Strategic Compensation Specialist (Education Specialist IV)

Job Description

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.

Position Overview: The Compensation Specialist will play an important role in planning and implementing a strategy to promote high-quality compensation systems for teachers and other staff members within the state of Texas.

These systems will allow districts to retain and recruit effective teachers, while prioritizing student growth and strong teaching practices. The Specialist will lead the department's efforts to support districts and ESCs in developing effective spending plans for the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) applications as well as supporting the evaluation of various compensation models within districts. This position will support district leaders and district human capital and finance teams to weigh options and make informed decisions that align to the goals of the Teacher Incentive Allotment.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a school district as well as knowledge of district budgeting and digital tools to support financial planning (Excel, etc.).

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. 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. Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Spending- Design, source, vet, disseminate, and promote high-quality technical assistance and resources that will support districts in developing and evaluating local designation system spending plans that meet statutory compliance and align to evidence-based practices.

2. Strategic Compensation- Support the TIA application process by training districts and Educational Service Centers and supporting the review, scoring, and feedback on TIA applications. Support the management of technical assistance networks including vendors, ESCs and other stakeholders to support LEAs in making strategic moves by providing consultative, district-specific supports.

3. Financial Guidance- Support the District Talent Systems team by serving as the lead school finance expert to districts and ESCs in the development of financial strategies to support strategic compensation plans.

4. Grant Management- Support the department in developing, implementing and monitoring grants, ensuring timelines are met, outcomes are achieved, and student outcomes are improved.



Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

• Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in finance or human relations. Work in an educational environment 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

• Possess excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

• Understand educational systems and relevant state and federal K-12 education policy and research base (preferred)

• Possess a strong financial background including knowledge of district budgeting and Excel

• Possess strong long-term planning and project management skills, including establishing outcomes, determining evaluative measures, and tracking progress

• Ability to maintain accuracy and meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high quality work in a dynamic environment

• Possess strong prioritization, time management, and organizational skills

• Ability to self-reflect, giving/receiving feedback for continuous improvement

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.

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.