Note: To apply for a state agency job with TFC, you must complete the electronic State of Texas Uniform Application for Employment through www.WorkInTexas.com.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Who is TFC: The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) builds, supports, maintains, and manages over 28 million square feet of state-owned and leased facilities that house over 62,000 state employees in over 100 state agencies, all working in the service of the citizens of Texas.

The Opportunity: The Government Relations / Communications Division is seeking a Government Relations Specialist. The position reports to the Director of Government Relations and plays a key role in coordinating and advancing the agency’s legislative and policy priorities. The Government Relations Specialist will monitor and analyze proposed legislation, prepare briefing materials, draft policy summaries, and represent the agency in meetings with legislative offices, state agencies, and stakeholder groups. The role requires excellent communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and actionable information. This position performs advanced consultative work under minimal supervision and requires sound judgment, discretion, and a strong understanding of the legislative process.

Ideal Candidate: A successful candidate brings a collaborative spirit and a solutions-focused mindset to the role. They are adept at building credibility and trust with elected officials, agency staff, and external partners, and they understand how to navigate complex political and organizational dynamics. With a keen eye for emerging issues and a talent for anticipating challenges, they contribute meaningfully to long-term planning and agency positioning. This individual thrives in high-pressure settings, values integrity and discretion, and approaches challenges with a calm, professional demeanor. A strong background in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and representing institutional interests will set this candidate apart.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participates in agency activities related to the legislative session; and attends legislative hearings and meetings with legislators, legislative staff, and other legislative liaisons.
• Participates in agency activities related to legislative sessions, including identifying legislative initiatives, communicating agency objectives, and analyzing, tracking, and monitoring proposed legislation impacting divisions and agency leadership.
• Represents the agency before legislative committees and provides testimony.
• May represent the agency to external audiences, including the media and political subdivsions
• Coordinates agency interaction and testimony before legislative committees, responds to legislative inquiries, and reviews and edits legislative correspondence. Also, coordinates communication with legislative support and executive agencies.
• Develops proper protocol and procedures for communicating with legislators and staff.
• Monitors standing and interim committee schedules and agendas and communicates relevant information to agency management.
• Prepares and write reports/summaries on newly enacted laws and pending state and federal legislation.
• Serves as subject matter expert and division liaison in areas of programmatic responsibility.
• Provides excellent customer service.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Ability to analyze issues, work under pressure and meet close deadlines, communicate effectively, and supervise the work of others.
• Formal Experience testifying and presenting to stakeholders.
• Skill in compiling, evaluating, and presenting legislative information; problem-solving and negotiating; policy analysis and research; and using a computer and applicable software.
• Knowledge of the federal and state legislative processes and state government administration.
• Ability to analyze issues, work under pressure and meet close deadlines, communicate effectively, and supervise the work of others.
• May be required to work on special events or emergency projects after business hours, including weekends and holidays.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in government, communications, public or business administration, business, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of Experience in government or legislative affairs management or directly related Experience in administration, communications, organizational development, or a related field.
• Education and Experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.
• Must possess the ability to attest to and maintain the security or integrity of the state’s critical infrastructure requirement to be considered for hire and to maintain employment.
• Valid State of Texas Class “C” driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the federal and state legislative processes and state government administration.
• Skills in compiling, evaluating, and presenting legislative information; problem-solving and negotiating; policy analysis and research; and computer and applicable software.
• Ability to analyze issues, work under pressure and meet close deadlines, communicate effectively, and supervise the work of others.
• Skill in communicating and presenting information.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service.
• Skill in gathering and analyzing accurate and relevant information.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in managing multiple competing tasks.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships within and outside the agency.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to plan and prioritize workload.
• Ability to communicate effectively to convey complex ideas and concepts.
• Ability to maintain and protect confidential and sensitive information.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR WORKING CONDITIONS:

This classification functions in a standard office environment. No unusual dangers are involved, but the position will have exposure to dust, environmental allergens, pathogens, and other microorganisms consistent with business activities and human contact. The position holder must be able to work effectively with people under varying conditions, must be able to work extended periods at a computer, and must be able to work longer than eight hours in a workday as necessary. Physical requirements also include the ability to move items up to 30 lbs. and perform tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination.

Veterans: Use your military skills to qualify for this position and others at TFC. Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military experience, training, and formal education into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets.

Veterans, Reservist or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of 46S Public Affairs Mass Communication, 46A Public Affairs General, MC Mass Communications Specialist, 165X RL-Special Duty Officer-Public Affairs, PA Public Affairs Specialist, INF Public Information (Warrant), 0570 Advisor, 3N0X6 Public Affairs, 14FX Information Operations, or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Please call Human Resources at (512) 463-1717 with questions or for additional information.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_InformationandCommunication.pdf

TFC Recruiting Policy:

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Initial screening is based on the Education and Experience minimum qualifications defined in the job posting. Interviewee selection is based on applicant information explaining how they meet each Competency (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) requirement. Follow application instructions and fill out application form completely for further consideration.

As part of its employment process, TFC may conduct a criminal background check and/or a driver’s record check. An applicant with an unsatisfactory criminal background check report and/or drivers record is ineligible to be hired for the position for which the report is initiated.

If hired, an employee must prove their permanent right to work in the United States and provide document(s) within three (3) days of hire date that establish identity and employment eligibility.  We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Note: Any male between the ages of 18 and 25 must show proof of registration with the Selective Service System before he can be selected for employment with the Texas Facilities Commission.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Texas Facilities Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability. TFC provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-3433.

WIT Number: 16880430

Contact Information:

Richard W. Allen, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP

Human Resources Specialist

Recruiting and Staffing

Talent Management

Texas Facilities Commission

1711 San Jacinto Blvd.

Austin, Texas 78701

richard.allen@tfc.texas.gov

Direct: 512-463-3433