Job Description
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
Job Description
The Office of School Programs provides resources, services, and program models to improve educational quality, access, and opportunity, from birth to career for all students in Texas.
The Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner of School Programs provides advanced (senior-level) high-level day-to-day administrative support and assistance. This position works under minimal supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Executive Assistant will be responsible for aligning the Deputy Commissioner's calendar and preparation to key priorities, manage all incoming and outgoing communication from the Deputy Commissioner, improve current Office business processes, and collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders. This work involves overseeing high-level administrative operations and may plan, assign, and/or coordinate the work with others.
This role requires flexibility to adjust schedules and on-site presence based on executive priorities, agency events, stakeholder engagements, and business needs. The Executive Assistant serves as a key coordinator for visitor interactions, meeting logistics, office operations, and day-of administrative support, adapting quickly to evolving priorities and organizational needs.
The candidate must be highly self-motivated and interested in providing behind-the scenes support to an executive, with an orientation towards execution. The candidate must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in a fast-paced corporate environment while demonstrating a positive and customer service-oriented demeanor.
This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.
The Executive Assistant may work a hybrid schedule requiring regular, weekly in-person support in downtown Austin and flexibility to meet changing business needs.
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. 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.
1. Calendar, Engagement, and Priority Management: Provides support to ensure time is spent on priority matters and projects through the proactive daily management of the Deputy Commissioner's calendar and appointments. Responsible for coordinating and monitoring all logistics, transportation and accommodation needs. Ensures the Deputy Commissioner is prepared for engagements through the preparation and organization of documents and materials. Actively participates in the planning, preparation, or execution of internal and external meetings and events of the Deputy Commissioner including State Board of Education meetings, legislative hearings, travel, All-Staff meetings, internal and external meeting requests, and committee and advisory meetings. Provides in-person executive support as needed, including coordinating visitor and stakeholder interactions, preparing meeting materials, supporting event execution, managing day-of logistics, and ensuring the Deputy Commissioner has the resources and operational support necessary to effectively carry out agency priorities. As needed, perform calendar audits and other internal reviews to ensure the Deputy Commissioner is spending time on priority matters.
2. Correspondence and Communication Management: Reviews and organizes all incoming correspondence (emails, notices, agendas, voicemails, physical mail, etc.) Ensures all outgoing correspondence with internal and external stakeholders is approved, timely and free of errors. Coordinates the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports. Drafts emails, correspondence and presentations. Proofreads internal and external documents, such as grant applications, memos, and newsletters. Manages the routing of correspondence for approval, dissemination, records management and storage, filing and assists with the timely processing of Public Information Requests (PIRs).
3. Business Process Optimization: Anticipates the needs and develops new methods, procedures, standards and promotes activities that enhance operational systems, ensuring core business operations and procedures are organized, correspondence is managed, filing and tracking systems are designed, requisitions are reviewed and approved, and that clerical functions are properly monitored. Responsible for ensuring office financial objectives are met by monitoring the Deputy Commissioner's annual office budget, planning expenditures, analyzing variances and ensuring necessary corrections that may arise. Establishes, reviews, and evaluates administrative practices for the operation of the Office. Collaborates with the Deputy Commissioner, Chief of Staff, and Office Manager to develop refined systems for the operation of the Office. Introduces internal and cross-agency staff to office systems and offer guidance, when needed. Supports the onboarding and training of administrative staff.
4. Relationship Management and Customer Service: Collaborates daily with Senior and Executive Leadership Team members, office staff, agency staff, and external customers. Serves as initial point of contact and ongoing regular interaction for internal and external stakeholders including district leadership, state agencies, members of the legislature, executive leadership teams, advisory committee members, parents, and the general public, and provides general support to visitors. Acts as a key member of internal committees to lead, bolster and support the development of culture and values within the office. Consistently provides timely, responsive, and courteous customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university
Experience: At least four (4) years of experience of progressively responsible administrative, executive support, project coordination, or operations experience
Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Other Qualifications
New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.
The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.
Benefits
TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.
Benefits include:
To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .
Military/Veteran Information
Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.
Additional Information
TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.
TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.
This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.
To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [email protected] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.
How to Apply
To apply for a position in the Candidate Gateway:
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 Office of School Programs provides resources, services, and program models to improve educational quality, access, and opportunity, from birth to career for all students in Texas.
The Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner of School Programs provides advanced (senior-level) high-level day-to-day administrative support and assistance. This position works under minimal supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Executive Assistant will be responsible for aligning the Deputy Commissioner's calendar and preparation to key priorities, manage all incoming and outgoing communication from the Deputy Commissioner, improve current Office business processes, and collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders. This work involves overseeing high-level administrative operations and may plan, assign, and/or coordinate the work with others.
