Communications Specialist/ Writer

Are you an engaging and versatile communicator? TxDOT's Internal Communications team is looking for a writer/communications specialist to help keep TxDOT's 13,000+ employees informed about agency events, policies and campaigns. The candidate will research, draft and edit articles for TxDOT's internal publications and websites, as well as write video scripts and other digital content.

Join TxDOT's Communication Division, where we value employee work-life-balance. Our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include hybrid work environment, flexible work schedules, wellness leave incentive, in-house wellness centers and hiking trails, career development programs, tuition assistance, pension and various other benefits.

At TxDOT, we value employee work-life balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value, our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include:

• Low Turnover
• Retirement Pension
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Paid Leave/Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for full-time employees
• On the Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Comprehensive Wellness Program/Wellness Leave Incentives
• Career Development Programs/Opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

The Communications Specialist supports TxDOT's Internal Communications team goal to inform and engage the Department's more than 13,000 employees across the state of Texas through succinct and engaging communications. This individual works as a storyteller across print, digital and beyond. They will write content for Internal Communications projects and assist in writing and publishing articles to TxDOT's intranet site, print publications and digital video screen content. The successful candidate will also write and edit video scripts.

Essential Duties:

Information Specialist IV

• Research, write and edit magazine and website articles, speeches and talking points for TxDOT’s internal communications section
• Network with TxDOT divisions and districts to conduct interviews and develop stories that represent a diverse range of employees across the state
• Write articles and speeches for a variety of content types including but not limited to: print publication, websites, agency wide emails and video scripts
• Upload articles in content management system Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) for agency intranet website
• Use project management tools to track story development process from inception, writing, editing, approvals to final publication
• Research and prepare presentations for executives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy of information
• Perform other duties as assigned

Information Specialist V

• Research, write and edit magazine and website articles, speeches and talking points for TxDOT’s internal communications section \
• Network with TxDOT divisions and districts to conduct interviews and develop stories that represent a diverse range of employees across the state
• Responsible for ensuring all internal communication properties have a cohesive voice and follow AP Style and TxDOT writing guidelines
• Maintain TxDOT’s official writing guidelines document
• Write articles and speeches for a variety of content types including but not limited to: print publication, websites and agency-wide emails
• Use editorial judgement to select and upload lead news stories for placement on intranet homepage
• Use project management tools to track story development process from inception, writing, editing, approvals to final publication
• Collaborate with executive staff to research and prepare presentations for executives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy of information
• Edit all written and spoken copy for accuracy, grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Perform other duties as assigned

*A skills test will be required for this position*

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business or related disciplines. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 5 years writing, editing, journalism or communications related activities. (Experience can be satisfied by fulltime or prorated part-time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference for experience writing video scripts
• Experience working with content management systems

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and writing skills
• Knowledge of AP Style
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Established skills in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Demonstrated the ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Sitting - prolonged periods of time
• Talking expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination in the workplace. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information