Internal Communications & Engagement Lead

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Internal Communications & Engagement Lead 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: MCS Strat Bus Oper Change Mgmt 
Posting Number: 7904 
Closing Date: 08/20/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $8,776.41 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
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: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Internal Communications & Engagement Lead. 

This position will support a deliberate focus on the division’s culture by driving compelling staff engagement programs that educate, inform, connect, and inspire staff in MCS.

Under the supervision of the Director of Change Management, the Internal Communications & Engagement Lead will be responsible for implementation of a broad variety of initiatives that focus on staff recruitment and retention strategy. This role will also work across the organization to identify, prioritize, and provide creative, scalable solutions to professional development and learning needs.

The ideal candidate is decisive and quick on their feet, creative in their troubleshooting, and confident in their communication. Success lies in their ability to manage multiple projects and be comfortable operating in a variety of capacities ranging from visualizing and executing large scale learning programs to the basics of developing, designing, organizing, and editing content.

This position will require a proven history of successful leadership around staff engagement and will be given a wide degree of creativity and latitude to drive these efforts for MCS.

Essential Job Functions 

• Identifying the division’s ongoing learning needs and develop programs based on needs assessment, including developing strategic initiatives that create a culture of connectedness that creatively reinforces the division’s mission, vision, and key business goals. (25%)

• Managing internal workstreams and assigning tasks, training new team members on skills and operations, making strategic decisions for the overall internal communication initiatives to support the MCS division (25%)

• Evaluation of programs and initiatives for continuous improvement based on quantitative and qualitative feedback mechanisms. (20%)
• Planning and development of MCS internal communications - including, but not limited to the weekly newsletter, intranet content, presentations, and email messages. (15%)

• Monitoring key flagship engagement programs such as new hire orientation, mentoring programs, buddy system, brown bags, culture club, etc. (5%) 

• Oversight of MCS fellowship program supporting the Staff Engagement Specialist in full cycle (5%)

• Other duties as assigned by direct supervisor (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Current effective learning and professional development methods including the latest trends and best practices.

• Designing custom learning programs.

• General professional writing principles and standards, including plain language, basic grammar, and Associated Press (AP) style.

• Strategic communication planning, specifically understanding the composition of compelling and consistent content, and effective messaging.

• Successful and supportive workplace culture, internal communication processes, conducting needs assessments, and skill gap analysis.

Skill in:

• Managing multiple projects by effectively balancing timeliness and quality in a fast-paced environment.

• Tracking engagement metrics and performance of internal communications initiatives; prepare quarterly reports, identifying wins, gaps, and opportunities for growth and improvement.

• Planning and managing a comprehensive internal communications calendar on both a macro and micro timeline, including content calendar for the weekly newsletter.

• Leading and influencing cultural change.

• Communicating with clarity and understanding for specific audiences.

• Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

• Time management, prioritization, problem solving, decision making and critical thinking.

Ability to:

• Design and implement internal strategies and programs aligned with organizational mission, goals, values, and change initiatives, that have a measurable impact on staff engagement and workplace culture.

• Focus on both short and long-term plans and assign work to teammates to reach key goals, deadlines, and meet needs of division as identified by feedback, assessments, and senior leadership.

• Develop and leverage internal communications to effectively build and support organizational culture.

• Generate creative and compelling themes for messaging to capture attention in a fast-paced environment.

• Communicate data and information, in an understandable and clear way, to specific audiences.

• Work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects through ambiguity, competing deadlines, and shifting priorities.

• Use critical thinking to analyze problems, challenges and potential risk and proactively offer solutions.

• See hidden problems, looking beyond the obvious, and responding accordingly.

• Respond to requests with a sense of urgency, partiality, accountability, integrity, and timeliness.

Registration, Licensure and Certifications 

N/A

Initial selection criteria

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in journalism, human resources, communications, education, or a closely related field.

• Minimum of five years of combined work experience related to developing staff engagement initiatives and designing educational or professional development programs.

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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.