Work Hours 40 hours a week between the hours of 7 a.m. 6 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend hours. Hours may change based on business needs, especially during legislative sessions. This position may be eligible for a flexible/hybrid work schedule if certain conditions are met, working arrangements may change at any time as business necessitates.
General description We are looking for an experienced Director for the
ESA division to direct activities of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. Working in a fastpaced environment, you will set TEFA program goals and objectives; develop policies, procedures, and guidelines; establish priorities, standards, and performance metrics for tracking progress in meeting goals; coordinate and evaluate program activities and business functions; and review and approve the division budget, strategic plan, and business continuity plan. You will supervise the work of 13 program staff. Strong communication and collaboration skills will be necessary in working with key program stakeholders, including program participants, providers of educational services and products, and government oversight bodies. Experience working with another state's ESA or similar school choice program would be highly beneficial. The right candidate will be enthusiastic about contributing to the successful launch of the program, demonstrate policy and program knowledge, and be ready to contribute immediately in a highintensity work setting.
Minimum Qualifications: - Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university with a bachelor's degree in business, government, project management, public policy, public administration or a related field.
- Eight (8) years of experience in strategic planning, management, and administration of large, complex projects.
- Eight (8) years of experience supervising staff, including planning, assigning, and directing work.
- Eight (8) years of experience engaging in legislative activities, public speaking, and delivering presentations.
- Experience working in education policy or education savings account programs
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with and proficient use of Artificial intelligence (AI).
- Experience with school choice programs.
- Experience with contract development and oversight.
- Experience with marketing and communication.
Substitutions: One (1) additional year of fulltime experience in strategic planning, management, and administration may substitute for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education with a maximum of 120 semester hours (four years).
Licenses / Certifications (Required): - A valid Texas (or state of residency) driver's license and a satisfactory driving record are a condition of employment. Applicants offered an interview must present the following documents at or before the interview: A state issued driving record for the last 36 months, valid Texas driver's license (or state of residency driver's license) and current proof of automobile insurance.
- Certification as a Contract Manager is required within 6 months of start date.
Essential Job Duties: Directs TEFA program activities:
- Provides strategic leadership over a division, directing multiple programs and establishing long range priorities, standards, and performance measures
- Oversees divisional compliance with state and federal requirements and ensures alignment with legislative and regulatory changes
- Develops and approves divisional policies, procedures, and strategic guidelines; ensures alignment with agency wide strategy
- Oversees agency compliance with open records requirements and directs staff responsible for fulfilling requests
- Establishes divisional policy frameworks for resolving high risk program issues, appeals, and complaints; provides executive guidance on major cases
- Oversees delivery of customer service to program applicants, participants, providers of educational services, and vendors of educational products.
- Directs the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of state and federally mandated reports
- Oversees the onboarding and regulatory alignment of educational service providers and vendors, establishing and maintaining a compliant program marketplace that supports legislative objectives and statewide strategic priorities
Staff Leadership:
- Plans, assigns, and supervises work of program staff.
- Fosters staff development and growth.
- Performs and/or reviews timely employee evaluations. Addresses performance and disciplinary issues as they arise.
- Ensures program staff achieve annual training requirements.
- Develops and maintains job descriptions, prepares job postings, and hires staff.
Financial, Budget and Contract:
- Prepares and implements division budget, Business Plan, and Business Continuity Plan.
- Assists with development of Legislative Appropriations Requests (LAR) and strategic plan.
- Oversees audits, including audits by TEFA independent auditor and SAO.
- Maintains performance measure data.
- Coordinates procurement and payment of goods and services.
- Development and evaluation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for goods and services
- Assists in development of and monitors program contracts.
Outreach:
- Provides strategic direction and oversight for the development of communications, informational materials, and outreach products across multiple media platforms to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with program goals and federal and state law.
- Directs the development, review, and approval of marketing plans and promotional materials
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with stakeholder groups.
Legislative:
- Implements state and federal legislation impacting program.
- Tracks and analyzes state and federal bills impacting program; prepares fiscal note of cost as required.
- Prepares and presents legislative testimony.
- Responds to legislative inquiries.
- Coordinates with other state or federal agencies regarding program funding and legislation, including but not limited to TEA, DPS and LBB.
Performs other duties as assigned
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