25-15 - Government Relations Director (Director II)

Only applicants who apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system will be considered for this position. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page at https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system. 

Texas Water Development Board’s Mission 

     Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. 

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about our employee benefits and more, visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities. 

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

General Description

Performs advanced (senior-level) work administering the daily operations and activities of the Texas Water Development Board’s Government Relations Department. Work involves establishing goals and objectives. Develops guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations. Develops schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals. Serves as a liaison between the agency and governmental and legislative entities. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Assistant Executive Administrator of the Texas Water Development Board. Position requires a minimum in-office presence Tuesday through Thursday. 

Essential Job Functions

• Develops and maintains effective communication and working relationships with other state agencies, legislative staff, associations, organizations, advocacy groups, and the general public.
• Represents the agency at meetings with offices of the Texas legislature and other elected officials. 
• Responds to legislative inquiries and requests for information and participates in developing legislative appropriation requests.
• Advises the agency and Board about legislative matters and keeps them informed.
• Meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position, including attending mandatory training courses.
• Provides effective leadership and management of the Government Relations Division.
• Manages all project activities within the Government Relations Division, providing technical direction and guidance.
• Monitors and reports the Government Relations Division work activities.
• Authorizes the Government Relations Division hiring, separations, disciplinary actions, and employee performance rewards.
• Assigns job duties, conducts performance evaluations, clarifies roles and responsibilities, and monitors and measures performance against goals.
• Evaluates the Government Relations Division performance and recommends and leads improvements.
• Supports the Government Relations Division administrative requirements related to organization, budget, and personnel.
• Ensures the provision of quality customer service from the Government Relations Division to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Manages the performance of direct reports, to include, timely completion of performance appraisals, and follow-through on disciplinary actions as needed.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Planning, Political Science, Government, or a related field.
• Five years of experience working directly with members and staff of the Texas Legislature or a statewide elected office.
• Three years of relevant work experience with Texas water policy.  
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

•       Graduate-level degree with major coursework in Business Administration, Policy, Planning, Political Science, Government, or a related field.
•       Previous work experience for the State of Texas in an Article VI agency.
•       Previous experience working for the Texas Legislature, a statewide elected official, or an organization focused on water policy.  
•       Experience with TWDB programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Government Relations Division. 
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.  
• Knowledge of TWDB programs and Texas water laws, rules, and regulations. 
• Knowledge of the federal and state legislative processes and state government administration.
• Knowledge of legislative process and practice.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word and Excel.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Ability to use a legislative tracking system.
• Ability to stay flexible and calm under pressure.
• Ability to learn from mistakes and not take decisions personally.
• Ability to stay focused on job responsibilities.
• Ability to adjust to changing workplace demands.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines. 
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems. 
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision. 
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output. 
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and in order with infrequent errors. 
• Ability to complete tasks and projects in a timely manner and persist until tasks are completed. 
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations. 
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance, and clear and concise communication to agency staff, as well as to employees of other political entities and the public both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to work with others in a team environment and cooperate with supervisors, co-workers, and others. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and schedule work in order to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others. 
• Ability to assign and/or supervise the work of others.