Director of Strategic Operations

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.

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Commissioner (DEC) for the Office of Policy and Rules (OPR), the Deputy Director performs highly advanced (senior level) consulting, advising and managerial work for the OPR. The job responsibilities include assisting the DEC in planning and coordinating the operations supporting the Rules Coordination Office (RCO), the Advisory Committee Coordination Office (ACCO) and the Policy Coordination Office (PCO). Interacts routinely with agency management on behalf of the DEC.

Responsible for coordinating and overseeing operations of the Office of the OPR. Performs coordination and liaison functions for a wide range of issues and activities including workflows and related reporting as well as timeliness and quality control around OPR deliverables. Researches, prepares and presents a broad variety of complex plans, reports, briefings, talking points, correspondence, memorandums, presentations and other documents related to programs administered by the DEC.

Provides advice and research OPR operations and legislative requirements impacting the division. Work involves management of diverse division-level projects and assignments, organizing division-level work sessions, providing project management, identifying, and implementing process improvements, and coordinating responses to internal and external stakeholders. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of others including Senior Executive Policy Advisors and ACCO and RCO directors. Provides management of diverse division-level projects and assignments, organizing division level work sessions, providing project management, and coordinating responses to stakeholders. This includes participation in the Executive Review Team for advisory committee appointments and work as OPR Cross Division Coordinator and Legislative Coordinator. (20%)

Analyzes the workload and resources of OPR, evaluates business and management practices, and makes recommendations for, develops, and implements organizational policies, procedures, process improvements, manuals, and standards to support efficient and effective and efficient performance. (20%)

Consults with management, agency staff and agency entities to ascertain customer needs, identify appropriate resources, resolve problems and ensure efficient and effective support from all divisions of the Office of the OPR. (20%)

Serves as liaison between the Office of the OPR DEC and other agency divisions to coordinate participation in system projects. (10%)

Oversees the collection, organization, analysis and preparation of reports, including performance measures and the Operations Plan, in response to requests from the OPR DEC or agency management. (15%)

Participates in operational analysis, planning and decision-making, including planning and decisions related to staffing, budgeting, to include preparation, purchasing and training. Performs other work including human resources support as assigned. (10%)

Supervises staff services officer including hiring and selection, assigning work, ensuring adequate responsibilities and workload, completing performance evaluation, recommending personnel actions, and scheduling and approving leave. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Local, state, and federal laws and rules related to health and human services.
• Policy development and legislative processes.
• Management, process improvement principles, research, and training techniques
• Organizational development and budget processes.

Skill in:

• Written and oral communication understanding and solving complex problems.
• Proofreading to meticulously review content, grammar, spelling and consistency with agency style guide to ensure overall quality control.
• Synthesizing complex information and data and translating it into clear and concise policy documents and procedural manuals.
• Handling multiple assignments and tasks, prioritizing and meeting deadlines.
• Collecting, organizing, and assessing measures or indicators of performance and recommending policies, procedures to ensure the achievement of those measures and opportunities for improvements.
• Organization.
• Exercising sound judgement.
• Effective decision making.

Ability to:

• Collaborate and develop effective working relationships with coworkers and stakeholders.
• Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and data.
• Devise solutions to problems.
• Prepare reports.
• Develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures.
• Perform under pressure.
• Receive and respond positively to constructive feedback.
• Work independently.
• Use a computer and any necessary software.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, social work, public health) preferred. Relevant professional experience may substitute for education.
• Experience researching and analyzing complex federal and state policies and legislation; developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues; and synthesizing complicated and technical information and translating it into understandable and concise documents and oral presentations.
• Experience in rulemaking process and related activities.
• Experience in advisory committee related activities.
• At least three years’ experience with health and human services programs.
• At least three years' experience with legislative session related activities including bill analysis and tracking.
• Experience in process improvement.

Additional Information:

This position is eligible for part-time, telework with both remote and in-office days required. The in-office location is the North Austin Complex (NAC) Building; 4601 W. Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX. 78751. All telework arrangements are subject to the agency’s policy and may change based on business need or agency determination.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form