HIV/STD Prevention Unit Director

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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.

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Functional Title: HIV/STD Prevention Unit Director 
Job Title: Director II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: HIVSTD Prevention Unit 
Posting Number: 11339 
Closing Date: 12/18/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27 
Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $11,864.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel:  
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 
97E0,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Works under the general direction of the HIV/STD Section Director. Performs advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in the day-to-day operations of the HIV/STD Prevention Unit (Unit). The Unit Director develops, reviews, improves, and maintains program operations that support effective program activities. Uses project management and other techniques to identify priorities, goals, and implementation of new activities or process improvements. Evaluates program and administrative activities. Represents the agency at meetings and hearings. Supervises and evaluates direct reports. Provides budgetary oversight and management of the HIV/STD programs. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1. Provides the overall leadership, planning, and direction for the implementation of program activities within the HIV/STD Prevention Unit. Works with stakeholders to assess state needs and gaps and identifies priorities and strategies for enhancing client access to quality public health HIV/STD services. Serves as manager of each federal grant and oversees the implementation of program policies, budgets, and general management of client services to assure effective program administration and service delivery. Develops and establishes policies and procedures for the HIV/STD Prevention Unit and plans and implements effective organizational principles to respond to evolving needs in the Unit. Effectively communicates with section, division, and agency leadership on critical HIV/STD program issues to identify solutions. (20%)
2. Effectively and strategically develops, reviews, and approves the HIV/STD Prevention Unit budget, including providing input on budget development, local contracts, and management of medications and treatment. Proposes policy options for leadership consideration on improving fiscal management of the HIV/STD programs. Coordinates the preparation and submission of funding proposals to assure state objectives and priorities for HIV/STD contracts and concerns can be addressed and coordinates with Federal Funds Management Branch and Contract Management Section accordingly. Establishes and obtains federal or state approval for program work plans and assures all approved activities, priorities and requirements are met. Serves as the primary contact with state and federal funding officials regarding state and federal HIV/STD objectives and activities. (25%)
3. Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities to ensure that they aligned with all requirements (legislative, agency, and federal/state statutes). In collaboration with program managers, ensures that quality and timely grant applications and reports are developed and submitted. Ensures that activities are carried out in accordance with federal and state statute and regulations, and in compliance with grant and cooperative agreement requirements. (15%)
4. Oversees response to internal and external inquiries and assignments. Provides guidance and assistance to staff on assignments as needed. Reviews Unit responses and products to ensure quality and comprehensiveness. Reviews and approves documents developed by the Unit to ensure professional quality and appearance, appropriate content, consistency, and responsiveness to the purpose of the document. Responsive to legislative inquiries and assignments such as preparing bill analysis and agency cost estimates. Ensures that administrative processes are in place that support timely and quality production of documents. (15%)
5. Represents the department by making presentations, providing information and testimony, and collaborating with stakeholder groups, other state agencies, and federal partners. (10%)
6. Manages and develops unit staff through review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave for unit personnel. (10%)
7. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions.

Principles and practices of public administration and management.

Texas legislative process and public accountability systems.

Principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles.

Supervision of employees, such as hiring, counseling, staff development and evaluation

Grant funding processes and competitive awarding of funds.

Skill in:

Establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.

Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions.

Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

Managing multiple and competing priorities.

Communication and public speaking.

Developing and implementing contracts and grant applications.

Identifying resources needed to accomplish service delivery objectives and budget development.

Ability to:

Direct and organize program activities and/or business functions.

Establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.

Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

Develop and evaluate policies and procedures.

Prepare reports.

Communicate effectively.

Supervise the work of others.

Express ideas clearly and concisely.

Lead in an environment of change.

Plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others.

Establish effective working relationships with coalitions.

Think creatively and support creative thinking in others.

Establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, stakeholders, and elected officials.

Develop and implement effective customer service systems.

Understand and align operations and support strategies according to business needs.

Interpret data and develop effective operating procedures and practices.

Organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.

Build effective work teams.

Work with the legislature.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree required. Graduate degree in public health, public administration, or related field or 5 years of relevant experience preferred.

Minimum of three years of experience in supervision of employees, including hiring staff, staff development and evaluation, counseling, and identification and implementation of human resource activities

A minimum of three years of experience working for a public health department or state government preferred.

Demonstrated experience managing federal or state grants, contracts, procurements, or budgets. 

Additional Information:

Proficiency/Skills Test: Applicants selected for interview may be required to complete a proficiency/skills test at the time of the interview (e.g., Excel or professional writing sample).

Work Hours and Location Note: Applicants must have the ability and willingness to work core business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. This position is based in-person at offices located in Austin, Texas.

Application/Resume Notes: Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but may be provided as supplemental materials. All fields on the application must be filled in completely. Applicants must provide information relevant to the experience required for this position in the job history sections of the application.

Employment References Note: If selected, a candidate must be able and willing to provide current and previous work references before a final offer of employment is extended.

Salary Note: Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate’s qualifications will dictate the final salary offer.

Visa Sponsorships Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

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