Chief Health Care Officer

Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Health Care Officer provides executive leadership for the Health Division, setting strategy and ensuring alignment with TRS mission, legislative requirements, and long-term sustainability of TRS Health programs. This role oversees integrated operational, financial, and clinical functions; drives program performance and vendor accountability; and ensures strong governance, compliance, and continuous improvement. As a member of the Executive Council, the Chief Health Care Officer contributes to enterprise strategy and decision-making. The position partners closely with executive leadership, the Board, and state and district stakeholders to deliver data-informed insights and advance TRS health initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business, public administration or related field; or High school diploma or equivalent and additional full-time managerial experience in health plan administration or benefits administration may substitute for the required education on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Ten (10) years of full-time, progressively responsible experience managing staff operations in health care programs, benefit administration, insurance, pension administration, governmental services, customer service or another related industry.
Five (5) years of full-time management in an executive capacity (experience may be concurrent.)

Nice To Haves

Experience testifying in front of boards, commissions, and legislative committees.
Experience leading large, complex health care or benefits programs, preferably in a public sector or highly regulated environment.
Experience working with or supporting governing bodies, such as Boards or legislative entities, including preparation of materials, presentations, or testimony.
Experience in health care financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cost containment strategies, or actuarial analysis.
Experience overseeing large-scale vendor contracts and partnerships, including procurement, performance management, and accountability for outcomes.
Experience evaluating and benchmarking benefits programs against market trends, best practices, and emerging health care delivery models.
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives that integrate operational, financial, and/or clinical strategies.
Advanced degree in public administration, business administration, public health, or related field.

Responsibilities

Provides executive leadership and direction for the Health Division, ensuring alignment with TRS mission, agency priorities, and long- term sustainability of TRS Health programs (TRS-Care and TRS- ActiveCare).
Leads the development and execution of integrated division strategy, aligning operational, financial, and clinical priorities to drive program effectiveness, affordability, and member outcomes.
Anticipates and responds to legislative, regulatory, and market trends; proactively positions the division to adapt to policy, funding, and program changes.
Establishes division-wide goals, performance metrics, and service standards; monitors outcomes and drives continuous improvement.
Participates as a key member of the Executive Council, contributing to enterprise-wide strategy, decision-making, and organizational alignment.
Promotes innovation through technology, data-driven decision- making, and process improvement to enhance service delivery and organizational performance.
Provides executive oversight of Health Division operations, including health plan administration, member engagement, and shared services coordination.
Oversees development and execution of major procurements and vendor strategy, including selection, contracting, and performance management of health care, pharmacy, and consulting partners.
Oversees financial and operational performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and monitoring program utilization to ensure sustainability and value.
Oversees clinical strategy, utilization management, and cost optimization initiatives; ensures alignment across clinical, financial, and operational priorities.
Monitors program utilization, financial performance, and emerging cost drivers; ensures insights inform strategic and operational decisions.
Ensures effective integration of operational, financial, and clinical functions to support coordinated execution of TRS Health programs.
Ensures strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, auditing processes, and risk management frameworks are in place and functioning effectively.
Partners with the Executive Director and Deputy Director in Board engagement, including preparation for and participation in Board and committee meetings.
Serves as a primary Health liaison to the TRS Board, providing clear, accurate, and timely information to support governance, oversight, and decision-making.
Oversees development of Board materials and presentations, ensuring integration of operational, financial, and clinical perspectives.
Represents the agency in interactions with the Texas Legislature, including providing subject matter expertise, preparing briefing materials, and delivering testimony in legislative hearings.
Ensures accurate, responsive, and strategic communication with legislative staff, state leadership, and oversight entities regarding program performance, funding needs, and policy impacts.
Ensures vendor and partner accountability through effective governance structures, performance monitoring, and issue resolution.
Builds and maintains effective relationships with external stakeholders, including public education employers, regulators, vendors, consultants, advocacy groups, and industry partners.
Communicates program performance, key initiatives, risks, and emerging issues to executive leadership, the Board, and external stakeholders.
Promotes and models TRS values across the division and in executive leadership activities.
Establishes clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards aligned with organizational goals.
Drives a culture of collaboration, service excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Leads talent strategy, including workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development.
Promotes an engaged and customer service-oriented work environment.
Provides coaching, mentoring, and professional development to strengthen leadership capability across the division.
Performs related work as assigned.