DSHS Commissioner

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Commissioner of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) serves as the agency’s chief administrative officer and provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for Texas’ public health system. The position operates under the direction of the Executive Commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission and is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of statewide public health programs that protect and improve the health and well-being of Texans.

Requirements

• Five years of experience in the administration of public health systems required.
• Knowledge of Federal and state public health laws, regulations, and policy frameworks.
• Knowledge of Public health systems, epidemiology, disease prevention, and emergency preparedness.
• Knowledge of Texas legislative, regulatory, and rulemaking processes.
• Skill in leading large, complex organizations and administering multifaceted public health programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, legislators, federal partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Ability to drive organizational performance, accountability, and continuous improvement across operations.

Nice To Haves

• Licensure as a physician in the State of Texas preferred; non-physician candidates may be considered based on executive-level public health experience.
• Experience working with state or federal regulatory, legislative, or policy processes preferred.
• Experience within a state health agency, public health system, or large governmental organization preferred.
• Experience leading emergency response, public health preparedness, or other high-visibility operational initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Department, including leading continuous improvement of public health programs and service delivery systems.
• Oversees administration of statewide public health programs including disease prevention and control, public health preparedness, consumer protection, community health, and laboratory services.
• Directs development and implementation of policies, rules, and program guidelines in coordination with the Executive Commissioner.
• Oversees day-to-day agency operations, ensuring accountability, performance outcomes, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Represents the department before the Legislature, federal agencies, and stakeholders, and serves as liaison across the health and human services enterprise.
• Ensures execution of the state’s public health mission including disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, and population health improvement initiatives. DSHS is responsible for public health and medical activities during weather, manmade or infectious disease disaster events. This position will lead the agency’s response during disasters. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed