Stakeholder and Government Relations Director

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Functional Title: Stakeholder and Government Relations Director 
Job Title: Director IV 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Government Relations 
Posting Number: 7676 
Closing Date: 09/29/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29 
Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $12,500.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: No direct military equivalent. 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Stakeholder and Government Relations Director performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning. Work involves establishing the strategic plan and goals and objectives; developing policies, procedures, and guidelines; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities and/or business functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within a department or division. Supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Directs program activities and/or business functions within a department(s) or division(s).

• Directs the day-to-day operations for the Office of Stakeholder and Government Relations to ensure positive relations with government at all levels while providing accurate and consistent external communications with the Texas Legislature, Office of the Governor, DFPS Council, and other stakeholders.

Oversees and/or prepares a division(s) or department(s) budget and reviews and approves

major expenditures: and ensures that requirements of funding sources are met.

• Oversees and manages the planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of Office of Stakeholder and Government Relations budget and major expenditures.
• Collaborates with the Office of Finance to ensure the requirement of funding sources are met.

• Oversees the annual budget for the Office of Stakeholder and Government Relations.
  
  

Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of reports and studies, including

management, productivity, and financial reports.

• Oversees, composes, coordinates and reviews correspondence, presentation documents and other written material prepared for elected officials and external partners, ensuring requests are responded to promptly with consistent and accurate information.
• Oversees the preparation and analysis of reports, studies, and presentations that demonstrate the status and effect of pending legislation and newly enacted laws that impact the agency.
• Establish processes that allow for after action planning and follow-up to meetings and hearings for DFPS executive leadership.
• Manages the collection, organization, analysis and preparation of management, productivity, and financial reports within the Office of Stakeholder and Government Relations to ensure DFPS provides consistent, complete information with an agency-wide perspective to stakeholders.

Develops and/or oversees the implementation of long-range and short-term plans.

• Develops and collaborates with DFPS executive leadership in overseeing the implementation of long-range and short-range plans related to legislative initiatives, requirements, and guidelines for the agency.
• Collaborates with DFPS executive leadership to identify and communicate legislative needs, such as statutory changes and appropriations needs.
• Facilitate external partnerships to build support and understanding of agency short and long-term plans.

Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities and/or business

functions; and identifies need for changes.

• Develops and facilitates the processes for planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of government relations functions to establish DFPS standards and guidelines for DFPS interactions with elected officials and gubernatorial appointees.
• Oversees the tracking and coordination of legislative analysis, fiscal note requests for the potential financial impact of proposed legislation and implementation of legislation.
• Identifies and develops legislative training needs for agency executives and employees to address changes and legislative impact to the agency.

Develops, establishes, and implements goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s

strategic plan; and develops standards for achieving those goals.

• Develops, establishes, and implements division goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s mission and strategic plan by ensuring positive relations with government at all levels.
• Provides leadership, strategic direction, and planning for the division, and coordinates with agency leadership and program area management to implement proposed legislation and legislative initiatives to achieve goals.
  
  

Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines, and monitors compliance.

• Directs the development and implementation of division policies, procedures, guidelines, best practices, and initiatives focused on crafting consistent performance.
• Monitors compliance of division policies, procedures, guidelines, best practices, and initiatives to ensure effective coordination, communication, and consistency to ensure positive relations with government at all levels.  
• Oversees the review and evaluation of the impact of proposed federal and state legislation on agency policies and procedures relating to agency program services and operations.
• Communicates the above-mentioned policy compliance, with an agency-wide perspective, to the Governor’s Office, members of the Texas Legislatures or their staff, and other Legislative agencies.

Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences,

and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.

• Represents the agency at legislative hearings and meetings with elected officials and their staff, staff of DFPS and other state and local governmental entities, stakeholders and advocates.
• Serves as the department point of contact for coordinating and supporting the work of legislative interim committees.
• Monitors standing and interim committee schedules and agendas and communicates relevant information to agency management.
• Writes report summaries of meetings and hearings and develops proper protocol and procedures for communicating with legislators and staff.

