Process Improvement Director

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: Process Improvement Director 
Job Title: Director II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Process Improvement & Innov 
Posting Number: 14093 
Closing Date: 06/07/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $9,635.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 15% 
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: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 
97E0,SEI15 
 
 

Job Description:

The Process Improvement (PI) Director II oversees the PI unit and works under the general direction of the Director of Compliance Operations, within the Office of Compliance and System Coordination (OCSC), in the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The PI Director performs advanced (senior level) managerial work in strategic operations; planning, organizing, implementing, and directing agency plans and reports, process and quality improvement projects, rules and advisory committees coordination, and project management support.

Directs development of strategic objectives and action items that align DSHS programs with agency-wide strategic goals and facilitates processes to achieve those goals. Employs a high level of judgment and decision-making to ensure the strategic vision, mission, and goals of the agency are met through operational planning. Aligns agency-wide strategic initiatives with Health and Human Services (HHS) system-wide priorities. Coordinates planning, developing, and reporting progress on the agency’s five-year strategic plan that is developed every two years in accordance with the State of Texas legislative budget cycle. Coordinates implementation and reporting of the agency’s annual operational plan.

Coordinates agency-wide project management, priority initiatives, program evaluation, and process or quality improvement projects. Develops presentations, researches information to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, and proposes recommendations to agency leadership, state and federal agencies, and other stakeholders regarding agency improvement initiatives, plans, and reports. Coordinates execution of the DSHS Commissioner's directives, Chief Deputy Commissioner’s priorities, and OCSC Deputy Commissioner’s goals for compliance with agency, HHS system, state, and federal administrative standards.

Establishes the PI unit as a resource for special projects and consultation services to internal and external stakeholders. Directly supervises management analysts and program specialists. Plans and assigns the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: (25%) Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines; and monitors compliance. Develops techniques for evaluating DSHS executive business functions and department activities, subject to review and approval by agency leadership. Provides guidance and support to direct reports in project management strategies and tools and in the preparation of management and productivity reports and studies. Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and directs evaluation activities. Works with agency leadership to develop guidelines, data collection tools, schedules, and reporting procedures for multiple major agency-wide initiatives; synthesizes gathered information into simple, understandable formats to support executive leadership decision-making. Provides technical guidance, consultation and recommendations to executive, management, and agency staff to improve business operations. Supervises staff that have lead roles in DSHS project management activities, quality improvement initiatives, and special projects on cross-agency administrative or business functions. Escalates issues as appropriate to executives and management.

EJF 2: (25%) Oversees the development of the agency’s five-year strategic plan and annual operational plan. Facilitates the agency’s strategic planning process. Facilitates development of the agency’s vision, mission, and planning framework. Develops approaches to facilitate DSHS executive leadership’s strategic goals, objectives, and action items. Develops processes and tools for program leadership to track implementation of action items. Designs and implements agency-wide methodologies to gather, analyze, and report operational information for executive review and approval. Represents the agency at business meetings, public hearings, conferences, and on panels or committees. Directs development of agendas and facilitation approach for quarterly executive strategy sessions that are focused on long term planning. Holds planning meeting with key executive staff to discuss content and structure to ensure executive meetings are organized and effective. Establishes submission deadlines from all divisions for content requirements. Collaborates with the Director of Executive Operations on developing agendas and facilitation approach for weekly executive team meetings that are focused on day-to-day business.

EJF 3: (25%) Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities and business functions within DSHS divisions and programs. Gathers pertinent business, financial, and operational information to inform executive leadership decisions. Identifies gaps and opportunities for improvement and evaluates research trends and options, to recommend an appropriate course of action to executive leadership. Evaluates DSHS executive business operations, programmatic goals, and objectives to ensure compliance with HHS and DSHS rules, policies, as well as state and federal statutes. Uses evidence-based cases and best practices to improve DSHS business processes. Reviews and approves management, productivity, and improvement reports and studies. With direction from executive leadership, develops process and quality improvement plans with stakeholders to correct identified gaps within established timeframes and tracks implementation through progress reports. Supervises direct reports in the preparation of project management and productivity reports.

EJF 4: (20%) Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of Process Improvement staff. Hires, manages, and develops staff through conferences, mentoring, coaching, training, professional development opportunities, and performance evaluations. Identifies the training needs of direct reports, develops work performance plans, and conducts performance evaluations annually. Works within agency resources to provide staff with the training, tools, and information needed to carry out their responsibilities and to succeed in their work. Directs and evaluates staff and recommends appropriate personnel actions to foster a fair, honest, and equitable work environment. Evaluates and monitors unit performance and makes appropriate improvements to assure attainment of established goals and objectives. Sets priorities and provides guidance for conducting program evaluations, process or quality improvement reviews and developing agency plans and reports. Directs work assignments and provides clear direction on responsibilities and work performance expectations. Reviews and approves leave and ensures all human resource activities are in accordance with agency and system policy. Disseminates information and management decisions to staff regarding relevant departmental activities. Develops, reviews, and approves budgets and major expenditures for the unit; and ensures that requirements of funding sources are met.

EJF 5: (5%) Completes other duties as assigned in accordance with the direction of the DSHS Commissioner or their designee. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and business function.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Knowledge of project management tools and strategies.

Knowledge of process improvement & quality assurance systems.
Knowledge of effective management practices.
Knowledge of data management/statistical methods.

Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support the agency’s overall business strategy.

Skill in using logic to identify alternative approaches to problem solving.
Skill in operating applicable computer software such Microsoft Office Suite.
Skill in meeting facilitation, strategic planning, and project management.
Skill in working collaboratively with various groups.
Skill in organizing and directing complex projects.
Skill in writing plans, reports, policies, or procedures.
Skill in preparing presentations and training for various groups.

Ability to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.

Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to supervise the work of others.

Ability to devote attention to detail inherent to the work.

Ability to manage competing demands/tight deadlines.
Ability to exercise sound judgement in making critical decisions.
Ability to analyze complex information.
Ability to interpret data.
Ability to organize and present information effectively, orally and in writing. 
Ability to review reports comprehensively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with executives, managers, staff, and external stakeholders.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Preference will be given to candidates who hold the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Program Management (CAPM) certification. However, other relevant professional certifications will be considered.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Master's degree or higher in public administration, public health, business administration, public affairs, organizational leadership, or a related field.

2. Experience with health and human services programs. 

3. Experience leading or coordinating projects across large organizations. Experience facilitating meetings. Experience supervising and/or leading others (at least 5 years).

4. Professional experience can be substituted for educational requirements and vice versa on a year-for-year basis.  

Additional Information:

● Applicants selected for interview are required to provide a writing sample e.g., a formal report, white paper, presentation, or project that was prepared in a professional capacity.

● If selected, a candidate must be able and willing to provide current and previous work references before a final offer of employment is extended.

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