Communications Intern (Program Specialist I)

Texas Department of Insurance; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

State retirement plan (ERS)

403(b)/457 Programs

Health insurance for full-time staff

Job summary

The Texas Department of Insurance in Austin is seeking a part-time communications student to support the editorial team with content creation, web reviews, and events. This role is in-person, 10 hours per week, and ends by May 2027.

Ideal candidates are college students in Communications or related fields with strong writing, grammar, and plain language skills. Travel may be required up to 5% and a writing sample is required with the application.

Qualifications

• Must be a college student majoring in Communications, Public Relations, Business, Marketing, or related field, with at least 30 completed college credit hours.
• Regular work attendance required.
• Travel up to 5% of the time; if travel 10% or more, must maintain Texas Driver's License.

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.

Skills

Microsoft Teams

SharePoint

Customer service

Grammar rules

Plain language

Editorial skills

Content creation

Cross-team collaboration

Education

College student with 30+ credits

Tools

CAPPS

Microsoft Office

Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Do you have a passion for public state service and enjoy making a difference? The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is hiring! We regulate the insurance industry, administer the Texas workers' compensation system, perform the duties of the State Fire Marshal's Office, and educate and protect consumers. The Texas Department of Insurance is in the Capitol Complex, in the Barbara Jordan Building at 1601 Congress Avenue in Austin, near the Texas Capitol.

Benefits of working at TDI:

• Work-life-balance.
• 96 hours of accrued vacation a year.
• 96 hours of accrued sick leave a year.
• 20+ holidays every year.
• 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.

Before you apply:

TDI does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa.

Learn about our selection process, our military employment preference, licensing, and credential requirements.

Job Description:

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.

This position:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires:

• 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.

Additional job details:

• You must submit a writing sample with your application.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

This position requires demonstrated 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.

This position requires demonstrated 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.

This position requires demonstrated 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.

Military Employment Preference

Get help translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets. Redact personal or sensitive information from all attachments.

To receive a military employment preference, you must submit the required documents, as applicable, with your application. See Military Employment Preference.

Applicable Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes are included, but not limited to one of the following:

46S, MC, PA, 3N0X6

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf