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About the Role

Performs advanced (senior-level) legislative and consultative work, serving as a liaison between a state agency and governmental and legislative entities. The Government Relations Specialist II serves as a liaison between the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and legislative offices, state agencies, and other governmental agencies. This position is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and tracking legislation and policy developments that impact DFPS programs and operations. This position supports the development of legislative reports, presentations, and responses to legislative inquiries. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Responsibilities

Participates in agency activities related to the legislative session, including identifying legislative initiatives, communicating department objectives, analyzing, tracking and monitoring proposed legislation impacting DFPS or its clients through coordination with program areas and agency leadership.
Reviews proposed legislation to assess its potential operational, fiscal, and policy impact on DFPS programs, and translates complex bill language into clear, practical information for agency leadership and program staff.
Reviews draft bill analyses prepared by program areas to ensure accuracy, consistency with agency policy, and clarity before external submission.
Works closely with the Government Relations Director to support DFPS’s engagement with legislative interim committees by coordinating agency participation, gathering internal input, preparing written materials, and ensuring timely follow-up on legislative requests or committee recommendations.
Attends legislative hearings and meetings with lawmakers, staff, and other agency liaisons throughout the legislative cycle, representing DFPS, capturing key takeaways, identifying policy trends, and communicating timely updates back to agency leadership and program areas.
Coordinates agency interaction and testimony before legislative committees.
Works closely with executive and program staff in advance of legislative hearings to prepare testimony, align messaging, and confirm participants are fully briefed.
Reviews and edits draft testimony prepared by DFPS staff to ensure it is clear, accurate, and aligned with agency policies and priorities.
Provides feedback and guidance to DFPS staff to strengthen key points and maintain a consistent agency voice during legislative testimony.
Coordinates responses to legislative inquiries; reviews and edits legislative correspondence.
Coordinates agency communications with legislators and their staff by tracking legislative inquiries, gathering responses from relevant program areas, and ensuring all information shared is accurate, timely, and aligned with agency policies and messaging.
Works closely with executive leadership and program staff to review, edit, and finalize outgoing correspondence to legislators and their staff.
Serves as a point of contact for coordinating communication between DFPS and legislative support, such as the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), and other executive agencies.
Manages agency communications with legislators and external stakeholders regarding proposed or active legislation impacting DFPS.
Coordinates responses to legislative and stakeholder inquiries related to agency programs, services, and policies by collaborating with internal subject matter experts.
Coordinates communication between DFPS and legislative support agencies such as Legislative Budget Board (LBB), the Legislative Council, and executive agencies including the Governor’s Office and Health and Human Services.
Monitors standing and interim committee schedules and agendas; communicates relevant information to agency management.
Ensures agency executives and legislative coordinators are well-prepared for the legislative session by monitoring the implementation and rulemaking processes associated with newly passed legislation.
Monitors the schedules, agendas, and activities of standing and interim legislative committees, identifying items that may impact DFPS programs or require agency input, and communicating relevant updates to agency leadership and program staff.
Coordinates with internal stakeholders to identify when agency representation is needed for legislative committee hearings or meetings, and communicates those needs to executive leadership.
Prepares summaries of meetings and hearings.
Prepares clear and concise summaries of legislative meetings and hearings that relate to DFPS programs and policies, capturing key discussions, decisions, and follow-up actions.
Develops and distributes timely summaries of relevant meetings and hearings to agency executives, the government relations team, and program leadership.
Maintains the DFPS Government Relations Handbook by regularly updating guidance, templates, and protocols.
Collaborates with program and executive staff to review and edit agency responses to legislative inquiries.
Coordinates agency responses to legislative inquiries by tracking incoming requests, working with internal subject matter experts to develop content, and ensuring responses are delivered within expected timeframes.
Prepares comprehensive reports on newly enacted state laws and pending state and federal legislation that impacts DFPS programs, policies, funding, or operations.
Delivers targeted training sessions to DFPS staff and program legislative coordinators on preparing for legislative bill analyses, crafting fiscal notes, and representing the agency in public testimony.
Performs related work as assigned.

Requirements

Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbott Executive Order GA-48.
Experience working with the federal or state legislature, legislative staff, advocacy organizations or research services.
Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.
State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code.
As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards.
The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.
DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.

Skills

Knowledge of state and federal legislative processes and state government administration.
Skill in compiling, evaluating, and presenting legislative information.
Skill in problem solving and negotiating.
Skill in policy analysis and research.
Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.
Ability to analyze issues.
Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.

Location

AUSTIN

Work Type

Full time

Experience Level

Advanced (senior-level)
Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Education Level

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred.

Salary/Compensations

$5,797.66 - $9,508.25 Monthly

Benefits

100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
Public Service Loan Forgiveness may be available

About the Company

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

Equal Opportunity

All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position.