This role requires flexibility to adjust schedules and on-site presence based on executive priorities, agency events, stakeholder engagements, and business needs. The Executive Assistant serves as a key coordinator for visitor interactions, meeting logistics, office operations, and day-of administrative support, adapting quickly to evolving priorities and organizational needs.
The candidate must be highly self-motivated and interested in providing behind-the scenes support to an executive, with an orientation towards execution. The candidate must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in a fast-paced corporate environment while demonstrating a positive and customer service-oriented demeanor.
This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.
The Executive Assistant may work a hybrid schedule requiring regular, weekly in-person support in downtown Austin and flexibility to meet changing business needs.
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. 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.
1. Calendar, Engagement, and Priority Management: Provides support to ensure time is spent on priority matters and projects through the proactive daily management of the Deputy Commissioner's calendar and appointments. Responsible for coordinating and monitoring all logistics, transportation and accommodation needs. Ensures the Deputy Commissioner is prepared for engagements through the preparation and organization of documents and materials. Actively participates in the planning, preparation, or execution of internal and external meetings and events of the Deputy Commissioner including State Board of Education meetings, legislative hearings, travel, All-Staff meetings, internal and external meeting requests, and committee and advisory meetings. Provides in-person executive support as needed, including coordinating visitor and stakeholder interactions, preparing meeting materials, supporting event execution, managing day-of logistics, and ensuring the Deputy Commissioner has the resources and operational support necessary to effectively carry out agency priorities. As needed, perform calendar audits and other internal reviews to ensure the Deputy Commissioner is spending time on priority matters.
2. Correspondence and Communication Management: Reviews and organizes all incoming correspondence (emails, notices, agendas, voicemails, physical mail, etc.) Ensures all outgoing correspondence with internal and external stakeholders is approved, timely and free of errors. Coordinates the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports. Drafts emails, correspondence and presentations. Proofreads internal and external documents, such as grant applications, memos, and newsletters. Manages the routing of correspondence for approval, dissemination, records management and storage, filing and assists with the timely processing of Public Information Requests (PIRs).
3. Business Process Optimization: Anticipates the needs and develops new methods, procedures, standards and promotes activities that enhance operational systems, ensuring core business operations and procedures are organized, correspondence is managed, filing and tracking systems are designed, requisitions are reviewed and approved, and that clerical functions are properly monitored. Responsible for ensuring office financial objectives are met by monitoring the Deputy Commissioner's annual office budget, planning expenditures, analyzing variances and ensuring necessary corrections that may arise. Establishes, reviews, and evaluates administrative practices for the operation of the Office. Collaborates with the Deputy Commissioner, Chief of Staff, and Office Manager to develop refined systems for the operation of the Office. Introduces internal and cross-agency staff to office systems and offer guidance, when needed. Supports the onboarding and training of administrative staff.
4. Relationship Management and Customer Service: Collaborates daily with Senior and Executive Leadership Team members, office staff, agency staff, and external customers. Serves as initial point of contact and ongoing regular interaction for internal and external stakeholders including district leadership, state agencies, members of the legislature, executive leadership teams, advisory committee members, parents, and the general public, and provides general support to visitors. Acts as a key member of internal committees to lead, bolster and support the development of culture and values within the office. Consistently provides timely, responsive, and courteous customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university
Experience: At least four (4) years of experience of progressively responsible administrative, executive support, project coordination, or operations experience
Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
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
- Experience supporting senior executives or executive leadership teams is preferred
- Experience at a school district, educational service center, and/or state agency is preferred
- Excellent professional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills reflecting a friendly and professional demeanor with a customer service-focused attitude
- Experience handling high-level administrative issues with a meticulous attention to detail, including the ability to carefully review and edit professional written work
- Knowledge and willingness to independently learn about standard office equipment and software, including an understanding of Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams), Adobe Acrobat, Smartsheet, and conferencing software (i.e. Zoom). Ability and interest in quickly learning additional agency-specific software programs and systems as needed
- Excellent organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and think proactively while under pressure
- Ability to prioritize and manage time to organize and complete multiple projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines
- Ability to foster effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups, internal and external to the Texas Education Agency
- Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and maintain confidentiality
- Demonstrate a desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve
New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.
The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.
Benefits
TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.
Benefits include:
- Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
- Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
- Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
- Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
- Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .
Military/Veteran Information
Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.
Additional Information
TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.
TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.
This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.
To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [email protected] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.
How to Apply
To apply for a position in the Candidate Gateway:
- Select the job posting and click "Apply"
- Review and accept the Privacy Agreement by selecting "Accept"
- If you are a first-time user, select "New User" and create an account using a personal email address.
- Once your account is created, complete and submit the online application.
About Texas Education Agency
The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education in the state of Texas. It helps deliver education to more than 5 million students.
The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems
