Federal Policy and Government Relations Advisor

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

2d•$7,015 - $10,000•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Chief of Staff and in coordination with the Director of the Texas Office of State-Federal Relations, the Federal Policy and Government Relations Advisor serves as HHSC's lead advisor and coordinator for federal legislative, regulatory, and executive actions affecting agency programs and operations. This position provides executive leadership with timely, actionable analysis and strategic advice regarding the operational, policy, and fiscal implications of federal developments. The position monitors federal legislative, regulatory, and executive activity; analyzes potential impacts to HHSC programs; and coordinates agency responses and implementation activities as needed. The advisor develops executive briefings, reports, and other materials to support informed decision-making and serves as a liaison with federal and state government partners, stakeholders, and agency leadership. The position also builds and maintains effective working relationships across HHSC and with external governmental partners to support the timely exchange of information and coordination of agency priorities. This position is based in Austin, Texas, and includes periodic travel to Washington, D.C.

Requirements

Knowledge of the federal legislative, rulemaking, and regulatory processes.
Knowledge of health and human services programs in Texas.
Knowledge of state-federal funding and program relationships.
Skill in analyzing operational, policy, and fiscal impacts.
Skill in synthesizing complex information into concise executive-level materials.
Skill in oral presentation and communicating complex policy issues to nontechnical audiences.
Ability to identify emerging risks and escalate time-sensitive issues.
Ability to exercise judgment with sensitive or confidential information.
Ability to build productive relationships across organizations without direct authority.
Ability to manage competing deadlines in a rapidly changing environment.
Ability to travel and participate in hearings or meetings outside normal business hours when required.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public policy, public administration, government, political science, law, health policy, business, or a related field.
At least four years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, public policy, or health and human services.
Experience analyzing legislation, regulations, executive actions, or governmental policy and communicating findings to senior leaders or other decision-makers.

Responsibilities

Monitors and evaluates federal legislation, regulations, executive actions, and related policy developments affecting Texas HHS programs. Produces timely analyses of significant operational, policy, programmatic, and fiscal implications; briefs executive leadership; and coordinates subject-matter input from agency programs. (40%)
Coordinates responses to inquiries from government officials and external stakeholders. Works with program and policy staff to produce accurate, concise, consistent, and timely information. Drafts, reviews, and edits executive briefings, presentations, federal legislative summaries, correspondence, and research materials for internal and external audiences. (25%)
Advises leadership and program staff on federal legislative and regulatory developments. Coordinates cross-agency planning and status reporting for assigned implementation activities and provides guidance and training on federal analysis and implementation requirements. (20%)
Represents the agency at legislative hearings, intergovernmental meetings, briefings, and stakeholder discussions. Documents key developments, communicates decisions and action items, and coordinates timely follow-up with responsible parties. (15%)