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Job description
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.
Core Values
We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.
Job Description
The Deputy Director, Commissioner Support, plays a critical role in advancing the strategic priorities of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) through high-level program management, support of the Commissioner and his outreach activities, engagement with stakeholders on his behalf and coordination across the agency. Reporting to the Chief of Staff for the Commissioner of Education, this position supports the Commissioner of Education and agency-wide initiatives by coordinating cross-divisional efforts, managing strategic priorities, supporting stakeholder engagement, and overseeing select agency-level programs and contracts. The role requires advanced managerial skills, confidential work, independent judgment, event and meeting coordination and a strong ability to align operations with TEA's mission and strategic goals. In addition, this role collaborates frequently with executive-level staff across the agency, including Deputy Commissioners and Associate Commissioners as well as the Media Relations Director and the Chief of Governmental Relations.
This position is based in Austin, Texas. In-person work at the William B. Travis Building is required at least four days per week.
This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.
A resume and completed short-answer responses are required as part of the application process. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.
1. Lead stakeholder engagement and strategic events management for the Commissioner of Education: This position leads planning and execution of external engagements for the Commissioner, including stakeholder engagement and coordination, briefing materials, and strategic events management and advance support. This position ensures that the Commissioner's external engagements are aligned with agency priorities and executed with excellence. The Deputy Director oversees the Commissioner's executive assistant to ensure timely and accurate delivery of high-level requests and communications.
2. Provide strategic support to the Communications and Governmental Relations divisions: This position facilitates cross-agency coordination for the Commissioner through collaboration on the legislative and public-facing initiatives involving the Governmental Relations and Communications divisions. This includes managing workflows, developing tools and templates, facilitating training and meetings, and ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables for external stakeholders specifically focused on Communications and GR requests and needs. Oversees select processes such as Commissioner briefing materials for meetings and events and collaborates on larger agency-wide projects such as the LBB Strategic Plan. Provides consultative support year-round to ensure alignment with agency priorities and responsiveness to legislative, policymaker and public-facing needs.
3. Manage operational programs and contracts: This position oversees select contracts and programs, including vendor relationships and compliance with procurement standards. Tracks progress, evaluates risks, maintains cost estimates, and collaborates with vendors and internal staff to meet deadlines and deliverables.
4. Support Office of the Commissioner Executive Leadership Team: Provides operational consultation to the Chief of Staff and executive leaders within the Office of the Commissioner. This includes implementing process improvements, advancing cross-divisional collaboration, identifying and mitigating project risks, and providing consultative guidance on operational initiatives.
5. Supervise staff and drive performance excellence: Directly supervises the Commissioner's Executive Assistant and may oversee additional staff or contractors. Provides ongoing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback to support delivery of high-quality work aligned with agency priorities. Establishes clear expectations and supports the professional development of team members in a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework or work experience in education, public administration, government, public policy, or a related field is required.
Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in public sector operations, legislative coordination, or cross-functional team leadership is required, including at least two (2) years of experience in project management or event management.
Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Other Qualifications
Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military
Strong systems of organizational and self-management
Supervisory experience preferred
Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and oversee complex, multi-stakeholder programs aligned with strategic objectives
Experience coordinating legislative processes, conducting risk assessments, and leading enterprise-wide initiatives
Proficiency in developing tools and workflows using systems such as Smartsheet, Excel, or similar platforms
Strong relationship building / consultative skills and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of an organization
Knowledge of public sector contract management, vendor oversight, and program performance monitoring
Ability to synthesize technical and policy information and communicate effectively to executive audiences
Strong ability to receive and incorporate feedback
Commitment to TEA's mission and ability to work under pressure and tight timelines with minimal supervision
New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.
The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.
TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.
Benefits include:
Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page.
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Worksite address
austin, TX, 78716, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.