JOB SUMMARY The Communications Specialist is responsible for assisting in planning, developing and executing the Lottery’s media relations and external communications strategies. They will help identify and share Lottery success stories, accomplishments and initiatives to raise the Lottery’s visibility, promote the Lottery’s value proposition in key markets, and leverage stories and outreach opportunities. The Communications Specialist will work to positively position the Lottery to new and existing players, agents, key business partners, and the general public. They will assist in fulfilling requests from a variety of external constituencies, including local and national media, lottery trade publications, state and municipal officials, business partners, and customers. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Develop key messages and draft/edit press releases, media alerts, winner stories, statements, talking points, and pitches. * Assist in the scheduling of media opportunities and the coordination of major press announcements with the Office of the State Treasurer. * Develop and maintain relationships with key reportersand journalists across all media. * Assist in the maintenance of media distribution lists. * Assist with information requests made under the state’s public records request law, ensuring each is fulfilled in a timely and complete manner. * Maintain, access and prepare data for media requests and public records requests. * Interview players, agents, and key stakeholders to mine and capture captivating stories that can be shared with external audiences. * Continuously analyze media trends, reports and publications to develop compelling pitches. * Track, maintain and circulate daily media clippings relevant to Lottery operations. * Work closely with the social media team to generate and coordinate content, messaging, external news and campaigns. Ability to serve as the primary back-up to Assistant Director, Social Media. * Monitor and respond to user-generated content and inquiries through multiple channels. Oversee responses provided by other designated staff with administrative access to Lottery social media accounts (i.e., drawing staff, marketing team). * Play an active role in the Lottery’s responsible gambling initiatives. * Assist Marketing Department in drafting retailer newsletters and various communication pieces, proofreading promotional point of sale pieces and other marketing materials. * Work with the Assistant Director of Stakeholder Engagement, the Product and Promotional Development Managers, Marketing Specialists, Regional Managers, and other Lottery team members with planning, executing, attending and participating in on-site and off-site player activation, sponsorship and outreach events. * Perform related duties as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Ability to work nights and weekends when needed. * Must have a valid driver’s license with ability to drive throughout the Commonwealth. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Minimum of 3 years of experience in a communications role. * Experience in all areas of media relations. * Excellent grammar, composition, and proofreading skills. * Strong verbal communications skills. * Ability to navigate business intelligence platforms and produce data reports in Excel format. * Experience with customer or constituent services, or other related experience. * Experience handling public records requests. * Highly skilled in managing and navigating social media channels, including utilization of social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout) * Knowledge of Lottery products, procedures and operations. * Experience adhering to a brand style guide. * Must be organized and detail oriented. * Excellent attendance and punctuality. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: * Communications:Listens to understand and actively reaches out to all relevant team members to create two-way understanding and transparency. Excellent language skills including concepts of writing, grammar and punctuation. * Driven:Enjoys working hard and relishes a challenge. Can be counted on to successfully meet and exceed goals. Pushes self and others for results. Takes pride in a "whatever it takes to get the job done" attitude. * Problem Solving:Uses logic, data and accurate analysis to solve problems and provide effective solutions. Anticipates hidden issues/problems and takes appropriate action. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills; conflict resolution and de-escalation skills; ability to analyze sensitive issues and create action plans. * Flexibility:Effectively copes with change regardless of scope. Can shift direction comfortably with minimal disruption. Maintains composure. Able to effectively juggle multiple tasks under tight deadlines and short turnaround times. * Organized:Always gets more accomplished with fewer resources (people, time money). Can design effective processes, procedures and practices that eliminate complexity and streamline execution. Effectively marshals resources (people, time, money) to get things done. Anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks. * Computer: *Proficient with standard Microsoft programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and web browsers. * *Teamwork:Ability to establish effective working relationships with a diverse clientele and ability to guide, lead and persuade others. Job: Unclassified* *Organization: State Lottery Commission *Title: *Communications Specialist Location: Massachusetts-Boston - 150 Mt. Vernon Street Requisition ID: 240000VP