsletters. Work is performed under the direction of the Commissioner.

This position designs and implements communications strategies for the Department's policy initiatives, and marketing strategies for the Department's consumer-facing businesses. This includes:

• Writing policy briefs and opinion pieces for state and national audiences;
• Establishing and fostering conversations with liquor and lottery stakeholders and policymakers;
• Planning, preparation and executing the Department's legislative initiatives;
• Supporting internal Department communications to build understanding, make connections, and acting as the liaison to the Governor's Office and Legislature in all Department-related policy work;
• Handling all public information and media inquiries;
• Supports the Department's marketing initiatives, including social media and mass external newsletters.
• Performs related duties as required.

This is a hybrid in-office and remote position. Teleworking is available. Salary Range: $75,000 - $110,000 depending on experience

This position, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs - Exempt (Job Requisition #51812), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Wendy.Knight@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Duties are performed in an office setting or in the Statehouse during the legislative session. Limited travel may be involved for which private means of transportation may be required. Remote/hybrid work options available and encouraged. Quick deadlines for important reports, media inquiries. Discretion and diplomacy around sensitive communication, sometimes under challenging and difficult situations, is required. Interacts and communicates directly with DLL leadership, staff, legislators, Governor's Office, other agency/department officials, media, marketing partners, and external stakeholders.

At least five years experience in strategic communications, marketing or legislative affairs

• Knowledge of state government and legislative operations, including policy development, policy analysis, and legislative process.
• Knowledge of writing and communications techniques.
• Knowledge of the practices and procedures of public and media relations.
• Knowledge of developing and implementing marketing plans, media campaigns, including budgets, target audience, and performance metrics.
• Ability to conceptualize creative solutions to problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with associates, the public, and others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the media.
• Strong skills in relationship management.
• Very strong communications skills, both orally and in writing.
• Strong organizational abilities and the ability to work independently to achieve goals.