Texas Partnerships Program Manager (Education Specialist V)

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

Position Overview: In order to advance the mission of the TEA of improving outcomes for all public-school students, the Texas Partnerships Program Specials will support the Agency's efforts to approve and monitor benefits for partnerships between school districts and charter schools or other related entities (non-profit organizations, governmental entities, and institutions of higher education). The Texas Partnerships Specialist acts as an agency expert on Senate Bill 1882 and provides consultative supports to school districts pursuing partnerships. This role supports the design of resources for school districts, charter operators, internal TEA staff, and Education Service Centers to ensure clear understanding of partnerships, and participates in the evaluation and monitoring processes related to Senate Bill 1882. This role works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Texas Partnerships Specialist reports to the Director of Resources and Supports in the Division of Charter School Authorizing and will work in collaboration with other TEA divisions to support consultative work to school districts pursuing and/or already executing district charter partnerships.

This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

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

Please note that a resume and cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Applicants must also complete the required short answer responses as part of the application questionnaire. 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 - Provide leadership, guidance, and support to agency stakeholders: Maintain an expert understanding of and provide guidance on Senate Bill 1882 (SB 1882), SB 1882 funding and benefits, district-charter partnerships, and Subchapter C in-district authorizing practices. Provide expertise and initial recommendations in cross-functional meetings related to high-level decision-making in districts with possible interventions.

2 - Resource Design and Facilitation: Provide consultative supports for school districts pursuing Texas Partnerships. Design, format, and edit content for resources, supports, communication plans, and trainings related to district-charter partnerships for both districts and charter operators. Lead rule-making and revision processes related to 19 TAC Chapter 97 as it pertains to Texas Partnerships and in district charter schools.

3 - Texas Partnerships Benefits Application Review: Lead, manage, and execute benefits application cycles and review to make initial recommendations and to determine ongoing district eligibility for SB 1882 financial and accountability benefits.

4 - District and Operator Engagement and Capacity Building: Build capacity across districts and charter operators aligned to charter school authorizing best practices through consistent communication systems and opportunities for development. Develop strategy to increase capacity of turnaround operators. Supports the management of a network of technical assistance providers and education service centers to ensure districts and charter operators are provided high-quality coaching and advising.

5 - Partnership Performance and District Monitoring: Design and execute a monitoring plan to track performance and accountability of 1882 partnerships. Design and execute support systems for partnership renewals, terminations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in education, including two (2) years of required supervisory or leadership experience
• 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
• Strong preference for candidates with at least five (5) years of experience working in a leadership position within a school district or charter school
• Knowledge of Texas charter school law and policy and charter school authorizing best practices (preferred)
• Excellent professional written and communication skills with experience creating and proofing professional written work (preferred)
• Experience in delivering content and presentations to large audiences
• Ability to develop organizational strategy, set goals, and monitor progress toward goals
• Excellent project management skills, including project planning and ability to consistently hit deadlines
• Excellent PowerPoint and memo development and delivery skills
• Experience creating, updating, and maintaining Excel spreadsheets; word and adobe documents
• Strong prioritization, time management and organizational skills with capability to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to analyze and solve work-related problems
• A strong customer-service mindset with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve division and agency goals

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 (MEP) will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To claim Military Employment Preference, applicants must:

• Select the applicable Military Employment Preference category in the employment application.
• Upload supporting documentation verifying eligibility in the Attachments section of the application before submitting the application.

Important: Self-identifying as eligible for Military Employment Preference does not by itself establish eligibility. Supporting documentation is required for TEA to verify eligibility before Military Employment Preference can be applied during the selection process. Applicants who do not submit sufficient documentation may not be considered eligible for Military Employment Preference. This requirement is consistent with TEA's Military Employment Preference procedures.

For information about eligibility requirements, required supporting documentation, and instructions for claiming Military Employment Preference, please review the Military Employment Preference page, which outlines eligible categories, documentation requirements, and the eligibility verification process.

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.

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