PUCT, Chief of External Affairs (Deputy Director III)

Organization PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS Primary Location Texas‑Austin Job Management Employee Status Regular Schedule State Job Code: 1632 Salary Admin Plan: B Grade: 35 Salary (Pay Basis) 18,750.00 – 19,584.00 (Monthly) Number of Openings 1 Overtime Status Exempt Job Description Chief of External Affairs is a member of the agency’s executive leadership team and is responsible for directing the operations and strategic initiatives of the External Affairs Division. The position oversees Communications, Government Relations, the Office of Public Engagement, and Consumer Protection, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement, legislative coordination, public communication, and consumer education. The Chief advises executive leadership and Commissioners on legislative, communications, public affairs, and stakeholder matters; develops and implements agency-wide external affairs strategies; and represents the Commission before legislators, government officials, stakeholders, regulated industries, and the public. The role provides strategic leadership in a fast‑paced environment, shaping how the agency communicates, collaborates, and engages with Texans, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and regulated entities. Qualifications Graduate from an accredited four‑year college or university with an undergraduate degree in business administration, public administration, communications, public relations, political science, government, journalism, or a related field. Seven years of full‑time experience in communications, government relations, public affairs, public engagement, external affairs, or a related field. Seven years’ experience in a position with managerial or supervisory responsibility for programs, operations, or organizational initiatives. Preferred Qualifications Experience overseeing or directing communications, legislative affairs, stakeholder engagement, public outreach, consumer relations, or external affairs within a governmental or regulatory environment. Experience interacting with Texas legislators, governmental entities, regulated industries, stakeholders, media representatives, or the public regarding public policy, legislative, regulatory, or agency operational matters. Experience developing or implementing strategic communications, legislative strategies, public outreach initiatives, stakeholder engagement efforts, or organizational improvement initiatives. Experience advising executive leadership, elected officials, or senior management on legislative policy, communications, or operational matters. Benefits Competitive benefits package and salary commensurate with qualifications. Salary may be up to 6% less for ERS Retiree or non‑contributing members. Veterans’ Preference Veterans, Reservists, or Guardsmen who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. Required documentation: Veterans – DD Form 214; surviving spouses – Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300; orphans of a killed veteran – Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300. Employment Eligibility and Legal Compliance All information provided in the employment application must be accurate and complete. Misstatement, falsification, or omission may result in refusal to hire or termination. Licensure as a Professional Engineer or to practice law in Texas may be required and will be verified for the selected candidate. A satisfactory driving record is required for agency business travel. Driving records will be evaluated per the Commission’s Traffic Safety policy. Selective Service registration will be verified for males born on or after January 1, 1960. Unregistered males must provide proof of exemption. The Commission participates in the EVerify+ system to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of the EVerify+ employment eligibility process. The Commission does not sponsor employees for work authorization nor offers a STEM OPT extension program. Applicants for positions with sensitive systems may be subject to a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment. Public Utility Regulatory Act imposes restrictions on employees’ investments, professional activities, and relationships with public utilities. Employees are prohibited from holding a financial interest in a public utility, its affiliate, or a person whose business primarily serves public utilities. Details on post‑employment restrictions are available upon request. Equal Employment Opportunity The PUCT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System