Reviews results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and

modeling exercises to provide direction and guidance.

• Evaluates results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and program evaluations that have legislative impact for the agency and provides overall direction and guidance to DFPS executive leadership and division leadership.

Responds to legislative inquiries and requests for information, and participates in developing

legislative appropriation requests.

• Coordinates agency responses to legislative inquiries and reviews and edits legislative correspondence.
• Leads and directs the agency activities related to the legislative session, including identification and development of legislative initiatives, communication of department objectives, analyzing, tracking, and monitoring proposed legislation impacting DFPS or its clients through coordination with program areas and agency leadership.

• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with legislative leadership, members and their staff through personal visits, telephone conversations, written communications, and arranging individual or group briefings on specific policy issues.
• Attends monthly budget meetings, mid-year reviews, and prepares Legislative Appropriation Requests.

Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and

directs evaluation activities.

• Identifies and facilitates opportunities for communication between the Commissioner and elected official and their staff.
• Coordinates agency responses to legislative inquiries and reviews and edits legislative correspondence.
• Directs internal communication regarding stakeholder and government relations activities to keep agency leadership and program areas informed of developments with stakeholders and community organizations.

• Develops and monitors the implementation and rule making process associated with legislation, keeping interested legislators and their staff and DFPS informed of the process as appropriate.
• Coordinates and implements legislative strategies and initiatives to further agency goals.

• Develops and monitors standing and interim committee schedules and agendas and communicates relevant information to the DFPS executive team.

May participate in or oversee strategic communication efforts.

• Serves as the subject matter expert and point of contact of Office of Stakeholder and Government Relations to agency executives on key strategic legislative initiatives and implementation.
• Manages informative and critical communications regarding legislatives initiatives for the agency.
• Manage the agency’s engagement with stakeholder and advocacy groups to ensure opportunity for open lines of communication for executive leadership.

• • Develop the structure, agenda, and action items related to agency open meetings, including the DFPS Council and agency-sponsored provider working groups.
  • Oversee strategy and representation related to the DFPS Commissioner’s role as ex-officio member of external advisory councils and working groups.

Supervises the work of others.

• Plans, assigns, and oversees the work of Stakeholder and Government Relations employees.

• Hires, manages, and provides guidance and professional development.
• Provides direct reports with work assignments, clear direction and information on responsibilities and work performance expectations. 
• Develops work performance plans, creates, and maintains position descriptions for direct reports and conducts performance evaluations at least annually. 
• Oversees the development and advancement of division staff through training and effective use of employee development plans.
• Manages employee time and leave responsibilities and carries out other related human resources activities with program staff. 
• Provides leadership to employees using a performance management strategy and development process to provide an overall context and framework to encourage employee contribution, and includes goal setting, feedback, and performance development planning.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the legislative process and state government administration.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Knowledge of populations served by DFPS and the DFPS service delivery system.

Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business

strategy.

Skill in compiling, evaluating, and presenting legislative information.

Skill in problem solving and negotiating.

Skill in policy analysis and research.

Skill in leadership, communication, and public speaking.

Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions.

Ability to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.

Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.

Ability to prepare reports.

Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbal, with all levels of agency staff, stakeholders, and advocates, with an emphasis on precision, sensitivity, and diplomacy.

Ability to supervise, plan, assign, and direct the work of others.

Ability to supervise the work of others.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with DFPS staff, elected officials, stakeholders, and advocates.

Ability to analyze issues, work under pressure, and meet short deadlines. 

Ability to analyze laws, regulations, and initiatives and determine their impact on DFPS and the clients they serve.

Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbot Executive Order GA-48.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

May require registration, certification, or licensure in a specialty area.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in the management and direction of a program relevant to the assignment.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a field

relevant to the assignment is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted

for one another.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS 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/DFPS 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.