Operations Director

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.

Brief Job Description:

The Operations Director (Director III) serves as a key leader on the Strategic Operations team, performing advanced (senior-level) managerial work. This position provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and expert guidance across multiple Health and Human Services (HHS) programs to ensure the seamless delivery of Operational services.

The Director is responsible for setting the strategic vision, goals, and priorities for operational initiatives. This includes developing clear policies and guidelines, establishing performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement efforts. The role actively identifies and implements solutions to enhance program effectiveness and business efficiency, aligning operations with agency goals and objectives.

Supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Identifies business problems requiring strategic direction, initiates strategic conversations and processes with stakeholders, and develops implementation plans and roadmaps for resolution. Establishes short- and long-term goals that align with the overall agency strategy to ensure alignment and effective execution.

Conducts program analysis and interprets data trends to inform strategic decisions and drive operational improvements. Supports project managers in aligning plans with business strategy and communicates updates to the Associate Commissioner for Strategic Operations.

Collaborates with Strategic Operations managers and directors to identify and resolve operational issues that may impede business priorities. Guides teams in implementing best practices and innovative processes, ensuring seamless communication across groups and timely updates to leadership. Defines operational structures, methods, and business processes.

Maintains program manuals, policies, and procedures related to Operations and contributes to systemwide policy development. Analyzes legislative bills to identify downstream impacts and incorporates findings into strategic planning. Ensures program areas are informed of updated agency procedures and processes. Provides oversight and guidance on various contracts.

Hires and manages staff. Recommend appropriate personnel actions. Assigns work and provides clear direction, responsibilities, and performance expectations to direct reports. Conducts performance evaluations and oversees professional development through training and growth plans. Communicates departmental decisions and provides staff with the tools and information necessary to succeed. Reviews and approves leave, supports employee engagement, ensures training compliance, facilitates new employee onboarding, and expected human resources activities. Directs subordinate managers and oversees the enhancement of operational functions.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with the agency's leave policy.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Public sector practices, processes, standards, and methodologies.
• Business and management principles involved in strategic planning.
• Project management principles and practices.
• Change management principles and practices.
• Local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding Texas government and Texas legislative process.

Skill in:

• Problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Analyzing and evaluating complex policies, issues, legislative mandates, standards, procedures, and managing budgets.
• Developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and issues.
• Effective verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Working collaboratively and cooperatively at all levels of an organization and other agencies.
• Supervising staff by providing leadership, exercising authority, promoting employee development, and modeling effective working relationships with stakeholders.
• Dashboards and SharePoint sites.
• Managing complex contracts.
• Writing statements of work and requests for proposals.

Ability to:

• Communicate complex information to a variety of audiences, verbally and in writing.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate work activities as well as supervise and evaluate the work of others.
• Manage multiple competing priorities.
• Translate business needs into process maps.
• Exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
• Bring consensus on contradictory views.
• Analyze, document, and implement process improvements.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Required:

• Current Certified Texas Contract Manager

Preferred:

• Certified Texas Contract Developer
• Lean Six Sigma Certifications
• Change Management Certification

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, Human Resources, Public Relations, or a related degree. Experience and education may be substituted for one another for up to 4 years.
• Eight years of experience leading, managing, and directing multiple programs and teams of managers.
• Eight years of experience in change management, leading projects using methodologies such as Lean, and monitoring contracts.

Additional Information:

This position is currently working a hybrid telework schedule that reports on-site in Austin. Telework schedules are subject to change based on agency policy or operational needs.

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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.