Director Of Legislative Operations

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Director of MCS Legislative Operations. MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This role makes a significant contribution to MCS' mission by ensuring processes and deliverables related to the Texas biennial legislative session are functioning effectively and elevated to the high level of excellence the division strives to achieve.

Reporting to the Deputy Associate Commissioner for the Office of Policy, the Director of MCS Legislative Operations serves as the division lead on preparing for the legislative session, overseeing the process and coordination of bill analysis and hearing preparation, and coordinating ongoing legislative-related activities as needed. This encompasses a broad range of responsibilities including ensuring staff are supported and prepared for legislative session with training and resources, overseeing the division's extensive bill and fiscal analysis process (including rider reviews), leading the development and review of a broad variety of complex materials for executive updates, and other legislative related requirements. Other non-session activities are specific to the Office of Policy and include leading and working closely with teams on: bill implementation planning, legislative inquiry coordination, project tracking, preparing presentations and status reports, exceptional item development, rider reviews, statutory initiative development, legislative report development and proactively managing stakeholder communications.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading in a fast-paced environment. This role requires someone who is confident in driving continuous improvement, while being detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to quality. Success lies in the ability to manage multiple projects and being comfortable operating in a variety of capacities ranging from acting as a high-level advisor on bill analysis, to the basics of developing and editing content for a broad variety of complex reports and presentations.

The position will work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Availability to work evenings, nights, and/or weekends during the legislative session

• Evaluates the need for training and resources related to the legislative process and oversees the development of needed materials

• Leads all aspects of the MCS bill and fiscal analysis process during the legislative session, including providing leadership and guidance to staff on the bill analysis/Legislative Tracking System process and reviewing completed bill analysis for accuracy - (75% of the time every other year for approximately 6 months when the Texas Legislature is in session - during this period all other priorities shift accordingly)

• Develops MCS legislative appropriations requests and programmatic fiscal estimates, including coordination with MCS' Director of Financial and Data Analysis, HHSC Financial Services and HHSC Government Relations to ensure adequate support and funding for program services - (The amount of time spent on this job function increases in the 6-9 months leading up to Texas legislative session - during this period all other priorities shift accordingly)

• Prepares and presents legislative session updates for executive leadership and other MCS staff

• Oversees the development of presentations, talking points, and background documents for executive management in preparation for legislative-related meetings and hearings

• Works closely with staff in planning, development, and finalization of critical legislative related materials - including responses to legislative inquires, legislatively required reports, fact sheets, and presentations

• Leads bill implementation and project-related planning and processes; exceptional item and statutory initiative development; rider reviews; legislative report development for the Office of Policy outside of legislative session

• Works closely with Office of Policy staff to develop stakeholder communications and manages a repository for implementation status reports and project materials during the interim

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Texas legislative process, including the General Appropriations Act development process

• Knowledge of the Texas state agency legislative coordination process

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, policies, procedures in management of publicly funded health care services, including a general understanding of Texas Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

• Experience with the Legislative Tracking System (LTS) or similar legislation tracking and analysis tools

• Proven record of building strong, productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• Skill at preparing, researching, reviewing, and editing reports, presentations, and other assigned documents

• Ability to analyze, tailor, and synthesize complex information to ensure relevancy to the audience

• Skill in organization and problem solving

• A keen attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage a variety of tasks simultaneously, sometimes under pressure and often tight deadlines

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet targeted deadlines

• Skill in creating presentations and talking points for executive leadership for external speaking engagements or legislative testimony

• Proven, effective oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a broad range of audiences

• Possess strong project management skills; results-driven, adaptable with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

N/A Initial Selection Criteria:

Minimum of 5 years of relevant government, consulting or health industry experience with 2+ years working with senior/executive leadership.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a concentration or degree in the field of health and human services, healthcare policy, or related field.

Preferred: Agency experience with bill analysis, legislative coordination and/or developing cost estimates.

Additional Information:

Requisition Number 602933

Applicants selected for an interview may be required to submit a resume, a professional or academic writing sample. Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS HR Policy and Procedures. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual. For internal applicants, there can be limitations in consideration of applicant's current classification and salary, and is also dependent upon available budget. Only complete applications will be considered.

• This position is headquartered in Austin, Texas, a fast growing and lively city with great entertainment, restaurants, and no shortage of outdoor recreational activities.

• State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:

• • Excellent health benefits,
• • Generous time off benefits.

• Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:

• -The ability to telework up to two days per week, contingent on performance.

• • Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth and career advancement.
• • Having an impact on the lives of millions of Texans that depend on Texas Medicaid and throughout Texas.
• • Leading a team at the forefront of interpreting, developing and providing subject matter expertise on medical and dental benefits and policies that have statewide impact.
• • The opportunity to lead and engage with multiple domains of the healthcare delivery system, including managed care, fee-for-service, federal/state Medicaid partnerships and other activities related to the administration of the Medicaid program.

• To share this position, use this web address: https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/careerportal/Job_Profile.cfm?szOrderID=602933

MOS Code:

There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.

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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