Department Operations Manager (Staff Services Officer V)

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 mission of the Department of Authorizing and Policy is to provide students and families with access to high-quality, best-fit schools that help unlock the full potential of every student. The Department does this through its work to cultivate new, innovative operators and campuses through open-enrollment charter schools, district-charter partnerships, virtual education, parent choice, and local accountability systems. The Department Operations Manager plays a vital role in ensuring seamless coordination across department teams and senior-level external stakeholders. This position provides administrative support to the Associate Commissioner, and additional division directors, as well as coordinating operational and culture structure support for the department at large. As the department's primary point of contact, the Department Operations Manager engages with external stakeholders using a customer-service-focused approach, ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration. Key responsibilities include coordinating calendars, managing key event logistics, arranging leadership travel and IT requests, internal and external communications, budget management, SBOE and rulemaking coordination, human resources support, and other key administrative support. The Department Operations Manager will also be a core team member, driving and supporting a strong department culture, supporting team-wide events, culture-building, and the smooth onboarding of new team members. The Department Operations Manager will report to the Director of Policy and Operations and works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities. The Department Operations Manager may work a hybrid schedule with at least one in-person day each week. 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 - Executive Support and Event Coordination Provides executive and operational support to departmental leadership through the coordination of schedules, travel, meetings, events, and special initiatives. Manages department Associate Commissioner and leadership calendars, coordinates travel arrangements and reimbursements, and oversees event logistics to ensure activities are planned and executed efficiently and in compliance with agency requirements. Collaborates with program teams, stakeholders, and leadership to facilitate communication, prepare materials, coordinate resources, and support the successful implementation of departmental programs and events. 2 - Public Information and Communications Coordination Provides oversight and coordination of internal and external communications to support effective stakeholder engagement and information sharing across the department and agency partners. Manages public information request processes, coordinates communication activities among cross-functional teams, and ensures the accuracy, consistency, and professionalism of departmental communications and materials. Serves as a primary point of contact for stakeholder inquiries and communications while supporting continuous improvements to communication processes and operational efficiency. 3 - Department Budget and Resource Administration Manages departmental budget, procurement, and administrative operations to support effective and efficient program delivery. Conducts budget monitoring and reconciliation activities, assists with budget planning and submissions, and coordinates the procurement of supplies and resources necessary for departmental operations. Oversees the processing of human resources and information technology requests, serving as a liaison to ensure staffing, technology, and program support needs are addressed in a timely manner and that departmental operations remain well-supported and compliant with agency requirements. 4 - State Board of Education and Rulemaking coordination Coordinates and manages State Board of Education (SBOE) activities and administrative rulemaking processes to support departmental priorities and compliance requirements. Oversees the development, review, and submission of SBOE items, agendas, supporting materials, and related communications. Facilitates the rulemaking process by coordinating draft development, revisions, timelines, public meetings, and stakeholder feedback to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant implementation of administrative rules. 5 - Team Culture Support Supports a positive and collaborative work environment by coordinating department-wide communications, employee engagement initiatives, onboarding activities, and staff development opportunities. Facilitates communication through office newsletter, event calendars, and department meetings, while planning and coordinating team events and professional development activities that promote employee engagement, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university Experience: At least three (3) years of experience in operational or administrative functions 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 Excellent professional written and verbal communication skills with experience in creating and proofreading professional documents (preferred) Experience managing budgets (preferred) Proficiency in standard office equipment and applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, or other virtual meeting platforms Experience creating, updating, and maintaining Excel spreadsheets and proficiency working with Word and Adobe documents Proven ability to provide high-quality administrative and technical assistance while working effectively under pressure Strong prioritization, time management, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines Meticulous attention to detail Ability to analyze and solve work-related problems effectively Customer-service mindset with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve department 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. 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. 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. 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