Director, Governmental Relations And Special Proje

Under the direction of the Deputy Associate Commissioner Operations Support, the Governmental Relations and Special Projects Director is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of employee engagement, stakeholder relations, strategic coordination, and special projects within the Regulatory Service Division. The Governmental Relations and Special Projects Director leads the review, development and execution of division-wide business processes for the Regulatory Services Division to ensure they are effective and efficient.

The Director works closely with operational support staff and program staff to ensure the Division responds comprehensively, accurately, and timely to legislative inquiries and assignments from both internal and external stakeholders. The Director is responsible for monitoring the progress of major initiatives and critical projects for the division and advises management and staff regarding implementation progress, issues and completion. The Director must understand regulatory practices, demonstrate the ability to work with other regulatory programs, and skill in implementing innovative approaches that provide quality, consistent, efficient, and accountable support to staff in the Division. Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1 (20%) Hires, manages, and develops staff, and recommends appropriate personnel actions to foster a fair, honest and equitable work environment in the Governmental Relations and Special Projects Unit. Provides direct reports with work assignments, clear direction, and information on responsibilities and work performance expectations.

Develops work performance plans and conducts performance evaluations at least annually. Oversees the development and advancement of staff through training and effective use of employee development strategies. Disseminates information and management decisions to staff regarding relevant departmental activities.

Works within agency constraints to provide staff with tools and information needed to carry out their responsibilities and to succeed in their work. Reviews and approves leave and carries out other expected human resources activities with direct reports.

EJF 2 (30%) Provides direction and guidance to operational support staff to ensure the division responds comprehensively, accurately, and timely to legislative inquiries and legislative assignments from both internal and external stakeholders. Oversees the coordination for legislative implementation efforts and routinely updates internal staff, agency leadership, and internal and external stakeholders on status.

Establishes priorities and the development and implementation of division-wide operational policies and procedures related to legislative processes. Oversees the development of legislative presentations and other materials for Regulatory leadership. Oversees the coordination of the Division's legislative functions during the legislative session.

EJF 3 (30%) Establishes priorities and the development and implementation of division-wide operational policies and procedures related to employee engagement and special projects for the division. Provides direction and guidance to ensure the division has efficient business processes.

Ensure operational support staff maintain project tracking documents and guides. Oversees the development of project tools to guide staff in managing project assignments and deliverables including templates for work plans, resource requirements, staff assignments, key timelines, and milestones. Provides direction to operational support staff to minimize project risk and serves in a consultative role during a project's life cycle.

Communicates with internal staff, agency leadership, and internal and external stakeholders on the status of key division initiatives. Identifies decision points requiring management and executive approval for projects and initiatives. Develops briefing documents or presentations to provide key data and obtain authorization and executes management's project and initiative decisions.

EJF 4 (15%) Makes recommendations to Division leadership for improvements and changes of Division's business processes.

Establishes priorities, analyzes complex problems, and resolves or escalates issues as needed.

EJF 5 (5%) - Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules, and requirements affecting operations of the Regulatory Services Division.

Knowledge of the Texas legislative process.

Broad knowledge of information technology, legal processes, and business services.

Knowledge of leadership principles and techniques.

Knowledge of strategic planning and project management.

Knowledge of principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles. Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.

Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

Ability to plan, organize and implement complex systems to assure quality and consistency of regulatory activities throughout the state.

Ability to effectively communicate complex information to a variety of individuals or groups.

Ability to develop creative and innovative solutions.

Ability to develop, evaluate and implement rules, policies, procedures, and curricula.

Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, policies, rules, and requirements in health and human services.

Ability to conduct formal presentations.

Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of others.

Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

N/A Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university preferred.

At least three years of experience supervising and managing professional staff.

At least three years of experience with the state or federal legislative process, including reviewing and responding to legislative inquiries, legislative assignments and conducting bill analyses.

At least three years of experience developing and evaluating business processes and managing projects including developing tools to track the projects.

Ability to travel 5% of the time.

Additional Information:

This position is eligible for telework. MOS Code:

Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position.

All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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