FSS Director for Policy and Prevention Strategies

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: FSS Director for Policy and Prevention Strategies Job Title: Director II Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: FSS Cont, Fin & Admn Supp 89th Posting Number: 17409 Closing Date: 06/12/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $7,015.16- $11,864.50 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 25% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST Other Locations: Austin MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0
97E0,SEI15


Brief Job Description

This position is selected by and reports directly to the Associate Commissioner for Family Support Services (FSS) and supports the division's work to improve outcomes for children and families in Texas. The Director for Policy and Prevention Strategies is responsible for managing and coordinating the division's:
• Strategic planning, including engagement with external stakeholders;
• Communication efforts internally, with FSS providers, with FSS stakeholders, and with the public regarding prevention efforts;
• Implementation of continuous quality improvement activities, including information and resource sharing, training and convenings;
• Response to the state Legislature and other governing bodies; and
• Engagement with parents, youth, community leaders, and others with lived experience to inform our prevention strategies.
This position performs advanced consultative and technical assistance work to internal and external partners to improve program planning and delivery, accountability activities, communication and training activities, policy guidance and compliance, and business development. Works closely with multiple staff agencies, divisions and programs, national, state and local stakeholder groups. Supervises consulting provided by other team members and work with program support team and internal staff to develop strategies and methodologies for supporting successful and effective program delivery and improved outcomes. Provides consulting methodologies directly to support internal work and collaborative initiatives, including but not limited to meeting facilitation, strategic and project planning, organizational development and change management, sustainability planning, process mapping, program analysis and needs assessments, and resource mapping. Manages activities of staff; trains, leads, assigns and prioritizes the work of others. The Director for Policy and Prevention Strategies works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and judgment and May represent the Associate Commissioner or division leadership on agency and HHS enterprise projects.

This position oversees FSS' staff focused on communication, state and federal policy analysis, division-wide training needs, and cross-team collaborations.


Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.


EJF 1. Provides advanced technical assistance for FSS and consultation to stakeholders including health and human services agencies, education, childcare, and other public or private entities. Provides targeted project management and coordination including strategic planning, identification of outcomes and deliverables, cost analysis, scope definition, communication and coordination, task definition and monitoring, documentation and facilitation of project work groups. Works with partners and team leads to define problems, collect data and plan solutions, including design and implementation of assessment and planning tools. Works collaboratively to identify an extensive variety of program needs and address them through the effective coordination of program support staff and external partner support towards the improvement of program and family outcomes.


EJF 2. Oversees development of training and technical assistance across programs in areas such as program best practices and evidence-based practice, state resources, and creating coordinated local systems. Identifies and coordinates resource and technical assistance needs to support collaborations with key internal and external partners; coordinates, facilitates, and provides training and resource opportunities to advance key initiatives.

EJF 3. Provides leadership and support in the coordination of federal grant activities, including overseeing the submission of any applications or reports to the federal grantors and coordinating across FSS and HHSC for needed activities and compliance.


EJF4. Provides leadership and support for FSS' public awareness, community engagement and outreach and communications work, including overseeing social media presence, external communications tools, development of materials, branding, collaborative messaging and coordination with communities. Serves as the FSS liaison with the Family Health Services Communications team.


EJF 5. Provides leadership and management for FSS Policy and Prevention Strategies Team, creating an internal culture of excellence. Provides coaching, mentoring, feedback and professional development planning for staff. Manages and develops staff through development of performance plans, review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave. Provides leadership within FSS division on creating positive work culture and learning environment.


EJF 6. Coordinates with HHSC Government and External Relations to analyze state and federal legislation


EJF 7. Prepares written project updates, summaries, legislative reports, strategic plans, and updates website.


Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Skill in messaging and communications strategies, including communicating, both orally and in writing, for a wide variety of audiences.
• Skill in writing readable documents/reports, policies and procedures dealing with complex subject matter.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of program needs and address them through the effective coordination of program support staff and external partner support towards the improvement of program and family outcomes.
• Knowledge of the Texas and federal legislative processes and policy analysis.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, administrative rules, program policies, and procedures relevant to program areas.
• Knowledge of process improvement methods and feedback strategies, including assessment tools and survey and focus group process.
• Skill in facilitating large and small groups.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, human resources management, and project management.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others. This includes the need to organize workload and set priorities to ensure the timeliness and quality of work products.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None


Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university required.

Documented experience in strategic planning, advanced project management, or communication strategies.

Note: The selected candidate for this position will be required to work in our Austin office. This position offers a hybrid schedule of remote (telework) and in-office work and staff may have the opportunity to telework as HHSC telework policy allows.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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 click.appcast.io. 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.