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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER II (Public Information Officer)
JOB_REQUIREMENTS
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Salary
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Introduction
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) serves as one of the largest revenue sources for the State of Maryland, supporting important state programs and services including education, public health and safety, human resources and the environment. In addition to generating revenue from the sale of lottery products, the MLGCA is also responsible for the oversight of the state’s casino gaming program, providing direction and guidance to its casino partners on financial, security, regulatory and licensing procedures for the facilities. The Agency also regulates Sports Wagering, Daily Fantasy Sports and Electronic Bingo, as well as Instant Ticket Lottery Machines, which are located at almost 90 Veteran’s posts. Gaming in Maryland is a dynamic and growing business that operates around the clock, 365 days of the year.
The candidates selected for interview will be asked to complete a writing test after completing the interview. Candidates will be given a set of facts about a Lottery winner and will be asked to write a news release. Test time limit is 30 minutes.
GRADE
15
LOCATION OF POSITION
Montgomery Business Park
1800 Washington Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21230
POSITION DUTIES
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) is seeking a journalist or public relations professional for a Public Information Officer (PIO) position. The ideal candidate for this role has worked as a news reporter and will embrace the idea of being the MLGCA’s “explainer-in-chief.” The PIO’s job is to learn how the MLGCA operates the Maryland Lottery and regulates casinos and sports wagering, and then deliver easily understood answers to questions from Lottery players, the general public and the news media. Writing projects include news releases and talking points intended for both internal and external audiences and correspondence with Lottery players. Journalism experience, or prior experience in a PIO role is required. The job requires being a quick study, the ability to write concise, error-free copy, and effective public speaking skills.
- Create news releases and internal and external talking points pertaining to Lottery sales, revenue, products, promotions, winner awareness, lottery initiatives, brand image, casino revenue data, sports wagering revenue data, casino and sports wagering regulations, procedures and other topics as needed.
- Respond or assist other Communications staff members in responding to more than 200 pieces of written correspondence per month, including emails from the public and correspondence forwarded from the Governor’s Office.
- Coordinate with staff in other Agency divisions when necessary to develop accurate responses.
- Support the Managing Director of Communications by coordinating with staff members in other Agency divisions to assemble information necessary to respond to more than 50 Public Information Act requests per year.
- Compile a weekly list of high-tier Lottery prizes and write the “Week In Winners” press release for publication on the Lottery’s website and dissemination to statewide news media.
- Assist the Managing Director of Communications in preparing, proofreading and disseminating to statewide media the Agency’s monthly press releases containing casino revenue data and sports wagering revenue data.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.
Experience: Seven years of experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 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 areas of study and three years of experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in public affairs specialist classification or public affairs specialty codes in the information and arts field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
1. At least five years of experience working as a professional journalist or working in a Public Information Officer role.
2. Experience with interviewing the general public or subject matter experts.
3. Links (URLs) to no more than two samples of your writing or broadcast reporting work.
4. Experience submitting Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) requests as a journalist or responding to Public Information Act (PIA) requests as a Public Information Officer.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
NOT APPLICABLE.
SELECTION PROCESS
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 eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications of this recruitment.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an application. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.
We will not consider information submitted after this date. Applicants will be rated based on their description of job duties and responsibilities. Applicants should be thorough in completing this requirement.
The online application process is strongly advised.
If the online process is not available to you, you may complete and submit a paper application or direct any questions to:
Maryland Lottery Human Resources
1800 Washington Blvd., Ste. 330
Baltimore, MD 21230
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 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.
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