Federal and State Policy Specialist
About The Position
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. Performs highly advanced consultative services, technical assistance, and program management work for Family Support Services (FSS), reporting to the Director of Policy and Prevention Strategies. Responsible for the successful management and execution of a wide range of complex, sensitive, and high‑profile initiatives. Responsible for developing comprehensive grant proposals for large scale competitive and federal formula grants. Establishes grant goals and objectives and leads grant application development and submission. Provides leadership and project management support to cross departmental and interagency project teams responsible for the full lifecycle of program implementation and evaluation in accordance with grant requirements. Leads special projects; conducts highly advanced research; and provides expert program, policy, and legislative analysis. Researches and identifies federal funding opportunities aligned with agency priorities. Tracks federal budget process, federal regulations, administration priorities, and impact to existing federal grants and requirements. Develops executive communications, ad hoc reports, presentations, and regular updates on major initiatives, projects, and grants. Oversees coordination and collaboration on complex reports and materials requiring executive‑level review. May represent the Associate Commissioner or division leadership on agency‑wide and HHS enterprise initiatives. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for independent judgment and initiative. May plan, assign, and/or lead the work of others and serve in a lead capacity. Represents division leadership on internal and external workgroups and agency or interagency initiatives as assigned.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university; experience and education may be substituted for one another.
- Experience in program management, policy analysis, legislative coordination, or a related field preferred.
- Knowledge of federal legislative processes, public administration, and program management principles
- Skill in grant or report writing in the public or nonprofit sector and ability to translate program work into clear and compelling narratives.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Strong communication and collaboration skills and ability to lead teams
- Skill in advanced research, policy analysis, project management, and stakeholder coordination
- Ability to analyze complex information, develop recommendations, prepare executive‑level communications, and lead cross‑functional efforts
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and provide guidance to others
Responsibilities
- Plans, coordinates, and oversees complex program initiatives, special projects, grants, and pilots across FSS. Provides high‑level consultation and technical assistance to program units, agency partners, and stakeholders. Develops grant proposal narratives, workplans, timelines, and supporting documents. Helps to develop project budgets in coordination with program and budget staff. Supports project planning; establishes timelines; maintains grant calendar and tracks reporting and other deadlines; monitors progress; and identifies barriers and improvements to successful grant implementation.
- Leads internal federal policy and grants oversight for FSS, including coordination across teams (fiscal administration, program, contract oversight, data collection, continuous quality improvement, and evaluation) Serves as a primary point of contact for policy stakeholders, advocacy groups, and partner agencies on assigned federal legislative and policy matters. Maintains accurate documentation for site visits and monitoring.
- Represents FSS in meetings with federal and state agencies, providers, associations, federal technical assistance providers, and community partners. Builds and maintains effective partnerships to advance prevention strategies and program objectives.
- Oversees and conducts advanced research, policy analysis, and program evaluations. Reviews statutes, rules, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and support implementation. Communicates and provides project support for data collection and evaluation teams to support decision‑making, reporting, and continuous program improvement.
- Develops and delivers executive briefings, legislative reports, presentations, white papers, and strategic planning documents. Prepares clear, concise summaries and recommendations related to program performance, funding, policy changes, and legislative activity.
Benefits
- 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
- a defined benefit pension plan
- generous time off benefits
- numerous opportunities for career advancement
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
