Principal Director, Interagency Coordination (Director III)

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 Principal Director, Interagency Coordination performs advanced managerial work providing strategic leadership for high-impact statewide initiatives that advance early childhood education, workforce preparation, and student success. Serving as a key ambassador for the agency, this position builds and strengthens relationships across state agencies, institutions of higher education, workforce partners, the State Board of Education (SBOE), and other stakeholders to drive collaboration and achieve shared goals. The role leads the development and implementation of innovative cross-agency strategies, policies, governance structures, and operational frameworks, bringing diverse partners together to create lasting impact for students, educators, and communities across Texas. Primary responsibilities include leading the implementation of legislation and statewide initiatives related to the governance, data-sharing, and operational coordination of multi-agency data systems including the state's early childhood integrated data system; directing cross-agency planning and collaboration efforts; and ensuring alignment with agency priorities and strategic goals. The position oversees the collection, analysis, and reporting of information to support decision-making, evaluate program effectiveness, and inform policy and program development. The position collaborates across all divisions of the agency and serves as a key liaison among agency leadership, state agencies, higher education institutions, workforce partners, SBOE members, legislative offices, and external stakeholders. Strong legislative, policy analysis, and communications expertise is required to support legislative implementation, provide strategic guidance to agency leadership, and effectively communicate the agency's programmatic and policy priorities. Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, conferences, seminars, and other public forums, and serves on boards, panels, committees, and interagency governance bodies to advance agency priorities and strengthen cross-sector collaboration. The position also works closely with office staff to develop and advance partnerships that strengthen student pathways from early learning through postsecondary education, military service, and workforce attainment. This position may supervise staff, contractors, and project teams and operates under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative, strategic decision-making, and independent judgment. The position reports to the Senior Advisor, School Programs, within the Instructional Strategy Department in the Office of School Programs. 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. 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. 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. Strategic Leadership and Coordination with State Agencies, Higher Education, and Workforce Partners: Serves as a primary liaison for statewide partnerships involving state agencies, institutions of higher education, workforce organizations, and other external stakeholders. Facilitates collaboration among partners to improve alignment of programs, services, and data systems that support student success from early learning through postsecondary education, career attainment, and military readiness. Works closely agency leadership to advance cross-sector initiatives and identify best practices that strengthen education and workforce pathways. Represents the agency in interagency councils, committees, workgroups, conferences, and stakeholder meetings and promotes the agency's strategic and policy priorities.
2. Supports Legislative Strategy, Policy Analysis, SBOE Engagement, and Stakeholder Communications: Provides strategic guidance and analysis regarding legislation, policy development, and implementation activities related to assigned program areas. Monitors legislative actions, evaluates potential impacts on agency programs and interagency initiatives, and develops recommendations for agency leadership. Coordinates responses to legislative inquiries, requests for information, SBOE requests, and stakeholder concerns. Prepares and reviews briefing materials, reports, presentations, testimony support documents, and policy analyses for agency leadership, SBOE members, legislative staff, state agencies, and external partners. Communicates complex programmatic, operational, and policy information to diverse audiences and supports efforts to advance the agency's legislative, strategic, and policy priorities.
3. Directs Program Administration, Performance Monitoring, and Organizational Support: Directs and monitors assigned program operations to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, agency policies, and established performance expectations. Develops and maintains reporting structures, performance metrics, and evaluation processes to monitor progress and outcomes of interagency initiatives. Reviews reports, research, and analyses to identify emerging issues, opportunities, and areas for improvement. Coordinates preparation of recurring and ad hoc reports, updates, and presentations for agency leadership, the SBOE, and interagency governance bodies. Supports budget planning, resource management, and continuous improvement efforts to ensure effective and efficient program operations. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
4. Supervises Staff and Supports Organizational Capacity: Provides leadership, direction, and oversight for assigned staff, contractors, and project teams supporting interagency coordination, early childhood initiatives, workforce preparation efforts, and related strategic priorities. Assigns work, establishes performance expectations, monitors progress toward goals and deliverables, and ensures alignment with agency objectives. Provides coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to enhance staff effectiveness and build organizational capacity. Supports recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning activities, and fosters a collaborative, customer-focused work environment. Ensures staff adhere to agency policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal requirements while promoting continuous improvement, accountability, and high-quality service delivery. May supervise executive, management, professional, or administrative staff and provide guidance on complex programmatic, policy, and stakeholder engagement activities. Consistent with the Director III classification, provides professional oversight and guidance to staff and directs program activities with significant latitude for independent judgment and decision-making.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university Degree field(s): Public Administration, Public Affairs, Government, Public Policy, Education, Communications, related fields Experience: At least seven (7) years of experience in public education, educational program administration, policy analysis, or project management relevant to PK-12 education 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 Experience coordinating projects, resources, and programs, preferably in a senior leadership position in a school district, regional education service center, state agency, or state or federal education organization Knowledge of programs, issues, and best practices related to early childhood and/or postsecondary student success Ability to manage toward clear and measurable outcomes and effective strategic planning Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize and complete multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and quality Understanding of and ability to communicate intent of state law and rule and to predict possible impact of proposed policy changes and an to provide unbiased guidance and information to the public regarding issues related to early childhood education and care and/or career education and workforce development Ability to establish and evaluate program goals, objectives and procedures and to direct and organize program activities Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions Ability to foster effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups, internal and external to TEA Effective and professional verbal and written communication skills A desire to engage in self-reflection, 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Education Agency