Career and Technical Education Postsecondary Pathways and Credentialing Specialist; Education Specialist IV

Agency Information

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.

• 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.

Position Overview:

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Postsecondary Pathways and Credentialing Specialist leads the strategic alignment of Career and Technical Education pathways across secondary education, higher education, and workforce systems to expand student access to high-value credentials and career opportunities. This role serves as the primary liaison for statewide initiatives related to workforce dual credit, postsecondary credential attainment, and career pathway alignment, collaborating with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Workforce Commission, education stakeholders, and industry representatives.

The position drives the development of integrated frameworks that connect Programs of Study to Level I and Level II Certificates, Occupational Skills Awards, applied associate degrees, and workforce priorities, ensuring students experience seamless transitions from high school to postsecondary education and employment. Through strategic partnerships, data-informed planning, and systems development, the role advances statewide efforts to strengthen talent pipelines, support economic growth, and meet the evolving workforce needs of Texas.

This position serves as an individual contributor within the Career and Technical Education area in addition to coordinating with other internal teams, Tri-Agency partners, ESCs, leadership groups, and external stakeholders. The role strengthens alignment of pathways across secondary education, higher education, and workforce systems.

This position reports to the Deputy Director, Career and Technical Education within the College, Career, and Military Preparation division within the Office of School Programs.

This position requires up to 25% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

• 1 - Postsecondary Policy and Systems Alignment:
  Leads the development and continuous improvement of statewide CTE-to-postsecondary pathway frameworks that align Programs of Study with Level I and Level II Certificates, Occupational Skills Awards, applied associate degrees, and other high-value credentials.
• 2 - Workforce Alignment and Strategic Partnerships:
  Cultivates and leads strategic partnerships with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Workforce Commission, institutions of higher education, workforce partners, and industry stakeholders to align secondary and postsecondary pathways with workforce priorities, strengthen cross-agency collaboration, and advance statewide talent development goals.
• 3 - Dual Credit and Credentialing Strategy and Resources:
  Guides the design and implementation of statewide strategies and resources that expand access to workforce dual credit opportunities and increase student attainment of industry-recognized and postsecondary credentials.
• 4 - Data Analysis and Systems Improvement:
  Analyzes credential attainment, postsecondary transition, workforce, and program outcome data and systems to inform policy recommendations, strengthen pathway effectiveness, and improve statewide student success outcomes.
• 5 - Strategic Planning and Vision Development:
  Leads the development and implementation of a cohesive vision for the strategic alignment of CTE pathways across secondary education, higher education, and workforce systems, aligning strategic priorities with statewide education and workforce goals. This includes crafting a five-year strategic plan, identifying growth opportunities, conducting landscape analyses, and creating actionable…