Director of Strategic Operations

Job Description:
The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Director of Strategic Operations performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning for the DFPS Commissioner. Work involves providing strategic direction, establishing goals and objectives; overseeing the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities and business functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within the agency as directed by the Commissioner. Supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions:
Directs program activities and/or business functions within a department(s) or division(s).
•Directs a wide range of forums to develop and maintain excellent policy, communications, and relations with DFPS stakeholders, both internal and external.
•Coordinates and directs activities of the Commissioner’s office and assists with day-to-day office operations and long-range planning, development and operation of the agency and its programs.
•Responsible providing information to the Commissioner for use in making key decisions related to DFPS programs and business operations

Oversees and/or prepares a division(s) or department(s) budget and reviews and approves
major expenditures: and ensures that requirements of funding sources are met.
•Oversees, plans, and makes recommendations regarding budget, fiscal, and contractual documents.
•Manages resources, needs and priorities and approves budget expenditures for the Commissioner.
•Supports the Commissioner in collaborating with the Office of Finance to ensure the requirements of funding sources are met for agency programs and operations.

Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of reports and studies, including
management, productivity, and financial reports.
•Oversees the compilation, management, evaluation, and establishment of critical and high-level operational, productivity and financial reports and studies from program areas regarding DFPS to advise and assist the Commissioner with recommendations and decision-making that align with mission, vision, and goals.
•Performs research related to general business trends and best practices, as well as areas of interest specific to DFPS.

Oversees and/or develops, establishes, and implements goals and objectives consistent with
the agency’s strategic plan; and develops and oversees standards for achieving those goals.
•Oversees and collaborates with DFPS executive leadership to develop, establish, and implement goals and objectives consistent with the DFPS strategic plan focused on Client-Centered Services, Workforce Stability and Development, Agency Operations and Community Relations.
•Coordinates with DFPS executive leadership to oversee and develop standards to promote safe and healthy families and protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; increase stability and rebuild institutional knowledge by understanding the workforce climate and the agency’s needs; focus on reviewing processes, correcting inefficiencies, and adapting to change; and improve external communications, outreach, and collaborations

Oversees and/or plans, develops, implements, and monitors policies, procedures, and
guidelines; and monitors compliance.
•Provides consultative services and technical assistance to agency leadership and management to accomplish agency objectives in accordance with DFPS policies, procedures, guidelines, and directives.
•Oversees and works with DFPS executive leadership to plan, develop, implement, and monitor new and updated policies, procedures, and guidelines for the agency and program areas that meets local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
•Ensures and monitors compliance of DFPS policies, procedures, guidelines, best practices, and initiatives by routinely evaluating operations and programs to ensure successful and consistent outcomes.
•Collaborates with DFPS executive leadership to oversee the review of the impact of proposed federal and state legislative changes on policies and procedures for DFPS.

Develops and oversees the implementation of long-range and short-term plans.
•Develops and oversees the implementation of DFPS long-range and short-term plans to maximize the safety and well-being of clients served, strengthen internal processes, increase stability, and rebuild institutional knowledge, and engage the public to assist with supporting and protecting clients served to promote successful outcomes.
•Works with DFPS executive leadership to develop plans and specific activities to accomplish goals and objectives for DFPS.

Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities and/or business
functions; and identifies need for changes.
•Advises the Commissioner regarding the status and progress of agency administrative operations across the state and recommends improvements and enhancements to programs and structure.
•Takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions and interacts routinely with agency management, various community organizations, other state agencies and elected officials on behalf of the agency and/or Commissioner to solve complex problems.
•Leads in coordinating special projects for the Commissioner for evaluating DFPS programs and operations to also assist in identifying need for changes.

Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences,
and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.
•Responsible for public speaking, and developing relationships with and, management, stakeholders, community organizations, other state agencies, private and public organizations, advocacy groups, and elected officials.
•Represent the agency on behalf of the DFPS Commissioner, as needed, at business meetings, workgroups, task forces hearing, trials, legislatives sessions, conferences, seminars, panels, and committees to examine and explain DFPS programs and operations, at the direction of the Commissioner.

Reviews results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and
modeling exercises to provide direction and guidance.
•Reviews reports developed for executive leadership, budget information and correspondence prior to Commissioner review and recommends appropriate action.
•Evaluates results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and program evaluations that impact DFPS operations and programs to provide overall guidance and consultation to the Commissioner when making decisions regarding operations to promote efficient, effective, and successful outcomes.

Participates in activities related to the legislative process including responding to legislative
requests for information, provides legislative testimony, and oversees the implementation of
legislative changes.
•Consults with agency leadership, management, and staff to oversee and ensure that legislative activities, changes, and assignments are managed and implemented timely and appropriately.
•Supports the Commissioner by providing testimony at legislative hearings and legislative meetings on DFPS initiatives, programs and operations that are implemented for the agency.
•Serves as the point of contact to the Office of the Governor and elected officials for the Commissioner to coordinate and respond to legislative request for information.

Participates in and/or oversees strategic communication efforts.
•Participates in strategic communications, on behalf of the Commissioner, with the Office of the Governor, elected officials or their staff to further the agency’s goals, mission and values.
•Oversees communications to manage the agency’s interaction with news and social, and the agency’s publications and communication products.
•Oversees government relations to build and maintain positive relationship with the Office of the Governor, Legislature, and other related stakeholders.

Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and
directs evaluation activities.
•Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for to solutions and initiatives to maximize the safety and well-being of clients served, strengthen internal processes, increase stability, and rebuild institutional knowledge, and engage the public to assist with supporting and protecting clients served to improve DFPS operations and processes.
•Performs a broad range of functions in support of the Commissioner, including coordinating special projects and providing consultation on various complex issues to evaluate DFPS operations, programs, and processes.
•Works to develop operating plans, goals, objectives, priorities, and procedures of the executive office
•Identifies risks and opportunities for achieving goals determined by the Commissioner, evaluates alternatives, and formulates recommendations.
•Works in partnership with DFPS executive leadership and program areas to continuously assess operations, business functions, planning opportunities, identify needs, evaluate, and enhance effectiveness, identify efficiencies, and promote improved outcomes for the agency.

Reviews the performance of key management positions.
•Evaluates the performance of DFPS executive leadership, on behalf of the Commissioner, to ensure successful planning and directing of DFPS operations and programs and successful implementations of legislative requirements.

May act as deputy director and/or executive director in their absence.
•Acts as the Deputy Commissioner or Commissioner in their absence, as needed.

Supervises the work of others.
•Supervises and directs the work of executive support staff.
•Manages staff workflow and assignments and evaluates productivity and performance using a performance management strategy designed to encourage employee contribution and professional development.

Performs related work as assigned. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities.
Knowledge of State of Texas legislative processes and initiatives.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Knowledge of strategic planning, budget processes, procurement and contract management, and organizational development.
Knowledge of program planning and implementation.

Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business
strategy.
Skill in strategic planning and executing and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in problem solving and analytical thinking and analysis.
Skill in leadership, communication, and public speaking.
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

Ability to direct and organize program activities.
Ability to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
Ability to prepare concise reports.
Ability to make presentations and testify at hearings.
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to compose well-written documents, including letters and position papers.
Ability to establish program goals and objectives that support the agency’s strategic plan.
Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of others.
Ability to build, establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results.
Ability to collaborate and work closely with national, state and community organizations.
Ability to represent the agency head effectively with key stakeholders.
Ability to supervise the work of others.

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