Federal Policy and Government Relations Advisor

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: Federal Policy and Government Relations Advisor
Job Title: Government Relations Spec III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: CHIEF OF STAFF
Posting Number: 22019
Closing Date: 10/15/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Range: $7,015.16- $10,000.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 30%
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: 0570,0571,4502,4505,8018,8221,8222,8223,8224,8225,8226,8227,8228,8231,8232,8233,8234,8235,8236,8237
8238,8240,8241,8242,8243,8244,8245,14FX,165X,16FX,16PX,171X,35PX,3N0X6,46A,46S,46Z,48B,48E,48G,48J
48P,48X,INF,MC,PA,SEI13,SEI14,SEI15

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Chief of Staff and in coordination with the Director of the Texas Office of State-Federal Relations, the Federal Policy and Government Relations Advisor serves as HHSC's lead advisor and coordinator for federal legislative, regulatory, and executive actions affecting agency programs and operations. This position provides executive leadership with timely, actionable analysis and strategic advice regarding the operational, policy, and fiscal implications of federal developments.

The position monitors federal legislative, regulatory, and executive activity; analyzes potential impacts to HHSC programs; and coordinates agency responses and implementation activities as needed. The advisor develops executive briefings, reports, and other materials to support informed decision-making and serves as a liaison with federal and state government partners, stakeholders, and agency leadership. The position also builds and maintains effective working relationships across HHSC and with external governmental partners to support the timely exchange of information and coordination of agency priorities.

This position is based in Austin, Texas, and includes periodic travel to Washington, D.C.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Monitors and evaluates federal legislation, regulations, executive actions, and related policy developments affecting Texas HHS programs. Produces timely analyses of significant operational, policy, programmatic, and fiscal implications; briefs executive leadership; and coordinates subject-matter input from agency programs. (40%)

Coordinates responses to inquiries from government officials and external stakeholders. Works with program and policy staff to produce accurate, concise, consistent, and timely information. Drafts, reviews, and edits executive briefings, presentations, federal legislative summaries, correspondence, and research materials for internal and external audiences. (25%)

Advises leadership and program staff on federal legislative and regulatory developments. Coordinates cross-agency planning and status reporting for assigned implementation activities and provides guidance and training on federal analysis and implementation requirements. (20%)

Represents the agency at legislative hearings, intergovernmental meetings, briefings, and stakeholder discussions. Documents key developments, communicates decisions and action items, and coordinates timely follow-up with responsible parties. (15%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the federal legislative, rulemaking, and regulatory processes.

Knowledge of health and human services programs in Texas.

Knowledge of state-federal funding and program relationships.

Skill in analyzing operational, policy, and fiscal impacts.

Skill in synthesizing complex information into concise executive-level materials.

Skill in oral presentation and communicating complex policy issues to nontechnical audiences.

Ability to identify emerging risks and escalate time-sensitive issues.

Ability to exercise judgment with sensitive or confidential information.

Ability to build productive relationships across organizations without direct authority.

Ability to manage competing deadlines in a rapidly changing environment.

Ability to travel and participate in hearings or meetings outside normal business hours when required.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public policy, public administration, government, political science, law, health policy, business, or a related field.

At least four years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, public policy, or health and human services.

Experience analyzing legislation, regulations, executive actions, or governmental policy and communicating findings to senior leaders or other decision-makers.

Additional Information:

This position is required to report to the North Austin Complex with periodic travel to Washington, D.C.

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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 View phone number on aiapply.co. 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.