Director, Leadership and Professional Development

Make your application after reading the following skill and qualification requirements for this position.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Director position for the Leadership and Professional Development (LPD) team within the Strategic Engagement and Employee Support (SEES) section under the Access and Eligibility Services (AES).

AES is driven by its mission to connect people, services, and supports by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance, and other social services.

SEES focuses on AES employees across the state and provides them with the information, tools, and resources they need to be successful in their jobs through the areas of change management, internal communications, leadership and professional development and organizational development.

LPD transforms people, services, and supports through leadership development.

Under the guidance of the SEES Deputy Associate Commissioner, the LPD Director provides highly advanced leadership and directorial functions to support LPD’s key activities, including the two leadership academies for AES staff (QUEST and LEADS), the front-line supervisor leadership program (Keys to Leadership), and ongoing AES professional development projects and initiatives.

The Director also ensures all programs and initiatives administered by LPD align to the organization’s standards and best practices for leadership and professional development.

The position will provide day-to-day direction, oversight and management, including planning, assigning, guiding, and evaluating the work of LPD.

In addition, the individual will work with the SEES DAC on strategic planning, goals and objectives of the LPD section. The Director is responsible for hiring, training, career development planning, coaching staff, issue spotting, course correction, and escalation.

The ideal candidate is an innovative, results-driven leader with a passion for making a difference. They thrive on collaboration, embrace diversity as a source of strength, and continuously seek opportunities to improve.

Join SEES in driving impactful change and leading programs that empower staff to achieve their full potential.

Essential Job Functions :

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Directs LPD programs including the AES leadership academies, Keys to Leadership, and ongoing leadership and professional development projects and initiatives for AES.

Directs unit resources as appropriate and assigns projects as necessary. Develops and implements techniques for evaluating LPD program activities and identifies need for changes. (35%)

Provides overall vision, leadership and strategic direction for achieving the goals, objectives and mandates of the LPD team.

Develops and establishes goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s strategic plan. (15%)

Creates and maintains a work environment conducive to effective communication, collaboration, team building, and professionalism.

Coordinates, communicates and connects stakeholders at all levels of the organization to support successful leadership and professional development activities for Access and Eligibility Services.

Builds strong and supportive relationships with all stakeholders within AES and HHSC. Ensures alignment with AES strategic goals. (20%)

Develops and supports staff including mentoring, coaching and staff development. Provides clear direction to staff and oversees day to day operations to ensure a high quality of services and quick resolution to problems, issues and / or risks.

Manage unit's budget for effective and efficient utilization of resources. (20%)

Represents the department at meetings, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees. Facilitate meetings with AES stakeholders at various levels. (10%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities :

• Detailed knowledge of leadership and professional development disciplines.
• Thorough knowledge of developing and implementing new leadership and development programs or initiatives.
• Knowledge of state policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience managing relationships on teams and with stakeholders including diplomatic resolution of issues and concerns with a sense of controlled urgency and excellent command of oral and written communications is essential.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships and collaboration with peers, executive leadership, vendors and stakeholders.
• Skill in dealing with politically sensitive situations.
• Skill in handling multiple assignments at once.
• Skill in using analytical tools and techniques that measure program performance and effectiveness.
• Ability to create an atmosphere of teamwork through open and participatory leadership, inspiring others to follow their example and being accountable for issues.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to prepare concise reporting.
• Ability to lead and motivate staff to obtain a standard of excellence in their work and to foster an environment of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ability to effectively and simultaneously direct Leadership and Professional Development team in several high-profile learning activities that require advanced planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to perform complex director activities; to establish goals and objectives; is committed to the continuous learning and development of others including staff.
• Ability in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Initial Selection Criteria :

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in leadership development, organizational effectiveness, sociology, communications, English or related field.

Four years work experience in leadership and professional development can substitute for the required degree. Advanced degree (masters) in leadership development, organizational effectiveness, sociology, communications, English or related field preferred.

• At minimum, 4 years’ experience in managing people with progressively increasing responsibilities in training and developing leadership potential in staff.
• Experience with government or large organization leadership and professional development programs and strategies. Experience with Access and Eligibility Services preferred.
• Expert level presentation skills including developing and delivering workshops and trainings.
• Advanced writing and verbal communication skills as observed by detail and completeness of information on the state application.

J-18808-Ljbffr