Associate Commissioner, Field Support; Director VII

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.

• 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 of the salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.

At the Texas Education Agency’s Office of Governance (OG), we are driven by a powerful mission: to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. Our core work streams—Field Support and Compliance & Investigations—focus on strengthening governance, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous improvement across Texas schools. By working closely with school systems and agency teams, we help ensure that every Texas public school student has access to a safe and high-quality education.

The Associate Commissioner of Field Support, within the Texas Education Agency’s Office of Governance, is a rare opportunity to lead transformative changes in Texas public education. This executive leadership role oversees the design, implementation, and success of whole-district turnarounds, including state interventions in school systems. This work demands strategic vision, operational excellence, navigation of complex political and community landscapes, and effective communication in high-pressure situations.

In addition to directing statewide intervention strategy and empowering teams to deliver measurable improvements, this role provides oversight of the agency’s school board engagement strategy, the issuance of accreditation status, the state waiver processes, and the coordination of enforcement actions and sanctions for districts and charters. These activities are critical for strengthening school district governance, meeting statutory requirements, driving improvement, and ensuring improved student outcomes.

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Governance and regularly interfacing with the Commissioner, this role requires exceptional judgment, political savvy, high-stakes communication, and the ability to work with and quickly build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including superintendents, school boards, legislators, and community leaders, while operating in high-risk, high-visibility environments. Success means aligning agency priorities, ensuring accountability, and shaping the future of Texas schools through systemic change at scale.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.