Government Relations Specialist II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

3d • $5,798 - $9,508 • Onsite

About The Position

The Government Relations Specialist II performs advanced, senior-level legislative and consultative work as a liaison between the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and legislative offices, state agencies, and other governmental entities. The position monitors, analyzes, and tracks legislation and policy developments affecting DFPS programs and operations, and supports development of legislative reports, presentations, and responses to legislative inquiries. It works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The role supports DFPS engagement throughout legislative sessions and interim periods, including legislative hearings, committee activities, testimony preparation, legislative correspondence, and coordination with agencies such as the Legislative Budget Board, Legislative Council, Governor’s Office, and Health and Human Services. It prepares legislative analyses and summaries, tracks committee activity and implementation of enacted legislation, maintains the Government Relations Handbook, and provides training to DFPS staff and program legislative coordinators.

Requirements

• Experience working with the federal or state legislature, legislative staff, advocacy organizations, or research services.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislative processes and state government administration.
• Skill in compiling, evaluating, and presenting legislative information; problem solving and negotiating; policy analysis and research; and using a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to analyze issues, work under pressure, meet close deadlines, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.
• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of infrastructure in accordance with Governor Abbott Executive Order GA-48.
• Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
• Staff must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for electronic information resources and accessible content.
• State employees must complete related security training and follow agency cybersecurity and communications-system usage policies.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred; experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Responsibilities

• Participate in agency activities related to legislative sessions, including identifying legislative initiatives, communicating department objectives, and analyzing, tracking, and monitoring proposed legislation affecting DFPS or its clients.
• Review proposed legislation for potential operational, fiscal, and policy effects on DFPS programs, and explain complex bill language in practical terms for agency leadership and program staff.
• Review draft bill analyses prepared by program areas for accuracy, consistency with agency policy, and clarity before external submission.
• Support DFPS engagement with legislative interim committees by coordinating agency participation, gathering internal input, preparing written materials, and following up on legislative requests and committee recommendations.
• Attend legislative hearings and meetings with lawmakers, staff, and other agency liaisons; represent DFPS professionally, capture key takeaways, identify policy trends, and share timely updates with agency leadership and program areas.
• Coordinate agency interaction and testimony before legislative committees, including preparing participants, aligning messages, and reviewing and editing testimony.
• Coordinate responses to legislative inquiries by tracking requests, gathering information from program areas and subject matter experts, and ensuring accurate, timely, policy-aligned responses.
• Review, edit, and finalize correspondence to legislators and their staff, ensuring it is professional, clear, and consistent with agency positions and priorities.
• Coordinate communications with legislative support agencies, including the Legislative Budget Board and Legislative Council, and executive agencies, including the Governor’s Office and Health and Human Services.
• Manage communications with legislators and external stakeholders about proposed or active legislation affecting DFPS, routing requests and information to appropriate agency contacts.
• Monitor standing and interim committee schedules, agendas, and activities; identify matters affecting DFPS and communicate relevant updates to management and program staff.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to determine when DFPS representation is needed at hearings or meetings and communicate staffing needs to executive leadership.
• Prepare and distribute concise summaries of legislative meetings and hearings, including key discussions, decisions, and follow-up actions.
• Maintain the DFPS Government Relations Handbook, updating guidance, templates, and protocols to reflect legislative processes, agency priorities, and state policy.
• Prepare reports on newly enacted state laws and pending state and federal legislation affecting DFPS programs, policies, funding, or operations, including key provisions, implementation timelines, and potential implications.
• Deliver training to DFPS staff and program legislative coordinators on bill analyses, fiscal notes, and representing the agency in public testimony.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid coverage for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service.
• Optional 401(k) and 457 savings plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates described as lower than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts, including on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

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