The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) is located in Topeka, Kansas. We offer hybrid remote work schedules. Employees in this position are required to work onsite at least two days each week.
KPERS is not just about pensions – we are about people! We provide disability and death benefits to protect public employees while they are still working and guarantees them lifetime benefits when they retire. Our membership includes people from all walks of life in a variety of jobs with one thing in common - serving Kansans.
We are looking for a Technical Writer to assist KPERS with the transformation of the Retirement System's correspondence and forms generated pension administration system (PAS) software, as well as support for the creation of user documentation. This is a long-term contract position targeting six (6) years. It could transform into a permanent position for the right candidate.
In this role, the Technical Writer has two major responsibilities:
The Technical Writer will develop correspondence and forms for the PAS. These will be generated by the PAS and promote KPERS' objectives to a diverse array of external customers, including members, beneficiaries, employers, legislators and other stakeholders as required. Agency communications must be clear and concise to ensure difficult and complex information is easily understood. All communications must be written according to KPERS' agency visual and verbal identity guidelines. Work is completed independently and reviewed by the supervisor and the Communications Officer based on end results achieved. The successful candidate will also play a key role on the KPERS Training Team, providing well-written user documentation and training, for print and digital use.
Essential Responsibilities
Works closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure that correspondence and forms generated by the new system (email, SMS text messages, online and print) are well-written, professional, easy to understand and adhere to the KPERS Style Guide.
Works closely with the vendor's Business Analysts and the Configuration Team to ensure correspondence and forms identify the right data fields (e.g., Name, Date of Birth, Plan), and the right “if/then” statements (e.g., “include this text for SAMPLE plan members at age XX.”)
Works closely with quality assurance (QA) professionals to test final outcomes of correspondence and forms in the new system.
Develops, writes, edits and designs various correspondence for system-generation by the PAS. Correspondence may be produced for print mailings or for publishing to member and/or employer web portals.
Joins the Standard Operating Procedures and Training Team to ensure all deliverables from that team are written simply and clearly within the guidelines of the KPERS' Style Guide. Deliverables could include: Standard Operating Procedures, Process Flows, Online Help, Training materials.
Prepares and maintains necessary files and reports related to correspondence materials.
Organizes and structures technical information logically using headings, lists, tables, and other formatting techniques to improve readability and usability.
Creates diagrams, infographics, screenshots and other visual aids to supplement written documentation and enhance the end-user's understanding.
Uses documentation tools and software such as Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, Visio and Snagit.
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned to meet KPERS' objectives.
Education Required
Bachelor's degree in technical writing, English, communications, journalism or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency.
Experience Required
Three years of previous technical writing experience is required. Five years of experience in composing technical reports, direct mail correspondence, articles, manuscripts, user-guides, training documents and/or technical reports preferred. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. Experience with content management systems desired.
Skills and Abilities
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
How to Claim Veterans Preference
Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a 'veteran'; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.