Section Chief, Quality Assurance

Texas A&M University System • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity, and this status can affect working hours, travel, and change in duties as needed including extended work hours. The Section Chief, Quality Assurance is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Quality Assurance Section, including planning, grants management, compliance processes and other related tasks. The section chief is responsible for the compliance review and quality assurance of a variety of grant programs, loans, and other funding streams, and facilitation of a variety of external audit and compliance efforts. The Section Chief, Quality Assurance works collaboratively with other TDEM and TAMUS staff to ensure program and grant compliance is maintained. In addition to direct coordination with the hazard mitigation, public assistance, individual assistance, Emergency Management Performance Grant, Department of Energy Grant, and other applicable program staff. This position is considered at-will status and serves at the discretion of the head of the agency. Salary is a fixed rate. This position is located on-site and not subject to telecommuting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible work experience in metropolitan or state sector organizations, military organizations, or large-scale industrial organizations, of which three (3) years or more shall have been in a management capacity.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one at hire.
• Within six months of employment, employee must complete IS courses 100, 200, 300, 700, 701, and 800.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, statutes, regulations, guidelines, and policies
• Strong organizational skills including project management
• Strong interpersonal skills that lead to building strong relationships and effective communication
• Adaptability skillset that allows for effective interaction with different situations and audiences and contributes to effective conflict resolution.
• Strong written skills
• Ability to create, implement, monitor, and complete applicable performance measures
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy
• Proficiency with accounting systems and practices
• Proficiency in MS Office and other common software and web-based systems
• Ability to work with short timelines and address issues urgently and effectively
• Ability to anticipate and identify issues including bringing issues to resolution
• Ability to work extended or non-traditional hours such as evenings, weekends, special events, etc.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and/or Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS).
• Experience in working with FEMA grant processes for public assistance and hazard mitigation.
• Experience in financial, audit, and compliance practices including collaborating with staff responsible for program management.
• Working experience with federal regulations to include 2 CFR and 44 CFR.
• Working experience with FEMAs EMMIE, NEMIS, FEMA GO and Grants Portal systems.
• Additional work experience of the type described above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. Thirty (30) semester hours is equivalent to one (1) year of experience.
• A completed advanced degree in a relevant field may also be substituted in lieu of work experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the monitoring from application to closeout of a variety of grants, loans, and other funding sources/programs.
• Serves as project manager for all aspects of quality assurance, compliance, and grants management matters.
• Collaborates with partners and stakeholders to reduce duplication of effort between program areas.
• Provides guidance and determines processes for the management of grants, loans, and funding allocations.
• Represents TDEM on task forces, partnerships, and subject matter focused forums.
• Coordinates the review of single-audit compliance by local jurisdictions receiving funding through TDEM.
• Serves as the state point of contact for a variety of FEMA grant close-out efforts.
• Trains and coordinates with state, local government, and other officials to ensure correct interpretations and implementation of federal/state rules and regulations.
• Serves as the lead for coordination of audits, compliance efforts, and reviews of internal and external organizations.
• Coordinates with TDEM Finance related to audits, payments, reconciliations, advancement of funds, and certification of expenditures for any federal grant award spending.
• Resolves complex payment and funding transfer variances.
• Develops individual work plans, sets performance expectations, and conducts periodic and annual evaluations of team members.
• Maintains the TDEM Grant Terms and Conditions for subrecipients.
• Maintains, revises, and monitors grant, loan, and funding terms and conditions for grant recipients and subrecipients.
• Initiate performance improvement plans and provides guidance to staff.
• Develop, revise, and implement the Division’s grant policies.
• Coordinates and monitors grant related periods of performance, closeout liquidation periods, and periods of availability especially as it relates to FEMA grant awards.
• By delegation, may perform some duties of the Division Chief.
• Communicate and interacts with representatives of other state agencies, federal agencies, and local governments to exchange information regarding program areas of responsibility.
• Collaborates with TDEM divisions and regions related to emergency procurement, management costs, and federal program eligibility.
• Coordinates with TDEM contractors and support affiliates.
• Coordinates stakeholder groups and committees related to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Conducts program analysis, research studies, legislative assignments, and planning related to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Monitor and evaluate policies and procedures as well as monitor compliance with such policies and procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Represents TDEM in workshops, working groups, conferences, and other forms.
• Directly supervise assigned TDEM and others as directed.
• Effectively coordinate the management of various grants, loans, and/or funding streams including ensuring compliance with all applicable standards, timelines, and requirements.
• May support emergency operations in the State Operations Center or other location as assigned.
• Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
• Maintains a regular course of attendance during authorized work schedule and work extended hours when needed.
• Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.
• Ability to travel (20%).
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Ability to drive.

Benefits

• The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) maintains the all-hazards emergency management program for the State of Texas through specializing in Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation activities.
• TDEM advises and works closely with cities, counties, and state agencies during planning and implementing their own emergency management programs to ensure Texas communities are more resilient for future emergencies and disasters.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager