Senior Policy Advisor

About the role

The Program Specialist VII (Senior Policy Advisor) performs highly advanced policy, regulatory, and programmatic work for the Health Care Regulation (HCR) Policies and Rules Unit within the HHSC Regulatory Services Division. The position serves as a senior advisor and resource to HCR leadership and staff, supporting complex initiatives, high‑priority projects, strategic decision‑making, and organizational goals through policy analysis, regulatory interpretation, research, planning, consultation, and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Project Development, Leadership, and Management (30%): Lead advisory, research, analysis, and development on complex, high‑priority projects; maintain expertise in applicable laws and regulations; develop and propose project plans, recommendations, and implementation timeframes; ensure quality and accuracy of work products.
• Program Planning, Evaluation, and Risk Assessment (30%): Assist the PRU Director with planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives; evaluate programs using data and stakeholder feedback; identify risks, gaps, and opportunities; communicate evidence‑based recommendations.
• Legislative and Executive Support (20%): Analyze state and federal legislation; provide impact analysis and recommendations; serve as liaison for legislative, media, and external inquiries; coordinate and prepare reports and analyses.
• Team Leadership and Support (20%): Act as PRU team lead and resource; provide consultation, technical assistance, and guidance; promote quality and consistency of work products; represent the PRU Director in meetings and legislative activities; mentor and support team development.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience leading complex projects, business initiatives, or program activities and providing guidance or consultation to others.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Health, Human Services, English, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, or a related field preferred (relevant experience may substitute up to four years).
• Excellent written communication skills, including writing, editing, grammar, and attention to detail.
• Experience in project management, program evaluation, policy analysis, regulatory compliance, or related work preferred.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to support recommendations and decision‑making preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Public administration, organizational operations, and leadership principles.
• Program planning, evaluation, performance measurement, data analysis, reporting, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Project management principles, methodologies, and practices, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and risk management.
• Research, process improvement, and organizational assessment techniques.
• Policy development, regulatory compliance, and consultation practices.
• Applicable state and federal laws, regulations, legislative processes, and industry best practices related to HCR‑regulated providers.
• Stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and collaborative decision‑making strategies.
• Leading, planning, managing, and coordinating complex projects and strategic initiatives.
• Conducting research, analyzing data, and developing evidence‑based recommendations.
• Providing consultation, technical assistance, and professional guidance.
• Building collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitating meetings, workgroups, and stakeholder discussions.
• Effective written and verbal communication with diverse audiences.
• Reviewing and evaluating policies, programs, processes, and operational practices.
• Prioritizing, organizing, and managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Maintaining professionalism and emotional intelligence in feedback processes.
• Identifying and mitigating risks, solving complex problems, and implementing practical solutions.
• Proficiency with standard business software applications.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time‑off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.
• Additional benefits detailed on the “Benefits of Working at HHS” webpage.

Pay

Salary range: $7,438.29 – $9,508.25 per month (pay frequency: monthly).

Schedule

• Shift: Day.
• Full‑time position (regular employment).
• Telework eligible (subject to agency policies and supervisor discretion).
• Travel up to 25% of time, including statewide travel for policy and rule needs.