Communications and Policy Group Manager

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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:

Performs complex managerial work overseeing the daily operations and activities of the Communication and Policy Group in the HIV/STD Section of the Infectious Disease Prevention Division.

Duties include evaluating, directing, and coordinating programmatic and administrative duties; developing and evaluating goals and objectives; preparing legislative request responses; developing and evaluating budgets, grants, and contracts; developing and interpreting policies and procedures; developing and implementing security and confidentiality guidelines; overseeing projects, including coordination of communication, training, HIV/STD Section projects.

Management duties include leading and directing the work of staff in the Communication and Policy Group including overseeing health communication efforts, program collaboration, and services integration; approving purchases, timesheets, travel, and personnel related documents; completing routine and special assignments or projects; and participating in workgroups and committees.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Oversees program and personnel activities for the Communication and Policy Group. Resolves programmatic, administrative, and personnel issues. Ensures timeliness and accuracy of work products. Assists with interviewing, hiring, assessing staff performance, and approves time, leave, travel. Develops and implements budgets and oversees expenditures and allocations. (40%)

EJF 2: Supervises staff performing health communications, community engagement, program collaboration, services integration, training, policy/procedure development, and section-wide grant review functions. Ensures events are planned and conducted efficiently; stays informed of community mobilization efforts; oversees integration efforts; promotes adherence to security and confidentiality guidelines and trouble shoots problem areas; develops and implements information technology projects, project communication, and training. (25%)

EJF 3: Manages and oversees all activities in the Group including development and provision of specialized HIV, STD, and Hepatitis C information, education and training events for internal staff, other state agencies, local health departments, and community-based organizations, and oversees the provisions of related social marketing campaigns. (25%)

EJF 4: Ensures internal policies and procedures are interpreted and implemented consistently, provides guidance to staff on administrative policies, procedures, and benefits, and oversees and participates in the development of policies and procedures. (5%)

EJF5: Performs other duties including serving on management committees and workgroups, representing the Section in meetings, and actively participating in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and Continuity of Operations activation which may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to TB, HIV and STDs; agency policies and procedures; security and confidentiality policies; methods for budgeting, purchasing, and travelling in a public health setting; public health programs and management; grant writing and review; federal grant application processes; and contracting processes.

Skill in project management and rollout of new business initiatives; effective prioritization; demonstrating tact when working with others.

Ability to manage and direct program activities and the work of others; establish goals and objectives; manage vendor contracts; prepare concise reports; facilitate and work in a team environment; interpret budget information derived from fund accounting; keep sensitive information confidential; analyze and interpret policies, legislation, rules, and regulations.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Bachelors in public health, public administration, business administration, communications, or a related field. At least four years of relevant employment experience may be substituted for the education requirement.

2. Experience managing the work of others.

Additional Information:

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete an in-basket exercise.

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