Director (Austin)

THIS POSTING IS FOR EXISTING TWC EMPLOYEES ONLY

WHO WE ARE:
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is seeking a Director II for the Open Government Department in the Office of the General Counsel. Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. We are a Family-Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. By joining our team, you will be part of a collaborative, supportive environment where your daily work makes a tangible difference in the lives and livelihoods of our fellow Texans. This position is located at 101 E. 15th Street, Austin, TX.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:
The ideal candidate performs managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning. Work involves establishing the strategic plan and setting goals and objectives; developing policies, procedures, and guidelines; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities or business functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within departments or divisions. Supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The Director II performs advanced leadership and oversight for our agency’s Open Government Department in the Office of the General Counsel. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. In this vital role, you will be the department head over core functions including public information requests, rulemaking processes, and open meetings. You will guide staff, oversee work quality, develop key policies, and ensure seamless communication with agency leadership on high-visibility matters.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO: 
- Supervise, direct, and coach assigned staff. You will communicate clear expectations, provide timely feedback and performance evaluations, and foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team environment.
- Oversee the smooth and successful operation of the Open Government Department—including public information, request responses, rulemaking projects, and open meeting coordination assuring high accuracy and efficiency.
- Develop and maintain up-to-date policies and procedures. Serve as the agency's ombudsman to resolve public information, rulemaking, and open meeting inquiries professionally and efficiently.
- Design and maintain functional tracking tools, analyze performance data to identify trends, and implement practical improvements to enhance team efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
- Keep senior leadership proactively informed regarding request statuses, emerging issues, and potential risks. Escalate sensitive matters appropriately alongside well-researched, recommended solutions.
- Create, deliver, and continuously improve accurate training materials for internal staff and agency stakeholders.
- Perform related work as assigned, adapting to new priorities with flexibility and a commitment to high-quality standards.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
- Five years of full-time experience in the oversight and direction of an organizational program; or in strategic planning and policy development and implementation, two years of which must have been in an administrative management or supervisory capacity.
- Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.
- One year of full-time in-service TWC experience classified as a Director I with regular status will satisfy the minimum qualifications.
 
YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
- Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Proven experience serving as an Open Records Liaison, with a strong working knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act (PIA) and state agency disclosure requirements.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions; business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.
- Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy; decision-making, including assessing risk and using good judgment to inform decisions and recommendations to leadership; and conflict resolution and working quickly and collaboratively to solve problems.
- Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate agency policies and procedures; to prepare concise reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.

Duty involves up to 25% travel within the state of Texas.

YOU GAIN:
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace
- Competitive salary: $11,593.73 month 
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan 
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance 
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave 
- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefit .

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf 

HOW TO APPLY: 
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment on Taleo (Job Search). TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.