Governmental Relations Specialist III; Finance

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.

The Governmental Relations Finance Specialist III performs highly advanced legislative and consultative work. This position will play an important role in the Governmental Relations Division in support of TEA's legislatively-required and requested initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity to learn about education from the top level and engage a variety of stakeholders about the Texas public education system. This position is critical to ensuring TEA provides accurate and timely information and support to the Legislature, Legislative Budget Board, Office of the Governor, and to internal TEA staff.

Facilitation of information is important for TEA 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.

The Governmental Relations Finance Specialist III is privy to confidential and sensitive information and must have excellent interpersonal skills. This person will report to the Chief of Governmental Relations and will work closely with the Governmental Relations Team, School Finance Team, Deputy Commissioner of Finance, Office of the Commissioner, and the Commissioner of Education. This position will provide high quality support for the GR Team and its efforts to execute against the state's strategic priorities for education with a focus on the Legislative Appropriations Process, Public Education School Finance, and property taxes.

May assign and/or supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive 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.

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.

1. 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 projects, presentations including data visualization, disseminating information, and ensuring close out of inquiries or questions from the field.

In collaboration with the Chief of Governmental Relations, the GR Finance Specialist III is the lead GR member on matters related to the Appropriations Process and school finance.

2. Prepares Materials for the Agency, Governmental Entities, and Education Stakeholders: Prepares and refines material for the Governmental Relations Division, Commissioner of Education, and agency staff for speeches and public presentations in collaboration with the GR and school finance teams. Strong data visualization skills including use of PowerPoint and Excel are strongly preferred. May discuss agency information to stakeholders, including but not limited to education organizations, governmental entities, and legislators and/or their staff.

Coordinates responses to legislative inquires and reviews and edits legislative correspondence.

3. Monitors and attends legislative hearings and briefings: Acts as Liaison with external parties, including…