Press Secretary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At the California Lottery, the communications and media team plays a key role in sharing stories that matter to people across the state. The Press Secretary steps into the spotlight as the department's spokesperson, helping Californians see how Lottery funds support public schools in every community. Working closely with the Strategic Communications Supervisor, the Press Secretary meets the Lottery's biggest winners, connects with journalists, and collaborates with a group of dedicated communicators and creative media professionals. Together, they help ensure that the work of the California Lottery is understood and valued by adults throughout the state.
This position requires a current Information Officer I (Specialist) exam. If you need to take the exam or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.
This position is headquartered in Sacramento and is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule. Employees must be able to report to their assigned headquarters office as assigned. Travel expense to and from the assigned headquarters are the responsibility of the employee. Eligibility for telework requires the employee to reside in California per California Government Code Section 14200 which states: "telecommuting means the partial or total substitution of computers or telecommunication technologies, or both, for the commute to work by employees residing in California.
When choosing a state organization to work for, there are a lot of options. Why choose the California State Lottery?
People are drawn to the Lottery because we:
• Are an energetic, creative, and talented team
• Value diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Empower team members to bring their knowledge, expertise, and innovation
• Recognize individual and team contributions
• Support the importance of work-life balance
• Invest in the professional development of our team members
• Are dedicated to preserving our environment by lowering our carbon footprint
May consider a Training & Development assignment.
All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to clearly demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position on your State Application (STD Form 678). The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to meet the Desirable Qualifications identified in this job advertisement. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Announcement Posting under "Minimum Requirements."
It is highly recommended that you apply online using your CalCareers account. It is not necessary to return the contact letter if you applied electronically. Please ensure to monitor your email and/or CalCareers account for communication associated with your application submission.
Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours for Personal Leave hours each month. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.
The Lottery is less than 30 minutes from all that Downtown Sacramento has to offer. Amenities include an onsite restaurant, free gym, close to the light rail station, electric car charging stations, and free parking!! Apply today to join a dynamic organization that is not only passionate about its mission, but also its people!!
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
a. Schedule: The primary schedule for the Press Secretary (IO I) is 8AM to 5PM
b. Travel: Limited in-state travel may occur on an as-needed basis
c. Other: The Press Secretary (IO I) must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong leadership skills, and good written and verbal communication skills. A positive attitude, forward thinking, an ability to take direction and accept feedback, and asking the right questions and completing multiple assignments under deadlines is a must.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INFORMATION OFFICER I (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-529388
Position #(s):
358-180-5601-001
Working Title:
Press Secretary
Classification:
INFORMATION OFFICER I (SPECIALIST) $6,031.00 - $7,547.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
The California Lottery is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise headquartered in Sacramento. It is one of the few state organizations that is a revenue generator, not accepting taxpayer dollars from the state's general fund. Our mission is to provide supplemental funding for California's public schools and colleges. We are passionate about creating a better tomorrow - one child at a time. The mix of talented people within our workplace reflects the rich diversity inherent within the State of California. We celebrate the contributions of each individual and strive to create a work environment that is inclusive, collaborative, and welcoming. We believe in California For All.
In fiscal year 2024-25, the California Lottery generated sales of more than $9.2 billion with approximately $1.9 billion earned for California public schools. Lottery products are sold at more than 23,000 retail locations throughout the state, from independent neighborhood shops to convenience stores, liquor stores to supermarkets, and more. Retail product offerings include an average of 52 fun and entertaining Scratchers® games and several draw games, including jackpot games such as Powerball®, Mega Millions®, and SuperLotto Plus® and daily games such as Fantasy 5 and Hot Spot®.
Department Website: http://www.calottery.com
Special Requirements

• The California State Lottery Act provides that no person may be hired as an employee of the Commission if that person has been convicted of a felony or any gambling related offense.
• The position requires a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• If you are basing your eligibility on education, ( http://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/pages/job-descriptions.aspx ), provide your transcripts and/or diploma. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial ; official transcripts will be required upon appointment . Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
• This position has been designated for bilingual duties. The selected candidate will be required to obtain bilingual certification prior to being hired.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/24/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
CA State Lottery
N/A
Attn: Human Resources Division, JC-529388
700 N. 10th Street, MS#6-5
Sacramento , CA 95811
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
CA State Lottery
N/A
Human Resources Division, JC-529388
700 N. 10th Street, MS#6-5
Sacramento , CA 95811
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see Statement of Qualifications instructions below.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Demonstrates strong interest in keeping apprised of current events in California.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrates strong use of proper grammar and punctuation.
• Experience working as a member of a communications team.
• Ability to prioritize, juggle, and complete assignments within deadlines.
• Experience as a spokesperson in media and public events.
• Excellent attention to detail. Able to work quickly without compromising the quality of the work and while maintaining strict confidentiality of information.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Proficient at MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and other communications technology platforms.
• Experience organizing press conferences.
• Understanding of social media use for press outreach, information, and education.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.calottery.com
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources, JC-529388
(916) 822-8158
careers@calottery.com
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Equal Employment Opportunity Office
(916) 822-8458
eeooffice@calottery.com
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Statement of Qualifications
Please provide a narrative Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that showcases how your education and experience position you well for this role. Use specific examples that directly illustrate your skills and alignment with the desirable qualifications listed in the job posting. Your SOQ should not exceed two pages, using Arial font size 12, with standard margins. In order to be considered you must submit a Statement of Qualifications.
Please respond to the following prompts:
1. Describe your experience supporting communications efforts for an organization or department. Include specific examples involving written or verbal communication, collaboration with communications teams, and your approach to accuracy, grammar, punctuation, and attention to detail.
2. Provide examples of your experience engaging with the media or the public in a communications capacity. Describe any spokesperson roles, public events, press conferences, or situations where you served as a liaison between your organization and external stakeholders.
3. Explain how you manage multiple assignments, balance priorities, and meet deadlines without compromising quality or confidentiality. Include examples demonstrating your ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
4. Describe your experience using communications technology platforms, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and social media tools. Explain how you use these tools to support press outreach, information-sharing, and public education efforts.
Position Location
Headquarters
700 North 10th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercisin