Government Relations Specialist (Austin) (827302)

Texas Workforce Commission; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family Friendly Workplace

Defined retirement plan

Medical Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Texas Workforce Commission in Austin seeks a diplomatic, analytical Government Relations Specialist III to serve as a vital liaison between the agency and legislative entities. You will manage complex appropriations and finance matters, monitor legislation, prepare testimony for agency leadership, and communicate policy and financial data to diverse stakeholders.

This on-site role requires residency in the Austin area or relocation, offers competitive salaries and extensive benefits, and a clear

Qualifications

• Five years of experience developing, implementing or interpreting policies in public or private agencies.
• Academic credits may be counted toward experience qualifications for this position.
• Three years of full-time experience working with the Texas legislature, legislative staff, or research services.
• Experience within the legislature or a state/federal governmental entity, including work for the Texas House Appropriations or Senate Finance Committees or members who served on those committees as the primary staff member for work on those committees.
• Educational background: Public administration, business, political science, or related field.
• Advanced analytical skills: gather, correlate, and analyze facts to devise solutions and concise reports.
• Effective communication: listening and communicating with diverse groups under pressure.
• Extensive knowledge of the Texas legislative process and state budget cycles.
• Prior experience in legislative bill analysis and fiscal note coordination.
• Excellent time management and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Attention to detail and high-quality work products.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Serving as a primary liaison between TWC and the Texas House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees.
• Focusing on complex legislative and consultative work, specifically regarding appropriations and finance.
• Monitoring and managing the lifecycle of legislation, from initial tracking to final implementation.
• Representing the agency’s message to the Legislative Budget Board and other state entities.
• Building and maintaining strong, productive relationships with members and staff of the Texas Legislature.
• Preparing testimony for agency leadership for appearances before the Texas Legislature.
• Responding to inquiries from agency constituents, the legislature, state agencies, and TWC customers.
• Leading the implementation of enacted laws relevant to the agency.
• Delivering the TWC message effectively to legislative staff and outside stakeholder groups.
• Performing other job duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Legislative process knowledge

Bill analysis experience

Time management

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Public administration, business, political science (major)

Job description

Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. We are based in Austin on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. The position is located in Austin at 101 E. 15th St. in the Government Relations Department. To work in this position, you must live in the Austin area or be willing to relocate to the area.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas.

You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

Who You Are

You're a diplomatic and analytical professional who possesses a strong understanding of state government and a drive for excellence. You thrive in high-pressure environments and are a collaborative problem solver who can meet short deadlines with ease. You excel at building strategic relationships and communicating complex policy and financial data to key stakeholders. You are an expert communicator who can tailor messages to diverse audiences, from legislative staff to agency leadership, and you handle every interaction with discretion and professional insight.

What You Will Do

The Government Relations Specialist III performs highly advanced (senior-level) legislative and consultative work. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, serving as a vital link between the agency and legislative entities.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Serving as a primary liaison between TWC and the Texas House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees.
• Focusing on complex legislative and consultative work, specifically regarding appropriations and finance.
• Monitoring and managing the lifecycle of legislation, from initial tracking to final implementation.
• Representing the agency’s message to the Legislative Budget Board and other state entities.
• Building and maintaining strong, productive relationships with members and staff of the Texas Legislature.
• Preparing testimony for agency leadership for appearances before the Texas Legislature.
• Responding to inquiries from agency constituents, the legislature, state agencies, and TWC customers.
• Leading the implementation of enacted laws relevant to the agency.
• Delivering the TWC message effectively to legislative staff and outside stakeholder groups.
• Performing other job duties as assigned.

You Qualify With

• Five years of experience in the development, implementation or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.
• Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.

You Are a Great Fit With

• Three years of full-time experience working with the Texas legislature, legislative staff, or research services.
• Experience within the legislature or a state/federal governmental entity, including proven experience working for the Texas House Appropriations or Senate Finance Committees or members who served on those committees as the primary staff member for work on those committees.
• Educational Background: A major in public administration, business, political science, or a related field.
• Advanced analytical skills: The ability to gather, correlate, and analyze facts to devise solutions and prepare concise, impactful reports.
• Effective Communication: Skill in listening and communicating with diverse groups and handling high-pressure situations.
• Extensive knowledge of the Texas legislative process and state budget cycles.
• Prior experience in legislative bill analysis and fiscal note coordination.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple, shifting priorities.
• Attention to detail and an enthusiasm for producing high-quality work products.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate in a team environment.

You Gain

• A Family Friendly Certified Workplace
• 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-Benefits

Will work 40 hours a week during hours of operation Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT. Occasional overtime (evenings, weekends, and holidays) will be required during legislative sessions. Management will set the schedule. Duties require the ability to work on-site in downtown Austin. This is a career ladder position with the opportunity to advance within the established career ladder structure after meeting minimum qualifications, competency requirements, and time in position.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas.

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.