Government Relations Spec II

Job Description

Position Title:

Government Relations Specialist II

Class/Group:

1892/B25

Military Occupation Specialty Code:

Army 46A; Navy 165X; Coast Guard PA, SEI13; Airforce 3N0X6, 35PX

Fair Labor Standards Act Status:

Exempt

Number of Vacancies:

1

Division/Section:

Deputy Executive Director/Public Affairs

Salary Range:

$7166.67 - $7916.67 / Monthly

Duration:

Regular

Hours Worked Weekly:

40

Work Schedule:

This position may be eligible for flexible work hours and/or a hybrid work schedule if certain program guidelines are met; working arrangements may change at any time at the sole discretion of the agency.

DIR has a hybrid work policy. Employees are required to work onsite 2 days a week and may work remotely 3 days a week.

Travel:

Limited

Work Location:

300 W. 15th Street, #1300 / Austin, Texas 78701

Web site:

https://dir.texas.gov/

Refer Inquiries to:

People and Culture Office

Telephone:

How To Apply:

• Select "Apply Online" to apply for the job at https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

• You must create a CAPPS Career Section candidate profile or be logged in to apply.

• Update your profile and apply for the job by navigating through the pages and steps.

• Once ready, select "Submit" on the "Review and Submit" page.

• If you have problems accessing the CAPPS Career Section, please follow the instructions in the Resetting CAPPS Password for Job Candidate desk aid.

Special Instructions:

• Applicants must provide in-depth information in the EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS section to demonstrate how they meet the position qualifications. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification.

• Resumes may be uploaded as an attachment but are not accepted in lieu of the information required in the EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS section of the application.

Interview Place/Time:

Candidates will be notified for appointments as determined by the selection committee.

Selective Service Registration:

Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males, ages 18 through 25 years, to provide proof of their Selective Service registration or proof of their exemption from the requirement as a condition of state employment.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship:

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Department of Information Resources does not exclude anyone from consideration for recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action, or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities, which it sponsors on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability. Please call [redacted] to request reasonable accommodation.

What We Do

We are a technology agency powered by people.

DIR offers secure, modern, and cost-effective technology to help government entities in Texas serve their constituents.

DIR is a fast-paced and collaborative environment with highly motivated, innovative, and engaged employees dedicated to achieving the best value for the state. We have over 250 professionals working at DIR who are honored to serve as the cornerstone of public sector technology in Texas. By joining DIR, you will be an integral part of transforming how technology serves Texans.

Position Summary

This role performs advanced (senior-level) government relations and consultative work. Adheres to strategic and tactical direction for public affairs and works to ensure that goals and objectives are implemented. Serves as a liaison between DIR and legislative entities and stakeholders. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Works under the minimal supervision of DIR's Director of Public Affairs, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

• Responsible for the implementation of agency governmental relations activities related to legislative issues; communicates pertinent information to the appropriate staff regarding legislative meetings and decisions; communicates directly with legislators and staff; develops, conducts, and evaluates legislative training.
• Attends legislative hearings and meetings with legislators, legislative staff, and other legislative liaisons; provides summaries of legislative hearings to agency management, including current and proposed legislation; records and coordinates action items and deliverables as a result of legislative meetings and hearings; ensures deliverables are complete
• Develops legislative materials for potential future legislation; coordinates and participates in legislative implementation activity; monitors all legislative and other reporting requirements for timelines; reports on progress to completion; participates in the preparation of reports due to newly enacted laws.
• Monitors standing and interim committee schedules, agendas, and hearings; coordinates agency interaction and testimony before legislative committees; coordinates communication with legislative support and executive agencies.
• Researches, drafts, and responds to requests from Texas legislative entities, Governor's Office, and other oversight agencies; prepares legislative committee presentations; Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Develops proper protocol and procedures for communicating with legislators and staff
• Identifies needs for legislative training and develop, schedule, and conduct that training for DIR's workforce.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in English, journalism, communications, business, public affairs, political science, or related field.
• Additional work-related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• High School diploma or equivalent certificate required.

Experience and Training Required

• Three (3) sessions of government relations or legislative experience, with at least two sessions as a member of legislative staff.

Experience and Training Preferred

• Experience or familiarity with state and federal regulations and state acquisition policies and procedures.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment.
• Experience working in a technology environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of state and federal guidelines and standards related to IT particularly Texas Administrative Code.
• Working knowledge in technology planning and general technology terms and trends.
• Knowledge of established and developing communications channels, including various print, digital, and social media.
• Knowledge of state of Texas government operations, state legislative processes, state budgeting, acquisitions, and procurement processes.
• Excellent communication skills - presentation, written, verbal; ability to communicate both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner with vendors, agencies, management, and department staff.
• Skill in using creative systems and strategic thinking to solve problems; in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches to problems; and leading and facilitating meetings.
• Skill in policy analysis and research.
• Skill in analyzing issues, problem solving and negotiating.
• Ability to create communications using impeccable writing and editing skills for both internal and external communications.
• Ability to communicate concepts to a broad range of technical and non-technical staff
• Ability to manage projects; to establish goals and objectives; to devise solutions to administrative problems; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; and to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to develop and interpret policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare effective presentations for use in formal and informal settings.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, direct supervisors, co-workers, internal and external customers.
• Ability to understand, follow and convey brief oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to support and contribute to a cohesive team environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and exacting schedules to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet required deadlines.
• Ability to comply with all agency policy and applicable laws.
• Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in the use of a computer and applicable software necessary to perform work assignments e.g., word processing, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office including PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of current technology, software, or tools for effectively communicating to members of the press and the public.

Other Requirements

• Regular and punctual attendance at the workplace.
• Criminal background check.

Working Conditions

• Frequent use of computers, copiers, printers, and telephones.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, listening, and talking.
• Frequent work under stress, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
• Occasional bending, stooping, lifting, and climbing.
• Limited travel may be required.