Operations Director - Texas Health & Human Services Commission : Job Details

Community Engagement is driven by a mission to promote self-sufficiency by empowering our neighbors with access to essential public assistance programs and resources through strategic partnerships. Through our Community Engagement Initiatives we are committed to fostering self-sufficiency, improving health outcomes, and reducing poverty. Our efforts focus on creating meaningful partnerships, offering education, and delivering support services that enable Texans to lead healthier, more prosperous lives.

The Director of Operations for Community Engagement (CE) plays a pivotal role in advancing this mission. With oversight of the Community Partner Program (CPP), Presumptive Eligibility (PE), SNAP Outreach, and Texas Works Paths to Success (TWPS), the Director II is integral to ensuring these programs effectively serve communities across Texas. Reporting to the Community Engagement Director within Community Access, this position drives strategic direction and operational excellence, aligning program activities with our mission to create lasting impact.

As the Director of Operations, you will lead the day-to-day management of key programs that make a direct impact on the lives of Texans. Working under the general direction of the Community Engagement Director, you will have the autonomy to use your initiative and judgment to navigate complex managerial responsibilities. You will be responsible for setting strategic goals, developing and refining policies, and guiding your team to meet and exceed objectives. Your leadership will shape the operational success of our Community Engagement Initiatives.

In this role, you will establish and drive the strategic plan, goals, and objectives for the programs under your oversight. You will lead the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure program effectiveness. Setting priorities, standards, and measurement tools to assess and improve program performance, you will also oversee budgeting, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources across programs. You will supervise and mentor staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

Your responsibilities will include interpreting and applying state and federal laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance and strategic alignment. You will build and strengthen partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance community access and program delivery. Additionally, you will serve as a trusted advisor and backup to the Community Engagement Director, ensuring continuity and stability across programs.

The ideal candidate is an innovative, results-driven leader with a passion for making a difference. You thrive on collaboration, embrace diversity as a source of strength, and continuously seek opportunities to improve. Join us in driving impactful change and leading programs that empower Texans to achieve their full potential.

This position offers the option for 100% telework, depending on the hire's location.*

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Leadership and Strategic Direction (30%)

Implements the strategic vision for key programs within the Community Engagement Division, including the Community Partner Program (CPP), Presumptive Eligibility (PE), SNAP Outreach, and Texas Works Paths to Success (TWPS). Directs the planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of these programs to ensure effective administration and service delivery. Collaborates with the team to achieve program goals, develops evaluation techniques for program activities, and recommends improvements. Establishes goals and objectives aligned with the agency's strategic plan. Manages the development and implementation of long-term and short-term plans.

Staff Management and Development (20%)

Manages and develops staff through performance data review, consultation, training, and performance appraisals. Handles hiring, work assignments, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and leave approvals. Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals and directs evaluation activities.

Program Management and Decision-Making (20%)

Directs legislative activities, grant management, and contract oversight, ensuring alignment with program objectives and statewide service delivery. Collaborates with state agencies, internal, and external stakeholders to make impactful decisions. Evaluates the impact of federal and state laws on program objectives, oversees budget development, major expenditures, and compliance with funding requirements. Manages the development and implementation of long-term and short-term plans.

Representation and Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

Represents the department by making presentations, providing information, and offering testimony. Engages with stakeholders, other department areas, state agencies, and federal partners. Responds to requests from legislators and public officials, and represents the agency at meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, conferences, and on boards or committees.

Policy Development and Compliance (10%)

Coordinates with federal and state agencies to ensure program policies, standards, and activities comply with requirements. Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines, monitors compliance, and reviews results from investigations, audits, and studies to provide direction and guidance.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:

Ability to lead staff and motivate staff to obtain a standard of excellence in their work and to foster an environment of continuous improvement.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to program areas

Knowledge of strategic planning, and project management

Knowledge of the principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles Knowledge of process improvement or quality assurance systems

Knowledge of the Texas legislative process.

Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities

Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions

Skill in communication and public speaking

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups

Skill in managing various levels of employees.

Ability to interpret data and develop effective operating procedures

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing

Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others

Ability to establish goals and objectives

Ability to lead in an environment of change

Ability to plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others

Ability to build effective work teams

Ability to effectively manage and motivate staff

Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, stakeholders, and elected officials

Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through planning and evaluation of policies and programs; ability to evaluate reports comprehensively and accurately; ability to develop and implement effective customer service systems

Ability to perform effectively and produce results.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

N/A Initial Selection Criteria:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university is required.

A minimum of five (5) years of management and/or staff supervision experience within the Health and Human Services System in Texas, including supervision of diverse employees, managing unit/program activities, handling diverse projects and budgets, and coordinating with stakeholders and contractors.

Demonstrated experience in establishing goals and objectives and effective communication skills.

Minimum of five (5) years of experience leading, participating in, and supporting continuous improvement activities.

Experience in developing presentations and complex reports, tracking, monitoring, and analyzing performance data, as well as project management, data tracking/reporting, and utilizing presentation software.

Willingness to travel up to 35% of the time.

Willingness to work outside of regular hours (Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM), including nights and weekends.

Additional Information:

Requisition # 620324

This position offers the option for 100% telework, depending on the hire's location.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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-###-####. If

you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please

notify the person scheduling the interview. MOS Code:

Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or

licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are

encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military

Crosswalk at

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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-###-####. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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