Job Description

Position Title: Communications Specialist
Organization: The Surplus Line Association of California
Reports To: Director of Communications
Location: San Ramon, CA (full time, on site)
Salary: $30–$35/hour 

About Us:
At the Surplus Line Association of California (SLACAL), we don’t sell insurance—we protect access to it. As the only organization overseeing California’s nearly $25+ billion surplus lines insurance marketplace, we help support coverage availability for businesses—from film studios to freight haulers—when risks are too novel, too complex or too difficult to place in the standard market. 

Each year we review more than 1 million policy transactions, equip insurance brokers with compliance tools and continuing education courses, monitor the financial stability of global insurers and deliver data-driven insights that help the industry stay ahead of emerging risks. That impact—combined with our strong employee culture—has earned us recognition by Fortune as one of the Bay Area’s best places to work. 

Position Overview:
This is an entry-level opportunity for someone looking to build a career in communications. In the Communications Specialist role, you will gain hands-on experience supporting the day-to-day operations of a professional communications team, with a focus on writing, editing and moving content through the editorial process—from draft to final approval. 

As the driver of organizational messaging and reputation, the communications department leads media relations, internal communications and strategic initiatives that elevate SLACAL as the authority on surplus lines. The ideal candidate will support that work through strong writing and a clear, consistent approach to messaging. An interest in storytelling, attention to detail, sound judgment and the ability to follow established standards are essential. 

This position is well suited for a motivated early-career professional who is eager to learn, take direction and contribute in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Write, edit and proofread content for email, social media, newsletters, internal communications, website pages and executive materials.
• Fact-check and apply AP style and internal standards to ensure quality and consistency.
• Maintain internal messaging and draft internal communications to help align employee understanding of SLACAL priorities, updates and initiatives.
• Monitor media coverage and compile regular news clip briefings for internal and external audiences 
• Assist with email marketing execution, including gathering content and visuals, building templates, routing for approval and distributing to segmented lists.
• Research and pitch surplus lines–related topics for possible inclusion in SLACAL’s video journalism and thought leadership content.
• Project manage the annual report during the execution phase by tracking deadlines, coordinating with contributors and ensuring timely delivery of content.

Qualifications:

• 1–2 years of experience in communications, journalism, marketing or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in English or a writing-intensive discipline a plus.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with a strong grasp of grammar, structure and tone.
• Experience with AP style and professional copyediting practices preferred.
• Familiarity with email platforms and CMS tools for digital publishing.
• Ability to research independently, meet tight deadlines and manage multiple assignments.
• Passion for learning and helping shape SLACAL’s voice as a trusted industry leader.
• Interest in LinkedIn strategy and how to communicate with a professional audience.
• Must be a California resident; work sponsorship not available.

Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching and Roth IRA.
• Wellness program.
• Employee rewards program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Educational assistance.
• Generous PTO accrual.
• Paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

How to Apply  

To apply, please submit your résumé and cover letter.

Quick Clarifier: We are not insurance agents or a government agency—and we won’t be quoting your car or life insurance. We oversee a multibillion-dollar market that primarily serves businesses with hard-to-place risks. It’s niche, essential and surprisingly interesting. 

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. SLACAL reserves the right to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any section of this document as it deems, in its judgment, to be proper.  

SLACAL is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The Surplus Line Association of California (SLA) operates as a private, 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization governed by a plan of operation approved by both the California Department of Insurance (CDI) and the SLA Board of Directors. Appointed by the Commissioner in 1994, the Association serves as the statutory surplus line advisory organization to the CDI and facilitates the state’s capacity to monitor and direct surplus line brokers’ placements of insurance with eligible surplus line insurers. Working with its members and the CDI, the Association assists its members’ compliance with California laws and regulations; helps maintain a healthy, fair, and competitive surplus line marketplace in California; and strives to protect the interests of California insurance consumers.

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