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Senior Advisor for the DEC for Contract Management and Procurement Strategy

Texas Health and Human Services, Austin, TX, United States


Date: Mar 4, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title:

Senior Advisor for the DEC for Contract Management and Procurement Strategy Job Title:

Director II Agency:

Health & Human Services Comm Department:

MCS Chief Office Posting Number:

14432 Closing Date:

03/18/2026 Posting Audience:

Internal and External Occupational Category:

Community and Social Services Salary Range:

$7,015.16 - $11,864.50 Pay Frequency:

Monthly Salary Group:

TEXAS-B-27 Shift:

Day Additional Shift:

Days (First) Telework Travel:

Up to 5% Regular/Temporary:

Regular Full Time/Part Time:

Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:

Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City:

AUSTIN Job Location Address:

4601 W GUADALUPE ST Other Locations:

Austin

MOS Codes:

8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 97E0,SEI15

Brief Job Description The Senior Advisor (Director II) serves as a senior executive-level leader within Contract Management and Procurement Strategy (CMPS) in the Chief Medicaid and CHIP Services Office (CMCSO) and provides advanced, highly complex strategic direction and advisory services to the Deputy Executive Commissioner (DEC) for CMPS. The position exercises significant independent judgment and executive authority in overseeing administrative, contractual, fiscal, and operational functions supporting major Medicaid and CHIP procurements and contract administration activities. This role is accountable for advancing division-wide strategic priorities; ensuring compliance with federal and state regulatory frameworks; safeguarding the integrity of high-profile governmental contracts; and aligning CMPS operations with the mission, vision, and strategic objectives of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The Senior Advisor directs and coordinates cross division or cross agency initiatives that have internal and external impacts on CMPS and CMCSO and ensures strategic alignment with the mission and vision of HHSC. This position supports CMPS with strategic planning, coordination, communications, research, analysis and evaluation, and exploration of policy issues impacting CMPS. This role is instrumental in shaping the operational success of CMPS. Through diplomacy and strategic communication, the Senior Advisor facilitates the resolution of high‑profile initiatives across HHSC on behalf of and within CMPS. The position is also responsible for establishing and overseeing the implementation of CMPS and CMCSO priorities. Exercises delegated executive authority in the absence of the DEC, as appropriate.

Essential Job Functions Strategic Planning, Performance Monitoring, and Project Execution (35%) Under the direction of the DEC, directs and oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of department goals, performance measures, and accountability systems aligned with division and agency outcomes. Provides executive-level oversight of risk management activities and proactively identifies emerging operational, fiscal, contractual, or compliance risks impacting major procurements and contract administration functions. Manages diverse and high priority agency and division-level initiatives and assignments. Designs, coordinates, and facilitates strategic planning sessions and leadership meetings with department leaders and key staff to define priorities, assess progress, and strengthen cross-functional collaboration across operational areas. Tracks the implementation of goals, measures, and executive priorities, including execution of critical projects. Anticipates and identifies emerging risks or barriers to progress and proactively recommends corrective actions. Consults and advises with management, agency staff, and executive leadership to ascertain needs, identify appropriate resources, resolve problems, and ensure efficient and effective support for CMPS and CMCSO, as well as alignment with HHSC’s strategic vision.

Issue Management and Liaison Functions (30%) Directs the triage and executive coordination of complex, sensitive correspondence and issues requiring DEC review, ensuring timely, accurate, and strategically aligned responses. Represents the DEC at meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, conferences, committees, or stakeholder meetings when direct DEC participation is not possible, as appropriate. Provides guidance, direction, and technical assistance to CMPS staff on policy, stakeholder, communication, and programmatic matters. Plans, prioritizes, and performs complex policy research, analysis, and evaluation of MCS programs, policy, and operations. Ensures consistency in executive messaging and strategic positioning related to high‑dollar procurements and contract oversight activities.

Organizational Effectiveness and Engagement (15%) Directs and coordinates operational planning and decision-making, including planning and decisions related to CMPS priorities. Serves as a liaison between CMPS and other MCS or agency divisions on internal agencywide initiatives. Leads executive-level initiatives to promote organizational culture, employee engagement, and leadership alignment across CMPS. Assists with planning and facilitating leadership meetings, retreats, and department-wide communications. Leads department-wide staff recognition and engagement initiatives that strengthen morale and reinforce organizational culture. Identifies and helps implement improvements in organizational effectiveness, coordination, and communication structures including SharePoint.

Workforce Development and Engagement (10%) Supports the DEC in promoting a culture of workforce excellence and accountability across CMPS. Monitors compliance with agency standards for employee performance management, state-required training, and overall administrative obligations. Facilitates organizational changes, including position development, staffing transitions, and structure realignments, ensuring that changes are planned and executed smoothly. Ensures CMPS areas provide consistent, high-quality onboarding experiences for new hires that promote a positive and informed entry into CMPS.

Other duties as assigned (10%) Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of

Executive operations and governance;

Principles of strategic planning, performance measurement, contract management, and project coordination;

Organizational management within large public agencies; and

Federal/state frameworks governing Medicaid and CHIP operations.

Skill in

Managing highly complex, high‑risk initiatives with significant fiscal and policy impact;

Synthesizing large volumes of information into actionable recommendations;

Drafting clear, high- level communications; and

Working effectively with senior executives and diverse stakeholders.

Ability to

Exercise advanced independent judgement judgment and maintain confidentiality;

Manage sensitive issues with diplomacy;

Coordinate across divisions/departments to achieve shared objectives; and

Operate independently in a fast‑paced environment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications N/A

Required

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (relevant work experience and the educational requirement can be substituted for each other on a year for year basis).

At least three years’ experience analyzing performance data, value streams/workflows, or policy impacts to inform executive level decision‑making.

Experience in strategic business planning with leadership teams.

Preferred

Major coursework in business administration, health or public administration, political science, organizational leadership, or related field preferred.

Experience with continuous process improvement methods, preferred.

Additional Information N/A

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on‑line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market: Austin

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