ERS - Communications Specialist

Mission

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, meeting customers in person, on the phone, in their communities, and online. Flexibility is available with work schedules.

Job Overview

ERS is seeking a Communication Specialist to perform highly complex to advanced (senior‑level) content development work for the Benefits Communications Division (BCOM). The role includes researching, writing, editing, organizing, and maintaining content for digital and print communications such as newsletters, articles, web pages, presentations, handouts, video and podcast scripts, and resource guides. Responsibilities also involve informing and educating ERS members about employer‑sponsored insurance and retirement benefits through communications, promotional campaigns, and outreach, as well as engaging employees via news and agency activities. The position requires supervising multiple projects, meeting publication deadlines, and sometimes supervising the work of others. It reports to the Director of Benefits Communications with moderate to considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Responsibilities

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 events.

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 responses and supports program / administrator implementations including 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.

Information Specialist IV Responsibilities

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

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism or a related field. Qualifying experience beyond the minimum required may substitute for education.

Three to four years of professional experience developing, writing and editing engaging content for websites, newsletters, publications, presentations and / or social media.

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

One 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

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

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

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

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

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

Experience in public speaking.

Important Notes

All applications must contain complete job history entries, which include 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, the application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not replace this required 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 employment@ers.texas.gov. 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 Background

Veterans, Reservists or Guardsmen with experience in the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) may meet the minimum requirements and are highly encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources at employment@ers.texas.gov 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.

Link to CAPPS Recruit :

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 : employment@ers.texas.gov

Web :

Relay Texas TDD : 800‑735‑2989

LinkedIn : #J-18808-Ljbffr