Food and Drug Section Director

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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**PLEASE NOTE: The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Typically, salary offers are at or near the midpoint of the range, depending on qualifications or other factors.**

The Director for the Food and Drug Section is selected by and accountable to the Deputy Commissioner for the Consumer Protection Division. Leads, directs, coordinates, and manages the operations and activities of the Food and Drug Section. Establishes policies and standards to license and regulate programs in the Section (e.g., Manufactured Foods, Drugs and Medical Devices, Retail Foods, Consumable Hemp Products, Seafood, Milk and Dairy) to protect and improve public health. Must thoroughly know and understand applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the Section. Develops and monitors annual budgets that ensure the Section has the necessary funds to carry out goals and objectives, including federal and applicable grants. Implements Section programs and develops systems to oversee, monitor, evaluate and improve effectiveness of programs. Interprets and implements applicable federal and state laws, department rules and policies. Develops and implements strategic plans, policies, and programs. Establishes goals and objectives for the Food and Drug Section. Manages Section stakeholder relationships including advisory councils, legislative offices, and consumer groups. Oversees Section efforts during legislative sessions including bill analyses, cost estimates, and legislative inquiries. Works under limited supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions:

(30%) Effectively leads, manages, and provides overall vision and strategic direction for the Food and Drug Section. Directs the overall planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of programs and policies to promote effective program administration and service delivery. Makes well-informed management decisions impacting programs. Reviews and evaluates impact of proposed federal and state laws on Section programs in the state. Assesses, evaluates, and improves programs. Ensures rules and standards established by the Department are fair, equitable, and consistent with state and federal law. Develops relevant rules affecting the Department and Division. Provides technical assistance to individual licensees and registrants. Monitors legislative hearings at the Capitol, provides, and/or prepares the Deputy Commissioner to provide legislative testimony.

(25%) Develops partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Collaborates with the Deputy Commissioner and other colleagues. Promotes partnerships with stakeholders at national, federal, and state levels by encouraging collaboration and participation in opportunities to define desired outcomes for Section programs. Oversees the coordination of applicable Advisory Committee activities. Implements customer service and organizational improvement principles. Develops new approaches to achieve Section goals and objectives.

(20%) Leads, manages, and develops staff through data analysis, performance evaluation, consultations, coaching, and training. Responsible for hiring, assigning work, performance review, disciplinary action recommendations, scheduling, and approving leave. Maintains an engaged, properly trained, and supported team. Ensures the effective deployment of human resource policies, procedures, work processes, and values. Develop coherent teams and empower employees.

(15%) Manages resources of the Food and Drug Section to achieve goals and objectives in a fiscally responsible manner. Provides input into the development of the Division's legislative appropriations requests. Manages the Food and Drug Section budget, including input on budget development, staff allocations, and effective and efficient use of resources. Develops and manages federal and applicable grants.

(5%) Represents the Department by making presentations and providing information to the general public. Responds to requests by legislators and other public officials. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in Food and Drug Programs by attending seminars/workshops and actively participating in professional organizations.

(5%) Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to Food and Drug Programs.
Knowledge of the Texas legislative process and rule development process.
Knowledge of the Food and Drug and public health programs and system funding.
Knowledge of public health principles and management techniques.
Knowledge of Food and Drug Program planning, administration, and implementation.
Skill in developing, reviewing and/or writing executive-level reports.
Skill in strategic planning, budget management, human resource management, contract management, and project management.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in working with a diverse population of public health and applicable industry representatives.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives and data, and implementing solutions.
Skill in writing legislative bill analyses and assisting in the development of fiscal notes.
Skill in the use of the computer, including Windows and Microsoft Office Programs.
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues, agencies, providers, and elected officials.
Skill in working with stakeholders, such as advisory committees, professional groups, and associations.
Ability to coordinate activities amongst various state and federal organizations involved with Food and Drug Programs.
Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
Ability to establish goals and objectives and plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others.
Ability to use effective leadership skills, including staff motivation, recruitment, and education.
Ability to develop and implement effective customer service delivery systems.
Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
Ability to provide leadership to state Food and Drug advisory groups.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:

REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience within the past 5 years in public administration (development / implementation of government policies) in a regulatory field. Experience managing complex projects and initiatives impacting multiple units, departments, or divisions. Minimum of 7 years of experience in an operational / administrative management role directing professional staff. (Experience directing and managing staff distributed across multiple geographic areas is preferred.) Experience and education may be substituted for one another. Clear, well-written / well-organized and complete application (showing job fit and application completeness, including lack of typos and blank fields). Consideration will also be given to known past job performance, if applicable, and prior work history.

PREFERRED:

• MPH, MPA, MBA or equivalent

• Experience directing Food and Drug Programs

• Experience with a Health and Human Service Agency

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form