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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER II

Public Relations Writer - Specialist

Recruitment #15-002378-0001

Introduction

The Maryland Lottery Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) is seeking a highly skilled public affairs specialist to work with the Communications Department's busy media and public affairs team.  This candidate must be an organized, savvy writer and communicator, as well as a fan of all things news-related, someone who loves to consume news media via broadcast and social media platforms.  He/she will be responsible for tracking news leads and stories, editing and writing news releases, articles, newsletters, talking points, blog posts, social media content and more.

GRADE

15

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Lottery Gaming Control Agency

1800 Washington Blvd.

Ste. 330

Baltimore, Maryland 21230

Main Purpose of Job

The public relations writer is an integral part of the Communications Division's public affairs and public/media relations arm. Specifically, this individual will possess strong writing skills with an understanding of both new and traditional media.  He or she will be responsible for crafting and editing news releases, writing articles, creating talking points, generating stories, interviewing players and winners and seeking opportunities to create social media and web content - all in a timely manner.  In addition, this individual will have a solid command of grammar and punctuation and will be adept at both formal business writing as well as narrative and descriptive pieces.  Candidate will work to promote the Maryland Lottery Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) in a positive light, increasing and enhancing public awareness of and education about the Lottery, its products and promotions and brand.

POSITION DUTIES

This position will be responsible for writing, editing and messaging, including:

  • Writing press releases, articles, statements, blog posts, public and government correspondence and other critical messaging for dissemination to media and key constituents.
  • Writing and editing releases and stories related to casinos, traditional lottery, and the agency overall as they pertain to sales and revenue, products and promotions, winner awareness, broad-scope lottery initiatives, business and human interest stories and brand image.
  • Writing and editing business-focused news releases and statements related to the agency's regulatory role in the state's gaming program.
  • Conceptualizing and implementing communications and social media plans for department activities and promotions.  Establishing key performance indicators and measuring analytics to determine best practices.
  • Serving as a bridge between the Communications Division and other departments for the agency's social media program.
  • Writing copy and assisting with the maintenance of the agency's media microsite to ensure content is relevant and current. 
  • Training and assisting department staffers on emerging media for us in the field to promote lottery initiatives.
  • Assisting with the winner interview process, including the gathering of information, drafting, editing and proofreading text within in a short timeframe for immediate media dissemination and posting on website/social media platforms.
  • Representing the division as a liaison to other agency departments to assist in and support communications and public relations efforts as they relate to the agency's overall goals.
  • Tracking current news stories, breaking news and trends as they relate to lottery and gaming, locally, nationally and internationally.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with at least 30 semester credit hours in one or more of the following subjects: English, journalism, public relations, writing or other similar and related courses.

Experience: Three years experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work.

Note:

1. Applicants may substitute additional experience as described above for the required college education on a year-for year basis.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in public affairs classification or public affairs specialty codes in the information and arts field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Public Relations, business writing skills, interpersonal and project management skills.
  • Possess scrupulous attention to detail and strong ability to organize information.
  • Knowledgeable in media monitoring, social media analytics and PR trends.
  • Advertising and/or public relations experience.
  • Master's degree in communications or public relations. 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.  Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

The assessment consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position.  You may be required to complete a qualification supplement, or the rating may be based on your application.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. You must report all experience and education that is related to this position.  Approved candidates will be rated as Best Qualified, Better Qualified and Qualified and remain on the eligible list for at least one year.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

The incumbent in this position is a member of a covered bargaining unit and will be required to pay a bi-weekly service fee to the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

If you do not have internet access, please mail your application to:

Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency

Attn: C. Panagodimos

HR Department

1800 Washington Blvd. Suite 330

Baltimore, Maryland 21230 

For additional information please call 410-230-8765

TTY Users Call : 1-800-735-2258

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting and promoting employees who are reflective of the States’ diversity.




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