Director of Governmental Relations

Clear Career Professionals•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Director of Governmental Relations is responsible for leading TMRS’ governmental relations strategy and serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters affecting the System. This role monitors and analyzes state and federal legislation, retirement policy, pension governance, and regulatory developments, helping TMRS protect its mission, fiduciary stability, and the retirement security of its members. The Director builds and maintains strong working relationships with Texas lawmakers, legislative staff, the Governor’s Office, regulatory agencies, member cities, retirement stakeholders, and peer public pension organizations. During legislative sessions, this position maintains a visible and informed presence at the Capitol; during the interim, it strengthens relationships across the state, provides accurate information, and helps ensure policymakers and stakeholders understand the impact of issues affecting TMRS and its members. The role prepares briefings, policy materials, testimony, and strategic guidance for the Executive Director, senior leadership, and Board members. The Director must exercise sound judgment, discretion, and political awareness, communicating clearly while protecting sensitive information and representing TMRS with professionalism, credibility, and a deep commitment to public service.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Political Science, Law, or related field.
Demonstrated experience in governmental relations, policy analysis, or lobbying, typically 7–10+ years.
Understanding of state and federal pension laws and regulations.
Exceptional writing and public speaking skills for developing policy reports, testimony, and advocacy materials.
Expertise in federal and Texas state legislative processes and regulatory environments.
Ability to lead, mentor, and work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree or Juris Doctor (JD) is preferred.
Background in public sector, public pension systems, or government finance is highly valued.
Juris doctor (JD) preferred.
Mature, credible, and relationship-driven professional with strong judgment, integrity, and executive presence.
Clear communicator, a trusted advisor, and a collaborative teammate who understands public service, values discretion, and can build confidence with lawmakers, stakeholders, leadership, and staff.

Responsibilities

Leading TMRS’ governmental relations strategy.
Serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters.
Monitoring and analyzing state and federal legislation, retirement policy, pension governance, and regulatory developments.
Building and maintaining strong working relationships with Texas lawmakers, legislative staff, the Governor’s Office, regulatory agencies, member cities, retirement stakeholders, and peer public pension organizations.
Maintaining a visible and informed presence at the Capitol during legislative sessions.
Strengthening relationships across the state during the interim.
Providing accurate information to policymakers and stakeholders.
Ensuring policymakers and stakeholders understand the impact of issues affecting TMRS and its members.
Preparing briefings, policy materials, testimony, and strategic guidance for the Executive Director, senior leadership, and Board members.
Exercising sound judgment, discretion, and political awareness.
Communicating clearly while protecting sensitive information.
Representing TMRS with professionalism, credibility, and a deep commitment to public service.