Editor | Texas Sunset Advisory Commission | Austin, TX

The Editor conducts content and copy editing for Sunset reports and other agency documents for distribution to the Legislature, state agencies, and the public. The Editor also coordinates with all levels of agency staff to help others write and edit material for these audiences. Working under the Deputy Director for Reviews, the Editor assists review teams by suggesting report organization and wording that helps ensure a persuasive message and editing complex material to support teams’ development of report findings and recommendations. The Editor provides an outside perspective on the front end to ensure the material best conveys the message it aims to convey and acts as a copy editor on the back end to ensure the highest quality Sunset reports. The Editor also develops and provides training to other staff on effective business writing, editing techniques, rules of style, and related topics.

This will be a new role for Sunset and the ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative, creativity, critical thinking, and high levels of organization to help design and implement an approach that supports Sunset’s editing capacity. We are a fun, hard-working team of intellectually curious people who believe in our mission to improve government operations. The Sunset Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field
• At least one year of full-time experience in writing, journalism, communications, preparation of information releases and reports, or other editorial and production role

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including grammar, syntax, vocabulary, spelling, and general rules of style
• Knowledge of the techniques and methods of planning, organizing, and writing various types of materials
• Skill in expressing information accurately, clearly, persuasively, and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Skill in editing complex writing and translating professional jargon so that it can be understood by a general audience
• Skill in providing constructive editing suggestions and feedback, with meticulous attention to detail
• Skill in using standard computer word processing software programs, including Microsoft Word
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment and build effective working relationships
• Ability to encounter new material and quickly incorporate lessons learned into a long-term approach
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of material and information
• Ability to manage cyclical, variable work, including working under pressure to manage multiple work assignments with tight project deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for a local, state, or federal government in a communications, editorial, policy, or similar role
• Skill in developing report layouts
• Skill in creating report graphics and tables

How to Apply

Our initial application process has two steps. Please read the following instructions carefully before you begin the process.

Step 1

Please submit the following documents to sunset@sunset.texas.gov in Word or PDF format.

1. State of Texas application (application link)
2. Your resume
3. Three references with email addresses and phone numbers

If you do not provide all three documents, your application will not be considered further. Please do not submit a cover letter.

Step 2

Applicants who meet the minimum education and experience requirements will receive a confirmation email containing three questions designed to assess their interest in Sunset and approach to the job. You will receive the email within one business day of submitting the documents required under Step 1. Please be sure to check your spam folder for any correspondence from Sunset.

To be considered further, you must submit your responses to the three questions within 48 hours of the email timestamp. Please do not start the application process unless you will have time to answer the questions within the required timeframe. Once submitted, you will not be allowed to revise your responses.

What Happens Next?

A selection committee of Sunset staff will evaluate and score the responses. Based on their qualifications and responses, selected applicants will then be interviewed, asked to complete a practical exercise, and undergo a background check.