Senior Strategic Engagement Specialist

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: Senior Strategic Engagement Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Transformation and Innovation 
Posting Number: 9709 
Closing Date: 10/16/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,798.00 - $7,291.67 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for 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,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Program Specialist VII (Senior Strategic Engagement Specialist) works under the direction of the Manager of Strategic Engagement in a highly collaborative environment. The ideal Senior Strategic Engagement Specialist works with limited supervision, demonstrating sound judgment and initiative.

The successful candidate will develop and implement effective communications and change management plans that achieve established goals and conduct activities related to Health and Human Services (HHS) transformation and innovation initiatives. Working within project teams, the individual in this position will write, edit, and guide efforts that help staff and stakeholders understand what is changing, why it matters, and how they can succeed in the change. The person in this position will create tools and resources to support change management planning, as well as develop and deliver change management training for HHS staff.

The Senior Strategic Engagement Specialist will write and edit newsletter articles and other materials related to OTI projects and initiatives. Strong writing and editing skills are essential. This position requires demonstrated expertise in communication strategy, marketing, and change management, and the ability to explain complex programs and processes in clear, accessible language.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other members of the Strategic Engagement team and other teams in the Office of Transformation and Innovation (OTI) to assess organizational or business process changes and develop appropriate change management and engagement strategies and materials.

• Lead communication and change management activities through the project lifecycle.

• Contribute to communication strategies for complex projects, engaging staff, stakeholders, and executives.

• Serve as lead writer and editor for OTI’s year-end report.

• Develop and facilitate training on communication and change management.

• Build practical tools, templates, checklists, and guides as part of the OTI change management portfolio.
• Track and report results, e.g., staff awareness, participation, or feedback.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Develop, plan, and implement communication and change management strategies for transformation and process improvement projects and initiatives. Coordinate HHS-wide collaboration efforts to raise awareness, increase stakeholder engagement, and manage the people side of change. (45%)

Support OTI and the Strategic Engagement team’s cross-division work, e.g., the year-end report and the Cross-Division Coordination Group. (20%)

Develop, support, and deliver change management training, resources, and tools customized for various learning styles. (20%)

Participate in other activities that promote change management across HHS. (10%)

Other tasks as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Change management methodologies, principles, best practices, and communication strategies.
• Principles of emotional intelligence related to change impacts.
• Principles and standards related to HHS Communications, AP Stylebook, and plain language.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making frameworks and concepts.
• Project management methodologies and tools.
• Strategic planning.
• Legislative processes in the public sector.

Skill in:

• Applying change management principles in the development and implementation of communication strategies.
• Translating program needs into measurable, goal-aligned communication strategies.
• Customizing communication plans for internal and external audiences.
• Using communication channels and platforms to reach and engage targeted audiences.
• Conducting stakeholder analysis, including identification, interests, messaging, channels, and timing.
• Measuring and reporting on stakeholder engagement and impact.
• Managing complex group dynamics at all organizational levels to effectively lead meetings and other collaborative efforts.
• Writing, editing, and summarizing complex information in plain language.
• Producing and delivering high-quality, engaging content for various audiences.
• Branding, marketing and applying visual design principles to develop communication materials.
• Developing and implementing research strategies through focus groups and surveys.
• Preparing administrative reports with actionable improvement recommendations.
• Using Microsoft 365 tools (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) effectively.
• Using Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro) preferred.
• Designing, configuring, and managing SharePoint sites.

Ability to:

• Work independently and within a team.
• Build and maintain professional working relationships.
• Solve problems.
• Understand how change affects people’s work and values.
• Work across divisions toward shared goals.
• Adapt to shifting priorities.
• Lead calmly in high-pressure situations.
• Engage in ongoing education to refine skills.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Change Management Practitioner Certificate and/or Certified Change Management Professional designation. (Preferred)

Initial Screening Criteria:

Education and Experience: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in communications, journalism, or a related field is preferred. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Government or Public Agency Experience: A minimum of two years of full-time professional experience in state government or a public agency is required. Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience within Texas Health and Human Services.

Change Management, Communications, or Marketing Experience: A minimum of four years of experience in organizational stakeholder engagement and developing communication strategies is required.

Demonstrated experience applying change management methodologies in change initiatives and managing change-focused projects, as evidenced in specific examples in the application or resume (e.g., change management roles, communication plans) is required.

Demonstrated experience in applying design principles and audience-appropriate written content for informational, educational, and marketing materials, as evidenced through specific examples of formatted materials in the job application or resume is required.

Familiarity with the strategic planning process and project management is preferred.

Legislative process experience is preferred.

Microsoft Office Proficiency – Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as reflected in the application or resume through descriptions of work products, tasks performed, or tools used (e.g., slide decks, document formatting) is required.

Adobe Creative Cloud software – Proficiency in InDesign, Acrobat Pro, and Photoshop, as reflected in the application or resume through descriptions of work products, tasks performed, or tools used, is preferred.

Additional Information:

Candidates will be required to complete an assessment prior to interviewing. Individuals selected to interview will provide work samples. Only applicants who are interviewed will receive written notification of selection results.

Change Management Practitioner Certificate and/or Certified Change Management Professional designation must be obtained within one year of hire date. (Required)

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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.