Deputy Chief of Staff

Description

WHO WE ARE:

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) connects people with careers across the state. We offer competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. This position is based in our agency headquarters on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, working onsite in-office. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

The Commissioner Representing the Public in the Texas Workforce Commission serves as the representative for the public, promoting and supporting the growth of Texas' world-class employers and talented workforce. The Office of the Public Commissioner supports the Commissioner in work that advances innovative workforce and economic development strategies in collaboration with education partners, local leaders, and industry to preserve Texas' competitive edge as the best place to work in the world. The Office of the Public Commissioner is a dynamic, fast-paced team that works on matters that impact the lives of Texans on a daily basis.

WHO YOU ARE:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as a Deputy Chief of Staff for TWC's Commissioner Representing the Public. You will be classified as a Director II, depending on your qualifications and experience. You are a strategic and results-oriented leader who can support the Commissioner and assist in supervising a small team of attorneys and support staff. You are a proven self-starter with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures with minimal supervision. You possess exceptional analytical skills, are adept at evaluating program effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. You are also a confident communicator, capable of representing the agency effectively in various forums, from business meetings to legislative sessions. You are a proactive problem-solver, utilizing data-driven insights from investigations, audits, and research to guide decision-making and ensure the successful achievement of goals and objectives.

You possess a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Texas workers and employers, and you are committed to advancing policies and programs that promote economic prosperity for all Texans. You are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple priorities, and providing sound advice to the Commissioner on a wide range of issues. You are a team player with a collaborative spirit and a strong work ethic.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Deputy Chief of Staff will serve as lead or backup on tasks that support the Public Commissioner and his staff, including:

• Legislative and government relations issues: Requiring professional and competent guidance to the Commissioner on legislative/government issues that arise, and guidance to policy staff on issues as needed.
• Strategy for Commission Office: Requiring the provision of guidance to the Commissioner and office staff on high-level goals for the office to lead on through work with agency staff.

Policy and program initiatives: Including serving as lead on policy initiatives that come up for a vote during weekly Commission meetings and advising/leading staff on program initiatives as needed.

Outreach and communications functions: Support admin and policy staff in preparing the Commissioner for various meetings and speaking engagements. Work with the Commissioner and agency Communications department on quote and other language approvals.

• Meeting and travel coverage/support for Commissioner: Assist in preparing the Commissioner for travel, meetings, and speaking engagements and travel with the Commissioner as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:

• Direct program areas and business functions within the Public Commissioner office.
• Develop and implement techniques for evaluating program activities and/or business functions; and identify the need for changes.
• Develop, review, and approve budgets and major expenditures.
• Develop policies, procedures, and guidelines; and implement and monitor compliance.
• Develop and establish strategic plans, including outlined goals and objectives.
• Develop policies, procedures, initiatives, and guidelines that support the Commissioner's and agencies' mission and vision.
• Represent the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.
• Review results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and modeling exercises to provide direction and guidance.
• Perform other duties as needed.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:

• Five years of full-time experience in the oversight and direction of an agency 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.

OR

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field preferred.
• Seven years full-time experience in program administration, public administration, workforce development, or a related field.
• Three years full-time experience in the supervision of employees.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a relevant field.
• Regulatory Expertise: Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations, business/management principles, and public administration practices.

Strategic Planning & Problem Solving: Skill in strategic planning, objective setting, risk assessment, decision-making, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Leadership & Management: Ability to direct program activities, establish strategic goals, identify/solve problems, develop policies, communicate effectively, and supervise others.
• Experience working in or with the Texas Workforce Commission or other state government agencies.
• Knowledge of Texas workforce development programs and policies.
• Strong understanding of the legislative process.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a relative field.

YOU GAIN:

• A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.

• Competitive starting salary: $10, $11,250.00/month (depending on qualifications, experience, and classification)

• 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

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

VETERANS:

Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs Go to 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:

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at or on Taleo (Job Search). TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including 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

Primary Location: United States-Texas-Austin

Work Locations: Austin:101 E 15th St E 15th St Austin

Job: Project Management Specialists

Organization: TWC Business Unit

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Job Type: Standard

Job Level: Director

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Job Posting: Nov 13, 2025, 12:00:00 AM

Work From Home: No