Director, Governmental Affairs - External Affairs/Government Relations

Public Utility Commission of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Utility Commission of Texas seeks a seasoned Government Relations Manager to lead the department, coordinate agency activities with the Texas Legislature, and advise on legislative issues affecting the agency. You will supervise staff, develop legislative initiatives, prepare reports, and represent the agency in meetings with legislators and stakeholders.

This role requires extensive experience with the Texas Legislature and strong policy analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, public affairs, government, or related field.
• Seven years of paid, full-time, progressively responsible experience with the Texas Legislature in legislative affairs or related work.
• Experience supervising, leading, or directing staff.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the Government Relations Department and supervise staff.
• Coordinate development of state legislative initiatives and strategies.
• Develop and implement materials to support legislative priorities.
• Prepare legislative reports, bill analyses, and other documentation.
• Represent the agency in communications with legislators, staff, and stakeholders.
• Monitor legislative activity and provide guidance on policy implications.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Legislative affairs

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science/public administration/public affairs/government

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs advanced legislative, governmental relations, and managerial work in the Governmental Relations

Department. Work involves serving as a liaison between the agency and governmental, legislative, and public

entities; coordinating agency activities related to the Texas Legislature; monitoring and analyzing legislative

matters; and providing guidance and recommendations on legislative issues affecting the agency. Work requires

extensive contact and coordination with elected officials and staff, Commission staff, other government agencies

and the public. Supervise and oversee the work of staff. Work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude

for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Direct and oversee the work of the Government Relations Department, including supervising staff and providing guidance and direction on departmental activities and priorities.
• Identify the need for and coordinate the development of state legislative initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategies, materials and other documents to support the agency’s legislative priorities.
• Develop and conduct seminars and workshops on legislative matters and related issues.
• Develop legislative orientation resources for newly elected legislators and staff.
• Develop and review legislative reports, fiscal impact statements; background summaries, bill analyses, and other information regarding the status and potential impact of pending legislation and newly enacted laws.
• Coordinate and participate in agency activities related to legislative sessions and other legislative matters.
• Coordinate timely agency responses to legislative inquiries and review and edit legislative correspondence.
• Coordinate with agency staff to prepare for legislative hearings and meetings.
• Provide input on policy development and analysis involving governmental and legislative implications; prepare position papers and reports and make recommendations.
• Prepare summaries of legislative meetings and hearings and coordinate with agency staff to develop protocols and procedures for communicating with legislators and legislative staff.
• Monitor interim studies, legislative committee reports, and related oversight activities.
• Monitor enacted legislation through implementation and coordinate with agency divisions and rulemaking staff on implementation timelines, required reports, and other statutory deadlines.
• Attend legislative hearings and meetings and represent the agency in interactions with legislative staff, governmental entities, and other stakeholders.
• Support recruitment and hiring activities for department staff, including participating in candidate interviews, providing input on selection decisions, and supporting onboarding and workforce planning efforts.
• Maintain program documentation and ensure operational readiness for internal or external audits, reviews, or information requests; provide timely information and support to auditors and agency leadership to demonstrate compliance with applicable laws, rules, policies, and program requirements.
• Manage and evaluate the performance, work assignments, and professional development of staff, including participation of the employee performance review process.
• Lead by example and foster a professional work environment in which all staff are treated fairly, respectfully, and equitably; foster a collaborative, respectful, and professional work environment; provide constructive feedback and mentoring to team members.
• Keep management appropriately informed of ongoing activity and critical matters affecting the operation and well-being of the division.

EFECTIVE DATE: 08/12/26

• Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
• Demonstrate a spirit of teamwork, offering positive and constructive ideas, encouragement, support to other members of the staff and team, and respond professionally to constructive feedback from others, while upholding the PUC’s mission and core values.
• Adhere to all PUC personnel policies and division procedures and perform other work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in political science, public administration, public affairs, government, or a related field.
• Seven years of paid, full-time, progressively responsible experience with the Texas Legislature in legislative affairs, governmental affairs, governmental relations, public policy, or related legislative work.
• Experience supervising, leading, or directing the work of staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience developing and implementing legislative strategies and initiatives.
• Experience analyzing legislation and preparing bill analyses, legislative reports, or other legislative materials.
• Experience monitoring legislation throughout the legislative process and communicating legislative developments to leadership or other stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating with legislators, legislative staff, governmental entities, or other stakeholders on legislative or public policy matters.