Internal Communications and Operations Program Manager (Program Management Specialist II)

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Core Values: 
· We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students. 
· We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students.
· We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students.
· We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them.

New hires, re-hires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.

Position Overview 
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The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees the primary and secondary education of 5.5 million students in Texas public schools. To support this work, over 1,000 agency employees provide leadership, guidance, and support to over 1,200 school systems across the state. As such, strategic and robust user-centered business processes and communications are critical to ensuring a more connected workplace where agency staff is empowered to seek and share information in contribution to the agency’s mission.  

TEA seeks an Internal Communications and Agency Operations Program Manager within the Agency Operations Division to work across a large agency with a variety of stakeholders to manage agency processes and develop user-centered guidance and communication to improve the use of systems and tools to support agency priorities. This position will increase agency-wide staff engagement through the development and implementation of internal communications and engagement programs.

The Internal Communications and Agency Operations Program Manager will report to the Principal Director of Agency Operations while working closely with the Human Resources and Communications Divisions, Chiefs of Staff from all offices, and stakeholders across the agency.

The Internal Communications and Agency Operations Program Manager may work a hybrid schedule with some in-person days each week.
 

Please note that a resume, cover letter, and short answer responses 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 
Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1. Agency Workplace Resource Development: Facilitate the development and implementation of user-centered business processes and resources to operationalize and enhance agency operations in an evolving work environment. Support and resources will include support for meeting setup and facilitation, operational best practices for staff engagement within a hybrid work environment, and guidance and tools to support teams in Temporary TEA and renovated TEA environment. Lead planning and programming for the recently-launched Agency Workplace Committee to align operational resources and process with emerging staff needs and agency priorities.
 
2. Internal Communications Platform Management: Lead the redesign, implementation, and maintenance of internal agency communication systems to support easily accessible, user-centered information and collaboration across divisions.

3. Internal Staff Communication and Engagement: Manage regular internal staff communications, including planning, coordinating support teams, tracking progress of related deliverables, and evaluation of engagement. Launch and facilitate new program of regularly scheduled staff engagement efforts to support ongoing hybrid policy implementation and monitoring. Regularly evaluate success and opportunities to improve communications and engagement strategies and events to maximize participation and alignment with agency strategic priorities. Provide secondary support for internal emergency response.

4. Agency Operations Process and Communications Management: Manage internal Agency Operations process development and implementation to support continuous improvement and delivery of effective agency-wide operational supports. Develop and support knowledge management processes in the division. Develop marketing and communications to highlight the functions and role of the Agency Operations division and to help agency staff navigate processes led by the division.

5. Space Use Analysis and Hybrid Supports: Manage Space Use Analysis and Hybrid Supports program, which includes maintenance of and improvements to digital reservation system, regular evaluation of space use, strategic planning and change management related to space assignments, and supports for agency leadership and staff to adhere to the agency’s hybrid policy. Supports include resources such as onsite work handbook development and updates, development of space use norms and policies in coordination with agency leadership, production of signage and guidance resources, and staff engagement to identify and develop necessary resources. Incorporate emerging guidance from statewide leadership to ensure continued compliance with onsite work-related directives.

Minimum Qualifications
• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university     
• Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in managing large, complex projects, developing and/or implementing process improvements, either with public, private, or non-profit entities.  Experience in the communications or education sector is preferred 
• 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. 
• Knowledge of and experience applying best practices for internal communications, engagement, and change management in a hybrid environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the proven ability to break down complex information into clear, concise, and relatable messages
• Skill in identifying the appropriate mode of communication and adapting messages to different audiences
• Experience supporting the development and implementation of operational programs, such as space management and hybrid work policies, with a focus on motivating adoption and providing feedback‑driven support resources
• Experience developing feedback mechanisms, analyzing and synthesizing input, and applying insights to improve processes, programs, and outcomes.
• Skill in managing multiple simultaneous projects, including setting goals and evaluating progress, while balancing competing priorities
• Proven ability to motivate and influence others where there is not a direct reporting relationship and skill in identifying opportunities for cross-collaboration
• Demonstrated expertise using Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint, as well as newsletter distribution tools and Adobe Creative products to support and enhance communication
• A desire to self-reflect, give and receive feedback, and continuously improve 
• Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment 
 

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the military employment preference.

To review the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to each job classification series in the State’s Position Classification Plan (provided by the State Auditor's Office), please access the Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) Guide and click on the military “occupational category” that corresponds with the state classification in this job posting title.

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 Employment at TEA page.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Please add "capps.recruiting@cpa.texas.gov" and "@tea.texas.gov" to your safe senders list to ensure you receive email notifications from our talent acquisition team and/or hiring division regarding your candidacy.