Chief of External Affairs - External Affairs

Job Title

Chief of External Affairs (Deputy Director III)

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Austin, Texas

Monthly: 18,750.

The Chief of External Affairs serves as a member of the agency’s executive leadership team and is responsible for directing the operations and strategic initiatives of the External Affairs Division.

This position oversees Communications, Government Relations, the Office of Public Engagement, and Consumer Protection, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement, legislative coordination, public communication, consumer education, and outreach efforts.

The Chief of External Affairs advises executive leadership and Commissioners on legislative, communications, public affairs, and stakeholder matters; develops and implements agency-wide external affairs strategies; and represents the Commission before legislators, government officials, stakeholders, regulated industries, and the public.

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with an undergraduate degree or higher in business administration, public administration, communications, public relations, political science, government, journalism, or a related field.
• Seven years of full‑time experience in communications, government relations, public affairs, public engagement, external affairs, or a related field.
• Seven years’ experience in a position responsible for managing, directing, or supervising the work of others, including leadership responsibility for programs, operations, or organizational initiatives.

• Experience overseeing or directing communications, legislative affairs, stakeholder engagement, public outreach, consumer relations, or external affairs within a governmental or regulatory environment.
• Experience interacting with Texas legislators, governmental entities, regulated industries, stakeholders, media representatives, or the public regarding public policy, legislative, regulatory or agency operational matters.
• Experience developing or implementing strategic communications, legislative strategies, public outreach initiatives, stakeholder engagement efforts, or organizational improvement efforts.
• Experience advising executive leadership, elected officials, or senior management on legislative policy, communications, or operational matters.

The PUCT operates on a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may request an alternative work schedule in accordance with the PUCT's Alternative Work Schedule Policy.

Veterans, Reservists, or Guardsmen with a Military Occupation Specialty that meets the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. Required documentation for Veteran Employment Preference must be submitted with the State of Texas Application.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.