WHO WE ARE: Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in the TWC Main Office in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide and many of our positions are suitable for teleworking. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits.

This position a hybrid position with occasional teleworking allowed.

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

WHO YOU ARE: A dedicated Government Relations professional with experience working in the Texas Capitol who is looking to put their skills to work for a state agency with a wide range of services that impact the lives of every Texan. You are a self-starting, motivated, collaborative problem solver who understands the value of clear and concise messaging in achieving results.

WHAT YOU WILL DO: The Government Relations Specialist I performs complex (journey-level) legislative and consultative work. Work Involves serving as a liaison between TWC and the Texas Legislature and other elected officials. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO: -Serve as a liaison in the Governmental Relations Department to the Texas Legislature. -Perform Complex and consultative work related to agency programs and initiatives. -Develop and maintain close relationships with members and staff of the Texas Legislature. -Work closely with assigned legislative committees. -Respond to inquiries from agency constituents, the legislature, and staff, and TWC service delivery customers. -Monitor committee hearings and legislation relevant to TWC as it moves through the legislative process. -Manage implementation of legislation relevant to TWC. -Development and maintain relationships with outside groups pertinent to assigned program areas. -Deliver the TWC message to the legislature, legislative staff, and state agencies upon request. -Perform other duties as assigned.

YOU QUALIFY WITH: -Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university plus three years of full-time experience working with the state legislature, legislative staff or research services, or four years of experience in the development, implementation or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency. -One year of full-time qualifying experience may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of education.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH: -Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public administration, business, political science, or related field. -Three years of experience working in the Texas legislature or performing Governmental Relations duties at a state agency. -Experience tracking legislation at the state level and producing reports and summaries of legislative action and committee hearings. -Experience with policy issues related to Federal Workforce Programs, Unemployment Insurance, and Economic Development. -Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to analyze various issues; to work under pressure and meet short deadlines. -Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare concise reports; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures. -Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals. -Skill in listening to and communicating with a diverse group of people. -Skill in planning, organizing, and coordinating work to effectively meet frequent and/or multiple deadlines; in handling multiple tasks simultaneously and in managing priorities and demands.

YOU GAIN: - A Family Friendly Certified Workplace. - Competitive salary: 5,983.95/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-Benefits.

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_InformationandCommunication.pdf

HOW TO APPLY:

-To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo.

-Applicants must be legally authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. We will not consider applicants that will need sponsorship now or in the future.

-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.