ERS - Communications Specialist

ERS - Communications Specialist(00054168)

Organization

: EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM

Primary Location

: Texas-Austin

Work Locations

: Main Office (327-100001)200 E 18th StreetAustin78701

Job

: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media

Employee Status

: Regular

Schedule

: Full-timeStandard Hours Per Week : 40.00State Job Code : 18321833Salary Admin Plan : BGrade : 2022

Salary (Pay Basis)

: 5,667.00-6,375.00(Monthly)

Number of Openings

: 1

Overtime Status

: Exempt

Job Posting

: Nov 7, 2025, 12 : 23 : 37 PM

Closing Date

: Ongoing

Description

Our mission is simply stated : ERS offers competitive benefits to enhance the lives of its members. Each team member across the agency contributes to our ongoing success. ERS is open for business five days a week, 8 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm, to meet customers where they need us : in person, on the phone, in their communities, and online. ERS currently offers opportunities that include flexible work schedules.

ERS is seeking Communication Specialist to perform highly complex to advanced (senior-level) content development work for the Benefits Communications Division (BCOM). Researches, writes, edits, organizes and maintains content for digital and print communications. Work includes developing, reviewing and updating communications including, but not limited to : newsletters, articles, web pages, presentations, handouts, video and podcast scripts, and resource guides. Responsible for informing and educating ERS members about employer-sponsored insurance and retirement benefits through regular communications, promotional campaigns and other outreach. Also responsible for helping to engage employees at ERS through communications about news and activities at the agency and among ERS employees. Work also involves leading projects, serving as a subject matter expert for ERS benefits programs, serving as writer / editor for one or more publications and working as a part of a team to perform communications reviews. Must work on multiple projects and meet numerous publication deadlines. May supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision of the Director of Benefits Communications, with moderate to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

Serves as editor of an ERS newsletter and special publications.

Develops story ideas; researches, writes and edits articles; conducts interviews; and gathers / selects engaging, high-quality images.

Coordinates input from contributors; works cross-functionally on special ERS communications projects, including the ERS at a Glance report, style guide, glossary, message maps, etc.

Works with graphic designer to coordinate layouts and print specifications, as needed.

Works with web administrator to build articles in website content management system.

Plans, coordinates content reviews, schedules and sends the newsletter.

Takes photos and / or coordinates photo shoots.

Writes and edits presentation materials, video scripts and marketing materials and other deliverables for web, print and social media.

Develops and effectively executes communications plans.

Produces work that is accurate, grammatically correct, and consistent with ERS’ style and engaging to the intended audience.

Assists with coordination of and develops content for ERS employee events.

Helps to plan and promote ERS internal event.

Develops content such as speeches and presentations.

Serves as subject matter expert for communications about specific benefits programs — developing content and strategy, and overseeing communications developed both in-house and by external vendors.

Reviews and evaluates Request for Proposal (RFP) responses and supports program / administrator implementations including, but not limited to, strategy, reviews and presentations.

Creates and manages various project communication timelines.

Drafts strategic communications on complex policy-related topics.

Writes and edits marketing materials, articles, special features, brochures, fact sheets, etc. in a style consistent with organizational standards and appropriate for the target audience.

Maintains files in an organized, accessible manner in compliance with records retention standards.

Conducts project team meetings and briefings.

Tracks and analyzes analytics, customer feedback and other data to continuously improve effectiveness of communications activities.

Works with the ERS social media team to develop timely engaging content.

Works with the ERS website and intranet teams to update and maintain content, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Performs related work as assigned.

Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

Complies with all applicable agency policies and procedures, including safety and standards of conduct.

The Information Specialist IV performs all essential functions of the Information Specialist III, in addition to the following :

Writes executive presentations and other executive communications.

Presents benefits program information to internal and external stakeholders.

Contributes and collaborates regularly on creating social media content for agency accounts.

Required Minimum Qualifications : Your application for employment must reflect how you meet each of the following minimum qualifications :

1.Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, communications, journalism or a related field. Qualifying experience beyond the minimum required may substitute for education.

2.Three (3) to four (4) years (depending on classification) of professional experience developing, writing and editing engaging content for websites, newsletters, publications, presentations and / or social media.

3.One (1) year of professional experience planning communications projects, such as overseeing the production of a publication or coordinating a communications campaign.

4.One (1) year of professional experience editing a regularly distributed newsletter, magazine or similar publication, including developing story ideas, managing a production timeline and editorial calendar, writing articles, editing articles by others and / or working with a graphic designer.

Preferred Qualifications : Your application for employment should reflect how you meet the following preferred qualifications :

5.Experience in internal employee communications, including communications from executive leadership.

6.Experience in employee health insurance and retirement benefits, including ERS benefits programs.

7.Experience gathering, tracking and analyzing data to measure engagement and effectiveness of communications activities (e.g. focus groups, surveys, analytics, etc.).

8.Experience developing and managing promotional, informational and / or educational campaigns, from concept to completion.

9.Experience planning, coordinating and conducting events, webinars and / or live presentations.

10.Experience in public speaking.

PLEASE NOTE : All applications should contain complete job history entries, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

Other Information : In accordance with state law, authorization for telework may not be awarded to an employee as a condition of hiring. As an agency process, new employees complete a 30 day fully onsite period before evaluation for a telework agreement. This position may require access to privileged, confidential, or sensitive data. ERS will conduct either a TXDPS or FBI criminal history check on all new hires. For more information about this policy inquiries can be made to Please note : Internal applicants in the same salary group and classification as the posted position are eligible to receive an increase in salary where applicable up to the posted maximum.

Military Occupational Specialty Codes :

Veterans, Reservists or Guardsmen with experience in the Military Occupational Specialty () along with the minimum qualifications listed above may meet the minimum requirements and are highly encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources at with questions or for additional information.

How to Apply : Ready to join the dedicated, customer-focused team at ERS? Submit the following to the ERS Human Resources Office :

A State of Texas Application for Employment submitted online through CAPPS Recruit.

Use the link below to create a CAPPS Recruit account and build your profile on the “My JobPage” tab in the upper left corner of the screen.

Once your profile is complete, click on the “Job Search” tab in the upper left corner of the screen to view available career opportunities and submit your application.

Applications submitted through Work in Texas :

If you apply for an ERS position via Work in Texas , you will also need to complete a supplemental questions form. For more details, refer to the instructions in the email you receive from CAPPS Recruit.

Please contact a Human Resources representative if you need assistance or require accommodation during the application process.

Email : Web :

Relay Texas TDD : (800) 735-2989

LinkedIn : Qualifications