Accountability Policy Lead (Research Specialist VI)

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 TEA's Performance Reporting Division seeks to ensure continuous improvement in the academic achievement of all Texas public school students by 1) developing and implementing transparent, rigorous, and fair academic accountability systems, 2) providing accurate and comprehensive academic performance reporting systems, tools, and trackers and 3) monitoring and validating data to ensure the integrity of these systems. With the support and direction of the Director of Accountability Strategy and Analysis, the Accountability Policy Lead helps define long-range research priorities that support the continuous improvement of the accountability system through policy analysis and data review. This position leads the development and publication of the accountability manual and appendices and supports the development of aligned web content and communications tools. This position also leads the annual accountability appeals process, coordinating both internally and externally to ensure rigorous, transparent, and fair systems. The Accountability Policy Lead also provides technical assistance to ensure that ESCs, district staff, and other stakeholders understand and benefit from the accountability system. This position advises on research methods and analysis and acts as a resource for policy, communications, special projects, and ad hoc requests for the division. This role performs highly advanced consultative services and technical assistance work related to federal and state accountability policy, legislative requests, and TEA guidance. The position works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment in support of improved student outcomes. This position reports to the Director of Accountability Strategy and Analysis as an individual contributor. This position requires up to 5% 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. 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 Accountability Policy and Reporting: Demonstrates understanding of legal and regulatory policies, accountability data sources and methodology to lead annual updates f the accountability system manual and appendices. Develops analysis systems and leads technical review of all policy communication documents associated with the accountability system manual. Build and leverages systems to manage cross-agency stakeholder relationships to ensure accuracy and cohesion across agency communications and supports. Supports the technical development of web content and division products for all federal and state accountability data and reporting releases. Leads rulemaking procedures and processes for revisions to existing rule. Policy Research, Expertise, and Technical Assistance: Acts as a resource and expert within the division and across the agency and externally for accountability state and federal policies. Designs systems to track policy needs and responses based on internal and external stakeholder questions and needs and makes recommendations for and provides input on new or revised explanatory resources. Participate in internal committees as a representative of Performance Reporting and ensure cohesive communications and policy alignment through building and maintaining documentation systems. Internally, provides technical correspondence, policy research assistance, and training as needed. Ensures correct and coherent responses both internally and externally to stakeholder need. Research and presents policy findings to internal and external stakeholders. Monitoring and interpreting legislative updates: Develops and maintains systems to lead the Strategy and Insights Team with the monitoring and evaluating of new legislative policy developments and translates them into actionable insights for leadership and analysis planning. Leads quarterly review of policy updates to ensure alignment with accountability policy and adopted rule. Maintains cross-agency relationships to ensure proposed rule amendments are considered by the Performance Reporting division. Perform ongoing review of adopted rule to ensure consistency, alignment, clarity, and the elimination of duplicative or contradictory policy. Accountability Appeals and CCMR Working Collection Submissions: Independently and efficiently works across Performance Reporting and within office teams to develop internal and external systems for the annual appeals window and CCMR Working Collection Submissions. Performs highly advanced, high-impact accountability research for accountability appeals. Leverages strong systems and communications to present recommendations to the appeals panel. Builds and maintains systems for inclusion of Working Submission data into accountability ratings. Communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders to build partnership and clarity. Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in in public school accountability, performing research, evaluation, analysis, or policy development projects is required Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military Experience working with Microsoft Office and data management tools Experience responding to stakeholder telephone and email inquiries Strong planning and project management skills Highly organized; ability to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines. Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high quality work in a dynamic environment Ability to break down and present complex information into comprehensive parts, ask questions, synthesize and analyze Possess excellent written and oral communication skills Demonstrates the ability to effectively anticipate and identify challenges and plan for contingencies 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. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list. #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Education Agency