Investigator IV-VI

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public‑school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students.
• We are People‑Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students.
• We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them.

New hires, re‑hires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role.

The maximum of the salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.

The Office of Governance (OG) strives to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. We engage with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to promote best practices through two core work streams:
Field Support and Compliance & Investigations. By fostering collaboration across the agency and engaging directly in the field, we advance our vision of creating a safe school environment and excellent education for every Texas public school student.

The Special Investigations Division (SID) is dedicated to safeguarding student welfare and ensuring Local Education Agencies (LEAs) adhere to regulatory standards within the Texas educational system. The division plays a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of education by conducting thorough compliance reviews and leading high‑profile investigations into violations of the laws governing the Texas educational system. These investigations include misconduct and wrongdoing by district officials and trustees.

The three primary teams within SID include Academic Integrity & Student Welfare, the Financial Oversight & School Programs, and Compliance Review.

This ongoing posting seeks to fill multiple Investigator positions at Levels IV, V, and VI. These roles perform progressively complex investigative work that supports TEA’s oversight of Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Placement will be determined by the hiring manager based on qualifications and experience.

• Level IV: Focuses on baseline compliance reviews and investigations related to student safety and statutory obligations. Performs foundational investigative work under limited supervision, exercising significant discretion, initiative, and independent judgment.
• Level V: Executes advanced investigations into complex allegations such as fraud, academic manipulation, and governance conflicts, while contributing to division‑wide initiatives and training. Performs advanced, senior‑level investigative work under minimal supervision, exercising substantial initiative and independent judgment. Frequently plans and organizes complex investigative activities and contributes to division expertise by developing and delivering training on investigative techniques and best practices.
• Level VI: Leads high‑profile investigations and multi‑investigator cases, provides technical guidance and mentoring, and supports strategic planning and quality assurance efforts. Performs highly advanced investigative work with emphasis on high‑profile investigations and lead responsibilities on complex, multi‑investigator cases. Operates under minimal supervision, exercising broad discretion, strategic judgment, and initiative. Serves…