Advisor to the Deputy Executive Commissioner for Operations

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Functional Title: Advisor to the Deputy Executive Commissioner for Operations 
Job Title: Director II 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: MCS Ops DEC and Admin 
Posting Number: 11235 
Closing Date: 11/27/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27 
Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $10,652.17 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
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:

The Advisor serves as the principal aide and strategic partner to the Deputy Executive Commissioner for Operations (DECO) within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) division of HHSC. This position supports the DECO in overseeing the administrative, contractual, fiscal, and systems functions and processes that enable the efficient delivery of Medicaid and CHIP services.

The Advisor helps the DECO manage day-to-day executive operations, ensures alignment and follow-through on priorities, coordinates leadership communication, and facilitates decision-making for the Operations department within the MCS division. Acting as a connective link between the DECO and Operations department leaders (i.e., Deputy Associate Commissioners), the position strengthens coordination, accountability, and organizational performance. The Advisor is expected to operate with independence and sound judgment, approaching complex challenges with curiosity and critical thinking. This role requires exceptional communication and organizational skills and the ability to handle complex, high-visibility matters with discretion and professionalism.

The Operations department delivers infrastructure for both the managed care and fee-for-service delivery models within Texas Medicaid—one of the largest healthcare programs in the country—serving approximately 4 million Texans. It consists of various units that oversee the administration of claims and encounter processing, provider enrollment and credentialing, provider recoupment and vendor holds, provider resolution and administrative appeals, electronic visit verification, administration of drug benefits, drug manufacturer rebates, outpatient drug formulary, member enrollment processes for certain waiver programs, and a modernization team focused on transforming the existing infrastructure into a modern, modular, interoperable system that better supports the business functions of Medicaid programs.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Executive Support, Communications, and Briefings (30%)

• Conducts necessary research and analysis to advise the DECO on the coordination and management of priorities across Operations departments.
• Reviews documents submitted to the DECO to ensure clarity, conciseness, and executive readiness. Documents may include executive summaries, correspondence, memoranda, audit management responses, contracted vendor audit or review findings, and legislative reports. Reviews materials for consistent messaging across related communications and deliverables.
• Prepares high-level briefing materials, talking points, and presentations on behalf of the DECO. Ensures that briefings and written materials are accurate, well-organized, and tailored to the intended audience, which may include HHS agency executives, internal governing bodies, legislative offices, managed care organizations, state contractors, business partners, federal agencies, and provider or advocacy organizations.
• Provides administrative support to the DECO by tracking action items, deliverables, and decisions arising from leadership meetings and briefings.

Strategic Planning and Performance Monitoring (20%)

• Assists the DECO in developing Operations department goals, performance measures, and accountability systems aligned with division and agency outcomes.
• Designs, coordinates, and facilitates strategic planning sessions and leadership meetings with Operations department leaders and key staff to define priorities, assess progress, and strengthen cross-functional collaboration across operational areas.
• Tracks the implementation of goals, measures, and executive priorities. Anticipates and identifies emerging risks or barriers to progress and proactively recommends corrective actions.
• Supports the DECO in analyzing performance data and producing concise summaries or dashboards to inform decision-making.

Issue Management and Liaison Functions (20%)

• Triages and prioritizes correspondence and issues directed to the DECO, coordinating responses across Operations departments and ensuring timely resolution.
• Monitors key risks and emerging issues across Operations and advises the DECO on recommended actions.
• Coordinates, tracks, and monitors responses across Operations departments for items related to open records, audits, oversight bodies, and legislative inquiries.
• Represents the DECO at meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, conferences, committees, or stakeholder meetings when direct participation is not possible.

Workforce Development and Engagement (15%)

• Supports the DECO in promoting a culture of workforce excellence and accountability across Operations departments.
• Monitors compliance with agency standards for employee performance management, state-required trainings, and overall administrative obligations.
• Works with Human Resources and training staff to ensure proper onboarding, staff promotions, and adjustments to organizational structures.
• Facilitates organizational changes, including position development, staffing transitions, and structure realignments, ensuring that changes are planned and executed smoothly.
• Ensures departments and DACs provide consistent, high-quality onboarding experiences for new hires that promote a positive and informed entry into the Operations department.

Organizational Effectiveness and Engagement (10%)

• Supports the DECO in maintaining an engaged and coordinated Operations leadership team.
• Assists with planning and facilitating leadership meetings, retreats, and department-wide communications.
• Leads department-wide staff recognition and engagement initiatives that strengthen morale and reinforce organizational culture.
• Identifies and helps implement improvements in organizational effectiveness, coordination, and communication structures.

Other Duties (5%)

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of: Executive operations and governance; principles of strategic planning, performance measurement, contract management, and project coordination; organizational management within large public agencies; and federal/state frameworks governing Medicaid and CHIP operations.
• Skill in: Managing multiple complex assignments; synthesizing large volumes of information into actionable recommendations; drafting clear, high-level communications; and working effectively with senior executives and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to: Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality; manage sensitive issues with diplomacy; coordinate across divisions/departments to achieve shared objectives; and operate independently in a fast-paced environment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, health or public administration, political science, organizational leadership, or related field is required.
• At least three years’ experience analyzing performance data, value streams/workflows, or policy impacts to inform executive level decision-making.
• Experience in strategic business planning with leadership teams.
• Experience with Smartsheet, preferred.
• Experience with continuous process improvement methods, preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

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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 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.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.