Communications Intern (Program Specialist I)

About the role

This position performs routine (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Supports the communications team by helping create content, monitor industry news, review web materials, and assist with events. This role offers hands-on experience in writing, digital communications, and project coordination. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees at this level may rely on direction from others to solve problems that are not standard. This temporary, part-time position, 10 hours per week in person, is in Austin and will end on or before May 2027.

Responsibilities

• Compile insurance news reports.
• Write short feature stories for internal and external use.
• Review and organize web content, identifying cross-promotion opportunities.
• Assist with web updates and small digital projects.
• Support communications-hosted events and related tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

College student majoring in Communications, Public Relations, Business, Marketing, or a related field, with at least 30 completed college credit hours. Transcripts required with application. Regular work attendance. Travel may be required for up to 5% of the time. If travel is 10% or more, you must maintain a state of Texas Driver's License. You must submit a writing sample with your application.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• State laws, rules, procedures, and regulations relevant to job requirements.
• Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of the project undertaken.
• Personal computers and applicable software.
• Microsoft Teams and SharePoint to manage editorial processes.
• Basic customer service principles.
• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation principles.
• Plain language principles and guidelines.
• Internal communications.
• Effective communication strategies.

Skill in:

• Problem solving and critical thinking.
• Using Microsoft Office software applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Using personal computers sufficient to enter and extract data from related systems and programs such as Centralized Accounting Payroll and Personnel (CAPPS) and other systems required to perform the job.
• Compiling, evaluating, and presenting information in a clear and concise manner.
• Working effectively across multiple program areas.
• Developing content for a range of audiences and formats.

Ability to:

• Communicate and work effectively with a wide range of people with varied skills, knowledge, and backgrounds.
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Analyze and solve work-related problems and work independently on a variety of administrative work and technical assignments.
• Manage and coordinate multiple tasks and priorities to meet necessary deadlines.
• Work both independently and as a team player.
• Successfully work throughout agency and its divisions.
• Research and organize information.
• Create content that is innovative and original.
• Collaborate with a team to develop new ideas.
• Prioritize and manage time efficiently.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules.
• Work-life-balance.
• 96 hours of accrued vacation a year.
• 96 hours of accrued sick leave a year.
• 20+ holidays every year.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Free parking.
• 401(k) and 457 Programs.
• State of Texas retirement plan with a lifetime annuity through the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).
• Free comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees and 50% off premium costs for dependents (state pays other 50%).
• Optional benefits like dental, vision, life insurance, and many more.
• Qualified employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• *Part-time benefits are earned proportionately to hours worked.