Governmental Relations Specialist II Job Austin area,Texas USA,Government

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.

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 Governmental Relations Specialist will serve as a liaison for the agency to legislative staff, education stakeholders, and internal staff, on public education issues and policies. This position involves strong use of project management, policy analysis, data compilation, presentation skills in support of TEA's legislatively required and requested duties. It also requires an understanding of the education landscape in Texas, including the political education landscape, as well as strong communications skills.

Knowledge of state legislative processes as well as agency programs is preferred.

The Governmental Relations Specialist will work closely with the Chief of Governmental Relations and the Governmental Relations Team to provide high-quality support for TEA's efforts to execute against the state's strategic priorities for public education. TEA sees this role as critical to the success of achieving the agency's vision to prepare the 5.4 million public school students in Texas for success in college, career or the military.

This position is part of a team that reports to the Chief of Governmental Relations. Experience working through a Legislative Session and analyzing policy is required to effectively understand and communicate the agency's programmatic and policy goals to members and staff of the Legislature, Office of the Governor, and other stakeholders as needed. Works under minimal supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

Please note that a resume and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. 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.

Support the functions of the Governmental Relations Division: Works with the division to ensure all Legislative calls and requests are responded to in a timely manner. Works within a team on special nonrecurring and ongoing projects which may include planning and coordinating multiple presentations, disseminating information, and ensuring close out of inquiries or questions from elected officials.

Assists with Governmental Relations Projects: Assists in developing project plans, scheduling; and reviews policies, practices, and procedures for Governmental Relations Team with an eye toward codification of processes and continuous process improvement of the team. Regularly updates legislative contacts and responses log, division policies, and procedures as necessary. Collaborates with the Governmental Relations Team to support State Board of Education and Agency Commissions, Task Forces and performs related work as assigned

Establish and Maintain Relationships with Legislative Staff and Outside Education Organizations: Acts as Liaison with external parties, including legislative offices and education stakeholders as assigned. Ensures the completion and close out of deliverables from hearings and meetings. This position will create and monitor meeting summaries and deliverables.

Assist Office of the Commissioner Team to Ensure Effective Commissioner Support: Assists the Office of the Commissioner in supporting the Commissioner of Education during travel, events, and presentations which will include travel outside of Austin. This may include driving and staffing the Commissioner of Education at speaking engagements and facilitating stakeholder engagement. Ensure efficient daily schedule time management and assist with scheduling and organizing activities such as meetings, travel, school visits, and conferences.

Support the preparation of presentation and meeting materials when appropriate and…