Editor

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, edits, and rewrites various print and digital content to improve readability, including 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 by 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.
• Leads the editorial effort for the Behavioral Health Services department bi-monthly newsletter, serving as liaison to program subject matter experts and primary writer.
• Ensures consistent and accurate content and adherence to Deputy Executive Commissioner 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 newsletter; escalates issues to executive management as appropriate.
• Collaborates 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.
• Collaborates with BHS sections and external partners 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.

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.
• At least three (3) years of professional editing, writing, publications, or communications experience.
• State government experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Pay

$5,425.33 – $8,886.16 per month.