Charter School Policy Specialist (Education Specialist IV)

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.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Division of Charter School Authorizing supports 200+ LEAs to provide high-quality public-school options for Texas students. The Charter School Policy Specialist will support the Charter School Policy Manager in ensuring that Texas’ charter school portfolio is among the highest performing in the nation. The Charter School Policy Specialist assists with charter division policy matters related to the legislature, rule-making, and the State Board of Education (SBOE). The Policy Specialist will also regularly engage with charter schools about administrative rules and law as well as internal TEA departments. S/he will also assist with required reports, public information requests, and external presentations. The Policy Specialist reports to the Policy Manager in the Division of Charter School Authorizing.

Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with all division legislative matters including tracking of legislative bills, draft analysis, and legislative requests.  
• Support the development and adoption of administrative rules including drafting rules, submitting appropriate documents for posting in the Texas Register, organizing public meetings, and responding to comments offered by public prior to final rules.
• Draft required reports about charter schools and charter school authorizing.
• Serve as the Public Information Request (PIR) custodian for the division and responds to inquiries and requests for public information from a variety of sources including charter school administrators, State Board of Education members, state and federal agency staff, and the general public.
• Collaborate and coordinate with related teams including internal agency teams (legal counsel, school finance, etc.) and regional Education Service Centers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.  Major coursework in policy is preferred.

Experience: At least three (3) years of experience in the education sector with significant evidence of project management. Experience working in policy analysis and development and charter schools is preferred. 

Substitutions: An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military;
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to public education, including both the Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code, preferred;
• Prior experience interpreting statutes and regulations, preferred;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to produce high-quality work in a dynamic work environment;
• Strong prioritization, time management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at once and meet deadlines;
• Skill in breaking down complex information, asking questions, synthesizing and analyzing and preparing concise reports and exhibits using Microsoft Office™ suite;
• Ability to provide technical assistance to school districts, agency staff, government agencies and the general public;
• A strong customer-service mindset with a focus on engaging both internal and external stakeholders;
• A professional demeanor and positive attitude to foster effective working relationships;
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve; and
• Commitment to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment.