Director of Business Operations

Department Of State Health Services - Austin, TX

Full-time - Senior

Austin, TX

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

About the position

The Director of Business Operations at the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) plays a crucial role in overseeing the Division for Infectious Disease Prevention (IDP). This senior-level managerial position involves providing strategic direction and guidance to ensure the effective operation of the division. The Director is responsible for establishing strategic plans, goals, and objectives that align with the overall mission of the DSHS. This role requires a high degree of leadership, as the Director will guide administrative and operational staff, ensuring that daily operations run smoothly across various functions including finance, government affairs, contracts, grants management, policy, communication, and data management. In this position, the Director will also oversee special projects and assignments, acting as a liaison and advisor to the IDP Division Leadership. The Director will work under the minimal direction of the Deputy Associate Commissioner for the IDP Division, allowing for significant autonomy in decision-making and initiative. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying operational improvements and implementing process enhancements to ensure the division meets its objectives effectively. The Director will be expected to attend work regularly and predictably, directing the operations and activities of the IDP division office. This includes developing and establishing division office goals, evaluating activities, and ensuring compliance with established procedures. The Director will provide high-level guidance to IDP Division Leadership and key program staff, advising on policy, planning, and operational priorities. Additionally, the Director will supervise assigned staff, ensuring they operate as a cohesive and reliable team, while also managing communications within the division and with external stakeholders. The role also involves directing special projects as determined by the IDP Division Deputy Associate Commissioner, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives. The Director will be involved in legislative initiatives and will represent the IDP Division in meetings with executive leaders and external partners. Overall, this position is pivotal in driving the strategic direction and operational success of the IDP division, contributing to the public health mission of the DSHS.

Responsibilities

• Directs the operations and activities of the Infectious Disease Prevention (IDP) division office.
• Develops and establishes division office goals and objectives and evaluates activities within the division office to determine needed operational improvements and revisions.
• Provides high-level guidance and direction to IDP Division Leadership and key program staff throughout the division on policy, planning, priorities, operations, and advises on high-level policy issues.
• Supervises assigned IDP Division staff, including planning and assigning work, providing needed coaching and training, conducting performance evaluations, and approving leave requests.
• Directs and coordinates communications within IDP Division, DSHS and with HHSC, external stakeholders and regional staff.
• Represents the IDP Division Deputy Associate Commissioner in meetings with executive leaders and key staff and with external partners.
• Directs special projects as determined by the IDP Division Deputy Associate Commissioner.
• Directs development of ad hoc and routine reports and other project documentation and reviews and approves such reports.

Requirements

• Experience in management and direction of staff and teams preferably in state or federal government.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; preferably with a degree in public health, public administration, social work, epidemiology, biological sciences, or related fields.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience with operating budgets, grant management, public health policy, and the Texas Legislative process.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of Texas laws, rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, practices, and recommendations.
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the legislative process.
• Skill in project management, prioritization, and program evaluation.
• Skill in leadership, communication, and public speaking.