Data Governance Policy Specialist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Data Governance Policy Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Chief Deputy Comm Direct 
Posting Number: 15942 
Closing Date: 04/29/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description:
The Office of Public Health Data Strategy and Modernization (OPHDSM) supports the availability and use of public health data to inform decision making and action as well as the governance of agency data assets to ensure consistent data management. The Office of Data Governance develops vision, direction, and leadership to advance agency-wide data governance and data management policies and strategies across DSHS. The Policy Specialist works with DSHS programs on data governance policy and procedures including data sharing, metadata documentation, data quality, and other needs to ensure alignment with people, processes, and technology. Work involves planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing agency policies and processes and developing training and outreach communications related to these policies and procedures.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
EFJ 1: Serves as the primary point of contact for the development and implementation of all data governance policies and processes. Prepares draft policies, procedures, and processes; routes them through stakeholders for review and feedback; and works with the Data Governance Director to resolve feedback. Identifies, develops, implements, and conducts process improvement and ongoing management for data governance and data management workflows, policies, and procedures to ensure a comprehensive data governance approach for the agency. (30%).

EFJ 2: Develops and implements data governance training and communications and plans program activities in accordance with data governance objectives and goals. Assists programs in implementation and documentation of compliance (as needed) with data governance policies. Provides high-level technical assistance for program staff to ensure program alignment with agency policy. Reviews and evaluates outcomes and provides recommendations to standardize data governance across data systems. (25%)

EFJ 3: Provides support in planning and conducting Data Governance Council and associated workgroup meetings. Conducts logistics and creates and maintains meeting slides, meeting notes, and other documentation. Coordinates the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for information and development of reports and presentations. (25%)

EFJ 4: Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluating program activities to ensure continuous process improvement and program development. Assists in the development and maintenance of the program work plan to ensure continuous process improvement and alignment with agency goals. Identifies gaps and opportunities for creating efficiencies in data management and data governance. (15%)

EFJ 5: Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to active participation and/or support to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern, assignment, and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
•    data management and data governance
•    policy and process development
•    training and communication techniques
•    strategic planning and program evaluation
•    project management

Skill in:
•    facilitating effective meetings and communications
•    working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse stakeholders
•    maintaining effective working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization and external partners
•    process mapping, workflow, and process improvement methodologies
•    the use of computers for word processing, spreadsheets, developing presentations, and data visualization
•    written and verbal communication and plain language
•    drafting, reviewing, and approving a variety of communications, reports, presentations, or documents for a variety of stakeholders
•    planning and prioritizing workload, managing priorities to meet deadlines, and developing workable solutions to complex issues
•    identifying measures or indicators of program performance
•    communicating complex ideas clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing to various audiences

Ability to:
•    manage high complexity and priority cross-functional projects, coordinate multiple assignments, and effectively manage time to meet deadlines and short turnaround assignments
•    research, compose, and edit policy documents, materials, and reports
•    design and implement tools for process improvement
•    adhere to security and confidentiality policies and procedures at all times  
•    communicate efficiently and effectively, expressing ideas and concepts clearly, concisely, and accurately both verbally and in writing

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
•    N/A 

Initial Screening Criteria:
1.    Graduation from four-year college or university with major course work in business administration, biology, epidemiology, public health, or closely related field or 5 years of relevant experience is required. 
2.    Two years of experience developing, editing, and analyzing business processes, workflows, policies, and/or processes (required).
3.    Two years of experience developing and delivering presentations and/or trainings to various audiences (required).
4.    Two years of experience managing councils, committees, workgroups, or similar collaborations (required).
5.    Two years of experience with data management and/or data governance (preferred). 
6.    Two years of experience in program evaluation and process improvement activities (preferred).

Additional Information:
•    Applicants selected for interview will be required to complete a skills test. 
•    Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets the initial screening criteria.
•    Full salary range may not be offered due to budget limitations. This is a grant-funded position, subject to available funds.
•    This position is eligible for part-time telework only (hybrid). 

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form