Governor’s Advisor

How to Apply: The State of Texas application is required and is only received through Work In Texas.

Go to: https://www.workintexas.com/vosnet/Default.aspx

• Job #: 2023-06
• WIT Job #: 15550703
• Opening Date: 9/08/2022
• Travel Required: 5%
• Monthly Salary: $8,333.34 - $10,761.41 /mo
• Position Location: Austin, Texas
• Group Step: B27
• Class: 1883

Veterans, Reservists or members of the Guard can compare this position to Military Occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office.

Omission of data on the state application is grounds for disqualification of the application.

Only interviewed applicants will receive notice of the final disposition of the selection process.

OOG employees applying for a position in the same pay group, if selected, will be laterally transferred with a maximum increase in salary of 3.4%.

General Description

The Governor’s Advisor works within the Office of the Governor (OOG), Budget and Policy Division and reports to the Director of Budget and Policy. Performs advanced (senior-level) advising and analysis work related to Article II (Health and Human Services) of the General Appropriations Act as needed to support and disseminate the Governor’s statewide agenda. Effectively assists and leads state agency executives and boards in strategizing, planning, performance measurement and the strategic allocation of resources. Effectively supports the Governor, his executive team, the Texas Legislature, and other stakeholders in formulating and answering questions, formally defining complex business issues, and determining the most effective course of action to accomplish short-, mid-, and long-term programmatic goals and objectives. Provides superior customer service, including complex technical assistance to the Legislature, senior staff, other state agencies and constituents. Governor’s Advisors remain on-call, including on short notice, during legislative sessions, nights, weekends, and holidays for all related business matters relating to the work of the Budget and Policy Division. May supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties

• Assigned as a lead to the team focused on Article II of the General Appropriations Act.
• Assists agency executives, boards, senior staff, the Texas Legislature, and other stakeholders in researching, evaluating, and preparing comprehensive analyses of state agency budgets, proposed budget revisions, reports, issuing briefs, and flawless written materials on complex state fiscal, policy and programmatic issues.
• Analyzes budget decision ramifications.
• Monitors implementation of major legislation from legislative sessions.
• Evaluates legislation results to develop focus areas for future legislative sessions.
• Provides superior technical and programmatic assistance and leadership to state agency executives as required to clearly disseminate and successfully implement the Governor’s budget and policy priorities statewide.
• Assists the Governor and his executive team in program planning, development, and implementation.
• Conducts benchmarking studies, surveys, inspections, and reviews as required to evaluate and determine compliance with certification requirements, applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluates agency operations and business issues, and prepares timely and factual reports of findings and recommendations.
• Assists agency executives and boards in implementing, overseeing, and evaluating procedural and/or policy changes.
• Assists in the preparation of administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects.
• Engages community and professional groups through public speaking and demonstrated leadership as needed to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in state programs and to achieve local success for the Governor’s statewide initiatives and programs.
• Identifies gaps in resources and recommends improvements. Develops sound action plans to improve existing programs and start new initiatives.
• Leads and actively contributes in the development of OOG and statewide policy and procedure manuals.
• Speaks to complex policy, planning and programmatic issues with clarity.
• Maintains regular work schedule.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; and
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible budget, policy and/or specialized programmatic experience.

Note: Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in and around the Texas Legislature.
• Demonstrated skills in advanced research, policy analysis, writing and public presentations.
• Experience conducting policy research, data analysis, and fiscal analysis.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative skills, an understanding of complex public finance issues, and an overarching interest in advancing strategic budget and policy initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Knowledge of policy expertise area; specific to agencies under Article II.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations and practices pertaining to records retention.
• Knowledge of budget processes which includes developing and monitoring budgets.
• Knowledge of the legislative process, which includes analysis and interpretation of legislation.
• Skill in negotiation.
• Skill in the use of personal computers.
• Skill in developing and making presentations.
• Skill in public relations.
• Skill in public speaking.
• Skill in the use of applicable software, including but not limited to Microsoft suite products.
• Ability to direct the development of policy and operating procedures.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex, technical and managerial problems.
• Ability to develop and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively to convey complex ideas and concepts.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships within and outside the agency.

Registration, Certification or Licensure

Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions

This classification functions in a standard office environment. Ability to move up to 20 Ibs. Ability to drive and travel as needed. Will need to move about the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, set up conference rooms for meetings, etc. Must be able to communicate and exchange accurate information via phone, computer and in person. Must be able to observe and evaluate data in a variety of formats, including hard copy, electronic and media formats. Must be able to work hours during a legislative session that include holidays and as needed.