TWDB - 25-56: Government Relations Specialist I

Company Description

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. Our mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision and the state's mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state's natural resources, health, and economic development.

To accomplish our goals of planning for the state's water resources and providing affordable water and wastewater services, the TWDB provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the state continues to experience and the recurrent threat of severe drought only intensify the need for the TWDB to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner.

Job Description

Only applicants who apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system will be considered for this position. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page at https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

Texas Water Development Board’s Mission - Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. 

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about our employee benefits and more, visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities. 

To be considered for this position, applicants must provide 3 writing samples. Applications without writing samples will not be considered. 

Each writing sample should be no more than 5 pages. Upload your 3 writing samples with your application submission.

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

Job Description Summary 

Performs complex (journey-level) legislative and consultative work of the Texas Water Development Board’s Government Relations Division. Work involves serving as a liaison between a state agency and governmental and legislative entities. May train others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Director of the Government Relations Division. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Participates in agency activities related to the legislative session.
• Attends legislative hearings and meetings with legislators, legislative staff, and other legislative liaisons. 
• Coordinates responses to legislative inquiries and reviews and edits legislative correspondence. 
• Coordinates communication with legislative support and executive agencies. 
• Monitors standing and interim committee schedules and agendas and communicates relevant information to agency management. 
• Prepares report summaries of meetings and hearings. 
• Assists with preparing reports on newly enacted laws and pending state and federal legislation. 
• Assists with developing proper protocol and procedures for communicating with legislators and staff. 
• May identify a need for, develop, schedule, and conduct legislative training for employees within an agency.  
• Represents the agency at appropriate conferences and seminars.
• Develops and maintains effective communication and working relationships with other state agencies, legislative staff, associations, organizations, advocacy groups, and the general public.
• Participates in program activities as assigned to achieve common goals and advances the work of the agency.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive info