Governmental Relations Specialist

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.

The Governmental Relations Specialist 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, State Board of Education, 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 Specialist 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, Department of SBOE, Deputy Commissioner of School Programs, Deputy Commissioner of Educator Support, 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 SBOE, charter schools, parental choice initiatives, complaints and investigations, and other programmatic areas as assigned.

May assign and/or supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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

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 Specialist is the lead GR member on matters related to SBOE, charter schools, parental choice initiatives, and educator investigations.

Assists with the GR Team's review and input on Agency proposed rules, reports, and procedures and assists in the development and facilitation of ongoing trainings on legislative topics and processes as desired by Agency leadership.

This position will serve as the primary Governmental Relations liaison to the State Board of Education (SBOE) and State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) during and between board meetings. This position will work closely with the SBOE and SBEC Support teams to ensure key communication, rule making, and other important initiatives requiring TEA Governmental Relations support are completed. This includes monitoring all SBOE and SBEC public meetings to ensure the Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner, Office of School Programs, and specifically the Office of the Commissioner are adequately informed of important issues, concerns, and actions taken by these two boards.

Coordinates with the Chief of Governmental Relations and the Governmental Relations team to ensure effective and efficient monitoring and tracking of Legislative Hearings and agency deliverables. Collaborates with the Governmental Relations team to ensure agency awareness of and alignment of key legislative actions and deliberations involving public education in Texas. Ensures completion and close out of deliverables from external legislative hearings and meetings.