PDG Program Specialist (Hybrid)

PDG Program Specialist (Program Specialist IV-V)

TWC is looking for an experienced Program Specialist to join our Child Care Program Policy team with the Child Care & Early Learning (CC&EL) division!

The successful candidate has knowledge and skills in communications, project management, and a strong understanding of early childhood systems. The successful candidate has exceptional written communication skills.

The position reports to the Child Care Program Policy Manager and works closely with the Inter-Agency Deputy Director of Early Childhood Support.

Who We Are:

TWC connects people with careers all over the state. While we are headquartered on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, we have offices statewide.

TWC is also the state's lead agency for the federal Child Care & Development Block Grant and administers the Child Care & Development Fund (CCDF) in partnership with local Workforce Development Boards and the Health & Human Services Commission's Child Care Regulation Division.

The CC&EL Program Policy team oversees the implementation of the state's child care assistance program, develops policy and guidance, analyzes legislation, and supports statewide child care and early learning initiatives.

This position is grant funded and supports the Texas Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) three-year renewal grant.

This position is a hybrid/work-from-home role. While attendance will be required at some in-person meetings in the Austin area, the majority of work will be performed remotely. Some travel is required. You must live in or be willing to relocate to Texas to be considered for this position. The ideal candidate will have a secure, dedicated workspace with Internet service, ability to maintain a reliable and consistent work schedule, and availability for weekly meetings and group collaboration via Microsoft Teams and other applications during regular business hours.

What You'll Do:

The PDG Program Specialist will perform highly complex (mid to senior-level) communication and project management services. Work involves coordinating inter-agency PDG B-5 activities and interfacing with program staff, government agencies, community organizations, and the general public. You may serve as a team lead, providing direction to others. You will work under limited supervision, with moderate to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

General Duties:

- Develop and facilitate trainings, webinars, and presentations on the state's PDG B-5 activities.

- Develop and coordinate dissemination of internal and external communications about PDG B-5 activities.

- Complete and submit federal and state reports.

- Coordinate major PDG B-5 projects, keeping management abreast of progress, issues, and risks.

- Plan and schedule inter-agency and stakeholder meetings, including in-person and virtual meetings, for PDG B-5 activities and strategic planning sessions.

- Perform complex policy and programmatic research related to the PDG B-5 grant program to support the development of agency policy, directives, and special initiatives.

- Meet regularly with PDG-B-5 contractors and inter-agency stakeholders to coordinate and perform grant activities.

- Represent the department at cross-department meetings and for agency and division-wide efforts and represent the agency at meetings and conferences with federal, state, and local agencies or organizations.

- Coordinate family engagement activities to support PDG B-5 projects.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

What You'll Earn:

The salary is $4,610 - $5,688 a month ($55,317- $68,246 a year) depending on experience.

Benefits include medical insurance, sick leave, vacation leave and a variety of retirement plans. Learn more: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits

TWC is a Family-Friendly Certified Workplace.

What You Need to Get Hired:

- Program Specialist IV: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university plus one year and six months of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.

- Program Specialist V: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university plus two years of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.

- All Levels: One year of full-time experience may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of education. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Other Things We'll be Looking For:

- Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.

- Experience presenting to or training adults.

- Attention to detail and an enthusiasm for producing high quality work products.

- Proven ability to manage a large, complex project.

- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

- Master's degree in Communications, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Public Policy, or related field with policy course work is preferred.

- Strong knowledge of child development and early childhood education and familiarity with various early childhood systems.

When Should You Apply/Other Things to Know:

Apply now. This job is posted until it's filled. It's a great job for an experienced Program Specialist and we think it will draw a lot of applicants.

Candidates may be asked to complete a pre-interview questionnaire.

Apply through WorkInTexas.com or Taleo.

Veterans:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs. Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

HOW TO APPLY:

- To be considered, please complete an Application for Employment and apply on Taleo.

- TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas.

- In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

- A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.