Foundation Director (Director II)

Job ID 107573
Location Austin
Other Recruiting Location Austin;Texas
Number of Openings 1
State Job Code(s) 1621
Close Date 11/16/2026

Company Texas Education Agency
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
Salary Admin Plan(s) B
Salary Admin Grade(s) 27
Salary Range $7015.16 - 9439.83 per Month

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: The Foundation Director provides statewide leadership for the K-12 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in the foundation curriculum subject areas of mathematics, science, social studies, and reading language arts (RLA). The position leads a team of content experts that provides clarification and guidance to districts, schools, parents, and internal stakeholders; develops professional development and implementation resources, including TEKS Guides; and coordinates the alignment and interpretation of the foundation curriculum TEKS across Texas Education Agency initiatives. The Foundation Director provides strategic leadership for complex curriculum initiatives, including implementation planning, resource coordination, contract oversight, and cross-divisional collaboration. The position also provides leadership, guidance, and support for the implementation of curriculum-related legislation and initiatives, including bill analysis, cost-estimate development, implementation planning, rulemaking support, and communication of implementation progress and decisions to agency leadership.

A successful candidate will approach the work with a strong commitment to academic excellence, intellectual rigor, factual accuracy, and the development of deep and enduring knowledge. The candidate will value knowledge-rich instruction, strong content knowledge, authoritative sources, and research-based practices that support effective teaching and learning. The candidate must also demonstrate knowledge of applicable state statutes and rules and the ability to apply them in the development and implementation of the policies, programs, and initiatives. Relevant statutes include, but are not limited to, Texas Education Code (TEC) §§4.001 (public education mission and objectives), 28.002 (required curriculum and essential knowledge and skills), 28.0022 (instructional requirements and prohibitions), and 31.022 (suitability). In addition, the candidate will understand and support State Board of Education direction, the TEKS, and applicable priorities established by the Texas Governor, the Legislature, and the Commissioner of Education. The successful candidate will pair this grounding with sound judgment and strategic awareness, to demonstrate responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, respect for parental rights, and a sustained focus on supporting students, educators, and strong academic outcomes.

This position serves as a member of the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division leadership team and reports to the senior director of the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division.

This position requires up to 5% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

The nature of this role requires seasonal presence in Austin during State Board of Education (SBOE) meetings and legislative session, as well as additional dates as requested.

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 - Team Management and Supervision: Provides effective leadership, management, and coaching for the mathematics, science, social studies, and reading language arts teams. Establishes a clear vision and priorities for the teams, aligns staff and resources to major deliverables, and ensures staff have the direction, support, and accountability structures needed to meet performance expectations.

2 - TEKS Implementation: Provides effective leadership, guidance, and support for the implementation of the K-12 mathematics, science, social studies, and reading language arts TEKS. Ensures the timely dissemination of accurate information and high-quality technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders.

3 - Development of TEKS Implementation Supports and Contract Management: Provides direction and oversight for the development of TEKS Guides, educator professional development, and other implementation resources for the K-12 foundation curriculum TEKS. Ensures that resources are accurate, coherent, usable, and aligned across related initiatives. Oversees implementation of any contracted work that supports the development of these resources, including coordination with contract and program staff, monitoring performance and deliverables, resolving issues, maintaining documentation and approvals, and supporting invoice and closeout processes in accordance with agency requirements.

4 - Cross-Divisional Alignment, Strategic Initiatives, and Agency-Level Communication: Provides strategic leadership for complex curriculum initiatives. Establishes the project objectives; translates strategy into coordinated workstreams, deliverables, decision points, timelines, and stakeholder engagement plans; and aligns staff, resources, and interdependencies. Collaborates with leaders across the Office of School Programs and other Texas Education Agency offices to align policy, content, communications, and implementation supports. Synthesizes complex project information into clear decisions, risks, milestones, and updates for division, office, and agency-level performance routines.

5 - Legislative Analysis and Implementation: Provides effective leadership, guidance, and support for the implementation of curriculum-related legislation and initiatives within the foundation curriculum subject areas. Conducts bill analysis and develops cost estimates; identifies policy, programmatic, fiscal, and implementation implications; and develops recommendations in coordination with agency partners.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in the administration, management, and oversight of K-12 academic programs in math, science, social studies, and/or reading language arts; professional development; and/or curriculum development in school districts/charter schools at education service centers, in university settings, and/or with statewide initiatives

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
• Valid or prior teaching certificate in a foundation subject area preferred
• In-depth knowledge of kindergarten- grade 12 foundation curriculum TEKS and their implementation and assessment in Texas public schools
• Extensive experience in teaching, programmatic, leadership, supervisory, or administrative roles relevant to K-12 education
• Experience with effective, high-quality professional development activities and techniques in K-12 education
• Knowledge of the Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code, particularly with respect to curriculum and graduation requirements in the foundation subject areas.
• Familiarity with the English Language Proficiency Standards, College and Career Readiness Standards, and Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines
• Strong project management skills, including experience coordinating complex initiatives, resources, and timelines
• Excellent time management skills to organize and complete multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including developing clear guidance and presenting information to diverse audiences
• Ability to interpret and apply state statute and rule and provide clear, unbiased guidance to internal and external stakeholders

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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