Government Relations Specialist III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

3d • $7,015 - $11,865 • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is hiring a senior-level Government Relations Specialist III to perform highly advanced legislative and consultative work. The role coordinates activities and serves as a liaison between DFPS and governmental and legislative entities. It works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment, and may supervise others.

The position leads legislative-session coordination, tracks and analyzes proposed legislation affecting DFPS or its clients, supports legislative initiatives and agency goals, and represents the agency in legislative hearings and meetings. It also coordinates legislative communications and responses, develops and evaluates staff training, monitors committee schedules and agendas, and prepares summaries and materials for agency executives and program staff. The role provides leadership for the Government Relations Unit and oversees the daily activities of four staff.

The position is based in Austin, Texas, is not eligible for telework, and may require travel up to 10%. It is a regular, full-time, exempt position with a day shift. Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check. Staff must comply with agency cybersecurity and communications-system policies and are expected to be familiar with accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508.

Requirements

• Experience working with the federal or state legislature, legislative staff, advocacy organizations, or research services.
• Knowledge of federal and state 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 and meet close deadlines, communicate effectively, and supervise the work of others.
• Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
• Must comply with agency cybersecurity and communications-system usage policies and related training requirements.
• Must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for creating accessible content.

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 on a year-to-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and participate in agency activities related to legislative sessions, including identifying and developing legislative initiatives and communicating department objectives.
• Analyze, track, and monitor proposed legislation affecting DFPS or its clients in coordination with program areas and agency leadership.
• Attend legislative hearings and meetings with legislators, legislative staff, and other legislative liaisons.
• Coordinate and support the work of legislative interim committees alongside the Government Relations Director.
• Identify legislative training needs for executives and employees, including training on bill analyses, fiscal impact statements, and public testimony.
• Review and prepare reports on newly enacted laws and pending state and federal legislation.
• Coordinate and implement legislative strategies and initiatives to further agency goals.
• Monitor the implementation and rulemaking processes associated with legislation and, as appropriate, keep interested legislators and staff informed; prepare periodic updates for legislators.
• Represent DFPS before legislative committees and at meetings with elected officials, governmental entities, stakeholders, and advocates; provide testimony as needed.
• Coordinate agency interaction and testimony before legislative committees, working with executive and agency staff to prepare for committee meetings.
• Work with program experts and senior staff to prepare reports, presentations, talking points, briefing documents, memorandums, and letters.
• Coordinate responses to legislative inquiries; review and edit legislative correspondence and agency responses.
• Coordinate agency communications with legislators, legislative staff, external stakeholders, legislative support entities, and executive agencies.
• Develop protocols and procedures for communications with legislators and their staff.
• Develop, conduct, and evaluate legislative training, including training on bill-analysis review, reporting, and the legislative tracking system; recommend improvements to management.
• Monitor standing and interim committee schedules and agendas, communicate relevant information to agency management, and identify agency representation or interaction needs.
• Prepare summaries of meetings and hearings related to agency programs and policies for agency executives, government relations staff, and program management.
• Provide leadership for the Government Relations Unit, coordinate legislative operations, and oversee the daily activities of four staff.
• Facilitate planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of government relations functions.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save through 401(k) and 457 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 on items and services such as gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• May qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

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