Mid Level Chief Operating Officer Jobs

INTRODUCTION

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.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Functional Title: Director of Business Operations

Job Title: Director III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Operations Support Services

Posting Number: 20025

Closing Date: 08/27/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations

Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $13,051.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework:

Travel: Up to 25%

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 Business Operations Director (Director III) reports to the Director for Strategic Operations and performs advanced managerial work that provides strategic direction and operational oversight for Contract Operations, Customer Service Representatives, and Audio Visual and Webcasting programs that support the Health and Human Services system. The position establishes goals, priorities, policies, performance measures, and operational plans; oversees budgets, contracts, special projects, and continuous improvement initiatives; and ensures services align with HHSC priorities and requirements. The Director supervises the work of others and works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

1. Strategic Direction and Operational Oversight

   Directs program activities and business functions for Contract Operations, Customer Service Representatives, and Audio Visual and Webcasting programs. Establishes short- and long-term goals, priorities, schedules, standards, and implementation roadmaps that align with agency and division objectives. Identifies operational risks and service gaps and implements solutions that support continuity, efficiency, and service quality. (25%)

2. Leadership and Staff Development

   Leads professional, managerial, and support staff. Assigns responsibilities, communicates expectations, evaluates performance, and ensures staff receive appropriate training, resources, coaching, and professional development. Models ethical leadership and promotes accountability, employee engagement, collaboration, and follows the performance criteria as outlined by HHSC. (20%)

3. Performance, Policy, and Process Management

   Develops, implements, and maintains policies, procedures, guidelines, manuals, and process documentation. Establishes and monitors performance measures to evaluate operational effectiveness and progress toward goals. Analyzes program results, data trends, legislative changes, policy changes, internal audits, research, forecasts, and other information and recommends improvements to processes, controls, and service delivery. (20%)

4. Contract, Budget, and Resource Oversight

   Provides oversight of contracts, budgets, major expenditures, and related resources. Reviews and approves financial, productivity, and management reports and ensures compliance with funding requirements, state law, agency policy, procurement requirements, reporting standards, monitoring activities, and contract closeout responsibilities. Coordinates with contracting staff, budget staff, leadership, and other partners to support timely procurement and contract execution to mitigate agency risk. (15%)

5. Stakeholder and Cross-Division Collaboration

   Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to resolve operational issues, coordinate priorities, and support strategic initiatives. Facilitates cross-division communication, builds partnerships, and represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, conferences, seminars, and on boards, panels, or committees, as assigned. (15%)

6. Reporting and Special Assignments

   Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and presentation of operational information. Provides professional guidance to management and support staff to ensure adherence to established requirements and procedures. Leads or supports special projects and related assignments. (5%)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:
- Local, state, and federal laws and regulations applicable to program activities, business functions, Texas government operations, and legislative processes.
- Public administration, strategic planning, resource allocation, performance management, organizational effectiveness, and leadership principles.
- Federal and State procurement and contracting laws, and HHSC procurement and contracting policies.
- Project management, change management, and process improvement.
- HHS systems and reporting tools, including but not limited to CAPPS, CAPPSFIN, SCOR, and SharePoint.

Skill in:
- Establishing plans, goals, objectives, priorities, and performance measures that support organizational strategy.
- Analyzing complex issues, legislation, operational data, financial information, and program results.
- Assessing risk, exercising sound judgment, resolving conflicts, and developing practical solutions.
- Communicating and presenting complex information clearly and concisely to executive leadership and diverse audiences.
- Building collaborative relationships across divisions, agencies, and stakeholder groups.
- Leading, supervising, coaching, and developing staff to achieve performance outcomes.
- Managing multiple complex projects and competing priorities.

Ability to:
- Direct and organize program activities and business functions.
- Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
- Develop, evaluate, and implement policies, procedures, and process improvements.
- Interpret and apply statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and contractual requirements.
- Translate business needs into operational improvements and measurable outcomes.
- Build consensus and resolve issues among stakeholders with differing perspectives.
- Prepare concise reports and executive-level materials.
- Work independently, exercise initiative, and make critical decisions.
- Supervise and develop employees.

REGISTRATIONS, LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification is required within six months of hire.
• Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification is preferred.

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA

• Preferred: Certified Texas Contract Management (CTCM) certification.
• Required: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, communications, public administration, human resources, organizational leadership, or a related field.
• Required: Five years of experience working in a large, complex public-sector organization.
• Required: Five years of experience leading, managing, and directing multidisciplinary staff, including directors and managers.
• Required: Five years of experience collaborating across divisions or agencies.
• Required: Three years of experience in contract management or contract oversight.
• Required: Five years of experience in change management, process improvement, continuous improvement, or the development of operational policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position may be eligible for telework and reports on-site in Austin. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies, supervisor discretion, and business needs. Salary is dependent upon budget availability.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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.