Governmental Relations Specialist III

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.

This position is funded through August 30, 2029. Continuation of the position beyond that date is contingent upon available funding.

The Governmental Relations Division plays an important role in the support of TEA's legislatively-required and requested activities. This position is critical to provide support to the GR Division and their support to the Legislature, Legislative Budget Board, Office of the Governor, and internal TEA staff. Facilitation of information is important if TEA is to achieve the state's strategic vision to ensure that the 5.4 million public school students in Texas are prepared for success in college, career, or the military.

This position reports to the Deputy Director of Governmental Relations as part of a collaborative team. This role provides high-quality support for TEA's efforts to execute against the state's strategic priorities for public education. Experience working through a Legislative Session, managing sunset processes and analyzing policy is preferred to effectively understand and communicate the agency's programs. This role is designed for a dynamic project manager who thrives in fast-paced environments and excels at systems-building, deliverables and timeline tracking, and cross-functional collaboration.

The Governmental Relations Specialist III will serve as a key member of the team by managing the Sunset Process and ensuring timely completion of deliverables. This position involves strong use of project management, systems-building, cross-functional coordination, policy analysis, data compilation, and presentation skills in the form of meetings in support of TEA's legislatively-required and requested duties. This role centers on leading TEA's Sunset Review Process, coordinating across divisions to ensure timely and accurate responses to Sunset Advisory Commission requests, legislative requests, and agency needs.

This position will monitor and manage project quality to ensure that project deliverables are acceptable and fulfill the terms of the project specifications as laid out by the Governmental Relations and Finance teams. Knowledge of the education landscape in Texas, including the political education landscape, the Sunset Review Process, and strong communications skills are preferred. A knowledge of state legislative processes as well as agency programs is preferred.

This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

This position requires working onsite in Austin, Texas. Candidates must be able to report in person to support meetings, business operations, and other job-related responsibilities as needed.

Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

Manages the Agency's Sunset Review Process and ensures timely completion of project deliverables. Utilizes project management techniques and tools by tracking activities, ensuring project tasks are completed on time, monitoring and reporting deliverable progress, facilitating collaboration and communication to support project outcomes, continuously assessing and evaluating assigned projects to determine their impact, and suggesting new strategies to promote positive project outcomes.

Assists with other GR Team projects in collaboration with the GR Program Manager and Deputy GR Director.

Prepares and refines materials for the Governmental Relations Team, Commissioner of Education, and agency staff as part of deliverables for the Sunset Review Process and other GR Team projects. Assists in the development of tracking and monitoring tools for use by the GR Team. May discuss agency information to stakeholders, including but not limited to Sunset Advisory Commission Staff, education organizations, governmental entities, and…