TWDB - 26-106: Government Relations Director (Director III)

Job Description:

TWDB - 26-106: Government Relations Director (Director III)

Description

Job Description

**Must meet agency in-office requirements**

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD'S MISSION

Leading the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas.

WORKING AT THE TWDB

See why our work makes an impact !

Find out why the TWDB is a great place to work .

Make a positive difference for the state of Texas. We encourage you to apply for positions that match your qualifications.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) offers competitive compensation and a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about these benefits and more visit: http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp .

Please visit TWDB Career Page: http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/ for more information.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

Veterans, Reservists or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of SEI15 Enterprise Policy, Planning, Budget, and Management, 641X LDO-Administration, 97E0 Executive Officer, or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs advanced (senior-level) work administering the daily operations and activities of the Texas Water Development Board's Government Relations (GR) Division. Work involves directing and coordinating division operations to ensure the achievement of established goals and objectives. Develops guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations. Develops schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals. Serves as a liaison between the agency and governmental and legislative entities. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position requires an in-office presence Monday through Friday. Reports to the Executive Administrator of the Texas Water Development Board.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develops and maintains effective communication and working relationships with other state agencies, legislative staff, associations, organizations, advocacy groups, and the public.
• Represents the agency at meetings with offices of the Texas legislature and other elected officials.
• Responds to legislative inquiries and requests for information and participates in developing legislative appropriation requests.
• Advises the agency and Board about legislative matters and keeps them informed.
• Works closely with other state agencies (TCEQ, GLO, TPWD, PUC, and others) on water-related matters.
• Engages with water-related customers and stakeholder groups throughout the state to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Assists in the development of the Legislative Appropriations Request.
• Prepares testimony and briefings for Board members and executive leadership to present before legislative committees.
• Represents the agency at legislative hearings, stakeholder meetings, and public events.
• Provides effective leadership and management of the Government Relations (GR) Division.
• Manages all project activities within the GR Division, providing technical direction and guidance.
• Monitors and reports GR Division work activities.
• Authorizes GR Division hiring, separations, disciplinary actions, and employee performance rewards.
• Assigns job duties, conducts performance evaluations, clarifies roles and responsibilities, and monitors and measures performance against goals.
• Evaluates GR Division performance and recommends and leads improvements.
• Provides effective leadership and management of the GR Division.
• Manages all project activities within the GR Division, providing technical direction and guidance.
• Monitors and reports GR Division work activities.
• Authorizes GR Division hiring, separations, disciplinary actions, and employee performance rewards.
• Assigns job duties, conducts performance evaluations, clarifies roles and responsibilities, and monitors and measures performance against goals.
• Evaluates GR Division performance and recommends and leads improvements.
• Supports GR Division administrative requirements related to organization, budget, and personnel.
• Ensures the provision of quality customer service from the GR Division to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Manages the performance of direct reports, including timely completion of performance appraisals and follow-through on disciplinary actions as needed.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency's records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Planning, Political Science, Government, or a related field.
• Five years of experience working directly with members and staff of the Texas Legislature or a statewide elected official.
• Two years of experience with Texas water policy.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working directly for the Texas Legislature, a statewide elected official, or an organization focused on water policy.
• Experience working in both the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives.
• Experience working for a state leadership office (Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of Texas House of Representatives, statewide elected official, or committee chair).
• Experience with Texas state budgeting and legislative appropriations processes.
• Experience working in state agency government relations.
• Strong background working with federal and state agencies, local governments, river authorities, groundwater conservation districts, and industry leaders on water policy or funding issues.
• Two or more years of supervisory experience leading a team in government relations or public policy.
• Experience with TWDB programs or Texas water policy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Government Relations Division.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Knowledge of TWDB programs and Texas water laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of the federal and state legislative processes and state government administration.
• Knowledge of legislative processes and practice.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word and Excel.
• Skills in the use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave, and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and in order with infrequent errors.
• Ability to complete tasks and projects in a timely manner and persist until tasks are completed.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance, and clear and concise communication to agency staff, as well as to employees of other political entities and the public both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work with others in a team environment and cooperate with supervisors, co-workers, and others.
• Ability to use a legislative tracking system.
• Ability to stay flexible and calm under pressure.
• Ability to learn from mistakes and not take decisions personally.
• Ability to stay focused on job responsibilities.
• Ability to adjust to changing workplace demands.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and schedule work to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet.
• deadlines.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% of the time, primarily within the state of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver's license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to assign and/or supervise the work of others.

REMARKS

A copy of required academic transcripts and/or licensures and driving record must be submitted at the time of hire. Failure to provide required documentation will result in no further consideration for employment.

Important Notice: Otherwise qualified candidates who are ultimately considered for potential employment with the Texas Water Development Board may be the subject of a request for any criminal history record information maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Evidence of a criminal conviction or other relevant information obtained from the DPS shall not automatically disqualify an individual from employment with the Texas Water Development Board.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS

Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile.

REFERENCE CHECKS

Reference checks will be conducted on top candidates for the position and may include outreach to current and/or former supervisors. Reference checks for top candidates currently employed by the TWDB will include outreach to current supervisors.

CONSENT OF CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS

All interviewed candidates must complete the HR-101 - Consent to Obtain Criminal History Record Information and the GA-48 Consent form to obtain continuous criminal history and review forms once extended an offer to interview. The consent forms will be sent by Human Resources (HR) and retained with HR. Only candidates extended a conditional offer will have their criminal history checked in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) system. Candidates who refuse to complete both consent forms will no longer be considered for the vacancy with the Texas Water Development Board. If adverse findings are found, candidates will be afforded 10 business days to provide a response prior to a final determination on hiring eligibility.

JOB LOCATION

Candidate must be able to report to and work from the noted work location and comply with the agency's Return to Office (RTO) requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities.

SELECTIVE SERVICE

Males born on or after January 1, 1960, will be required to present proof of Selective Service registration on the first day of employment or proof of exemption from Selective Service registration requirement.

FINAL EMPLOYMENT OFFERS

All offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate having legal authorization to work in the United States. Failure to present such authorization within the time specified by the U.S. Department of Labor will result in the offer being rescinded.

FOREIGN CREDENTIALS

An evaluation of your coursework must be uploaded if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, you will not receive credit for degree progress and completion.

SPONSORSHIP

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

STATE OF TEXAS APPLICATION

Resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed State of Texas application unless indicated.

E-VERIFY

TWDB participates in E-Verify! Information from each new employee's Form I-9 will be provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm work authorization.

EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL

Employment with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is on an at- will basis.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The TWDB is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits of employment, please contact the Human Resources Division for assistance at (512) 475-2142. Deaf and hard of hearing applicants may contact our office via Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 (TTY/TDD).

HEADQUARTER LOCATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Texas Water Development Board
Stephen F. Austin Building
1700 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
[email protected]
Phone: (512) 475-2142

Closing Date/Time: 2026-07-14

Salary:

$7716.67 - 11916.67 Monthly