Editor

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

3d•$5,425 - $8,886•Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. Functional Title: Editor Job Title: Editor IV Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: BHH OPERATIONS Posting Number: 20794 Closing Date: 09/11/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, Media Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST Other Locations: MOS Codes: 4502,4503,4505,4511,4591,165X,35PX,3N0X6,46A,46S,46Z,INF,MC,PA Brief Job Description: The Editor IV for the Behavioral Health Services Communications area performs editorial work involving laying out, indexing, and revising content of written and digital materials, including agency correspondence and reports, in preparation for final publication. Responsible for ensuring digital content produced by the department is accessible. Performs highly advanced (senior-level) editorial and communications work. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Works in accordance with agency editorial quality standards and procedures. Develop strategic plans for editorial objectives and goals. Provide final high-level content approval on agency documents and communications, assessing potential risks or negative impacts the content may have on agency operations. Essential Job Functions (EJFs): EJF 1- Reviews, edits, and rewrites various print and digital content to improve readability. This includes, but is not limited to, reports, handbooks, guides, broadcast messages, briefing documents, presentations, brochures, fliers, web copy, newsletters, and memoranda for executive management review and decision-making. Detects and corrects errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax. Verifies facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources. Additionally, designs materials, arranging text and images for readability and visual appeal. Selects appropriate artwork (e.g., photos, charts, graphs, or illustrations). Provides guidance and assistance to staff by recommending content and format options. Prepares and processes documents for printing. (45%) EJF 2 – Lead contributor and editor of the Behavioral Health Services department bi-monthly newsletter. Acts as a liaison to program subject matter experts and primary writer. Ensures consistent and accurate content and adherence to Deputy Executive Commissioner (DEC) directives and HHSC procedures and guidelines. Provides consultative services and technical assistance to program staff and department leadership, reconciling issues for timely completion of each monthly newsletter. Escalates issues to executive management as appropriate for decision making or resolution. (30%) EJF 3 - Works collaboratively with staff to provide communications training and professional development opportunities for BHS staff, enhancing workforce knowledge, communication skills, and the overall quality of departmental communications. Develops, implements, and disseminates BHS communications policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure consistency and adherence to departmental standards and protocols. Serves as a departmental resource on accessibility best practices, collaborating with team members to promote accessible and inclusive communications. Assists with the planning, coordination, and execution of major BHS communications projects, initiatives, and special assignments as assigned. (10%) EJF 4 – Performs related work as assigned. Collaborates with BHS sections and external partners on a consistent basis to coordinate policy, legislation, and/or projects and initiatives that may impact the BHS department, supporting HHSC legislative mandates and agency goals and objectives. Provides assistance and advice to BHS department staff to ensure policies, procedures, and processes are consistent with HHSC guidance. (10%) EJF 5 – Maintains mailing lists for distribution of publications. (5%) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of editorial principles, grammar, punctuation, and plain language writing. Knowledge of publication development and editorial review processes. Knowledge of accessibility requirements and best practices for digital and print communications. Knowledge of HHSC communications policies, procedures, and branding standards. Knowledge of accessibility requirements for digital communications and SharePoint content. Skill in developing and coordinating newsletters, web content, executive communications, and training materials. Skill in providing communications training and technical assistance to agency staff. Skill in reviewing content for accuracy, consistency, readability, and compliance with established standards. Skill in developing executive-level reports, presentations, correspondence, and publications. Skill in managing multiple projects and meeting competing deadlines. Ability to analyze and translate complex information into clear, audience-appropriate communications. Ability to maintain consistency in messaging, branding, and editorial standards across multiple communication channels. Ability to lead and coordinate publication and communications projects from concept to completion. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to serve as the division’s editorial authority for style, tone, and communication quality. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: “N/A” Initial Screening Criteria: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Journalism, English, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Technical Writing, or a related field is required. Additional related work experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. At least three (3) years of professional editing, writing, publications, or communications experience. State government experience preferred. Additional Information: N/AReview our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC. Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. ADA Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility: Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form Telework Disclaimer: This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Journalism, English, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Technical Writing, or a related field is required.
Additional related work experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
At least three (3) years of professional editing, writing, publications, or communications experience.
State government experience preferred.
Knowledge of editorial principles, grammar, punctuation, and plain language writing.
Knowledge of publication development and editorial review processes.
Knowledge of accessibility requirements and best practices for digital and print communications.
Knowledge of HHSC communications policies, procedures, and branding standards.
Knowledge of accessibility requirements for digital communications and SharePoint content.
Skill in developing and coordinating newsletters, web content, executive communications, and training materials.
Skill in providing communications training and technical assistance to agency staff.
Skill in reviewing content for accuracy, consistency, readability, and compliance with established standards.
Skill in developing executive-level reports, presentations, correspondence, and publications.
Skill in managing multiple projects and meeting competing deadlines.
Ability to analyze and translate complex information into clear, audience-appropriate communications.
Ability to maintain consistency in messaging, branding, and editorial standards across multiple communication channels.
Ability to lead and coordinate publication and communications projects from concept to completion.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to serve as the division’s editorial authority for style, tone, and communication quality.

Responsibilities

Reviews, edits, and rewrites various print and digital content to improve readability. This includes, but is not limited to, reports, handbooks, guides, broadcast messages, briefing documents, presentations, brochures, fliers, web copy, newsletters, and memoranda for executive management review and decision-making.
Detects and corrects errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax.
Verifies facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
Designs materials, arranging text and images for readability and visual appeal.
Selects appropriate artwork (e.g., photos, charts, graphs, or illustrations).
Provides guidance and assistance to staff by recommending content and format options.
Prepares and processes documents for printing.
Lead contributor and editor of the Behavioral Health Services department bi-monthly newsletter.
Acts as a liaison to program subject matter experts and primary writer.
Ensures consistent and accurate content and adherence to Deputy Executive Commissioner (DEC) directives and HHSC procedures and guidelines.
Provides consultative services and technical assistance to program staff and department leadership, reconciling issues for timely completion of each monthly newsletter.
Escalates issues to executive management as appropriate for decision making or resolution.
Works collaboratively with staff to provide communications training and professional development opportunities for BHS staff, enhancing workforce knowledge, communication skills, and the overall quality of departmental communications.
Develops, implements, and disseminates BHS communications policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure consistency and adherence to departmental standards and protocols.
Serves as a departmental resource on accessibility best practices, collaborating with team members to promote accessible and inclusive communications.
Assists with the planning, coordination, and execution of major BHS communications projects, initiatives, and special assignments as assigned.
Performs related work as assigned.
Collaborates with BHS sections and external partners on a consistent basis to coordinate policy, legislation, and/or projects and initiatives that may impact the BHS department, supporting HHSC legislative mandates and agency goals and objectives.
Provides assistance and advice to BHS department staff to ensure policies, procedures, and processes are consistent with HHSC guidance.
Maintains mailing lists for distribution of publications.