Communications Specialist

Communications SpecialistThe Virginia Lottery is currently seeking a Communications Specialist to support the Lottery's Community Events, Employee Engagement, and Lottery Outreach. The Communications Specialist will:Lead and champion employee engagement throughout the Lottery.Identify opportunities to engage employees across the Commonwealth in the Lottery's culture.Explore ways to drive awareness of the Lottery's mission.Build and maintain relationships with key Community Event partners, nonprofit organization contacts, and agency vendors.Collaborate on an annual plan of employee volunteer opportunities for the Lottery Outreach program.Proactively research employee volunteer opportunities and coordinate their participation.Ensure Lottery Outreach program requirements are met (manager pre-approval, logging volunteer hours, reporting, etc.).Collaborate on an annual Community Events plan in support of the Lottery's mission.Negotiate and manage event sponsorship contracts.Coordinate all on-site elements for approved Community Events including budgeting, securing staff, overnight accommodations, timesheets, expense reports, and post-event evaluations.Develop fresh ways to engage consumers/key stakeholders at Community Events.Lead agency vendors in understanding the vision and operations for Community Events.Evaluate staffing requirements and attire for Community Events; approves all work schedules.Assist in researching and planning potential Community Events.Communicate annual Community Events plan to key stakeholders as needed.Develop the on-the-ground team to build program ownership and ability to execute events flawlessly.Help plan and deliver event training for Lottery and vendor field staff (ambassadors).Ensure vendors and staff working Community Events are fully informed on Lottery initiatives and other key information.Travel to events to evaluate onsite presence and agency vendor work.Represent the Lottery at events, including education-sponsored events for tabling and speaking opportunities.Collaborate on content for internal and external communications.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility or Marketing.Minimum of 5 years of experience in experiential/event marketing, event management, employee engagement or consumer engagement, including brand management, communications, campaigns, and brand ambassador programs.Demonstrated experience leading a team.Demonstrated experience as a brand/company representative in a public forum.Demonstrated experience in creative thinking.Strong verbal and written skills required.Excellent organizational skills.Knowledge of basic accounting and reconciliation practices.A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.Special Instructions:You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.Must complete Background Investigation.Must have a valid Driver's License, with satisfactory driving record.Some weekend, holiday, and overnight travel may be required to conduct events and promotions throughout the year. Events out of the Richmond area can range from 1 – 5 days (including set-up and travel) and be anywhere from 6 - 14-hour days. Events in the Richmond area can span a 3-day period and be up to 10-hours per day.Able to work hybrid work schedule but must be in the office three days a week, of which Tuesdays and Wednesdays are required.In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer.