PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER II

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) is seeking a skilled public affairs specialist to work with the Communications Division’s media and public affairs team. The successful candidate must demonstrate an aptitude for learning the full breadth of issues and operations at the MLGCA, an increasingly multi-faceted agency that establishes and enforces complex casino and gaming regulations in addition to running the lottery.

15

1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 330

Baltimore, MD 21230

The Public Affairs Writer/Specialist performs essential roles within the Agency's Communications Division that include writing news releases, talking points, correspondences, and more. The candidate will promote the Agency in a positive light while helping to enhance public awareness and education about the Maryland Lottery, the state's casinos, and other gaming activities. Writing projects range from formal business writing to narrative and descriptive pieces, and are intended for both internal and external audiences.

This position's duties include but are not limited to: 

 - Writing press releases, articles, statements, website copy, internal and external talking points, public and government correspondence and other critical messaging for dissemination to the general public, media and key constituents.

 - Writing and editing releases and articles related to casinos, traditional lottery, and the agency overall pertaining to sales and revenue, products and promotions, winner awareness, broad-scope initiatives, business and human interest stories and brand image.

 - Writing and editing business-focused news releases, statements and internal and external talking points related to the Agency's regulatory role with the state's casinos and other non-lottery gaming activities.

 - Supporting the Senior Public Affairs Manager in serving as a bridge between the Communications Division and other Agency divisions, maintaining a thorough understanding of Agency operations in order to be prepared to answer a broad array of public or media inquiries.

 - Supporting the Senior Public Affairs Manager in researching gaming issues, regulations and laws, concerning both Maryland’s existing gaming options and any prospective new forms of gaming that are under consideration by state officials.

 - Supporting the Senior Public Affairs Manager in responding to more than 100 pieces of written correspondence and/or phone inquiries per month (emails, letters, website, and social media comments/questions).

 - Supporting the Senior Public Affairs Manager in preparing responses to approximately 40-50 Public Information Act requests per year.

 - Interviewing lottery winners, 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.

 - Tracking current news stories, breaking news and trends as they relate to lottery and gaming, locally, nationally and internationally.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional writing experience as a news reporter or public relations/public affairs professional.
• Excellent business writing, interpersonal, and project management skills.
• Knowledge and experience monitoring media and PR trends.

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.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, submit a paper application and resume to:

Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency

Attention: Nathan Warfield, Human Resources Director

1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 330 Baltimore, MD 21230

For information regarding this recruitment send email to Nathan.warfield@maryland.gov or call 410-230-8764.

Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay