Description:

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.

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.

The 89th legislature approved a 6% salary increase for licensed attorneys hired into positions with this job classification title. The posted salary range for this position already reflects said increase. Upon hire, the selected finalist will receive a starting salary offer and, as a separate line item, the legislatively approved increase that will become part of their base pay. The sum of both will not exceed the position's posted salary range. Only new hires are eligible for this increase.

Position Overview:
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 workstreams—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 every Texas public school student has access to a safe, high-quality education.

OG is seeking a dedicated Associate Counsel for Compliance & Investigations to help strengthen accountability and ensure every Texas student has access to a high-quality education. As Associate Counsel, you will lead efforts to resolve complex compliance matters and support special investigations that safeguard educational integrity. From guiding investigations in their early stages to drafting preliminary and final reports, you will work closely with the Special Investigations Division to bring clarity and resolution to challenging issues. Your expertise will help shape corrective action plans and informal agreements that drive meaningful change.

This position will partner with Local Education Agency (LEA) counsel, school system leaders, and Education Service Centers (ESCs) to ensure compliance with state and federal education laws. Your work will have a direct impact on improving outcomes for Texas students and reinforcing trust in the education system.

Reporting directly to the Associate Commissioner of Compliance and Investigations, this is an opportunity to combine legal expertise with a passion for public service.

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

Please note that a resume and tailored cover letter 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.

Essential Functions:
Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

Report Writing and Resolution Support: develops statutorily required preliminary and final reports, ensuring clarity and accuracy; drafts and negotiates informal resolutions for investigations; and drives the timely and effective closure of cases once investigative work is complete
Investigations Guidance and Training: provides strategic guidance to the Compliance & Inquiries division on agency authority and risk areas for investigations; oversees the revision of applicable procedures and supports substantiation of findings and confirmation of evidence; conducts depositions, participates in witness interviews as needed, and reviews document requests and subpoenas; and delivers internal training to investigations staff to strengthen statutory interpretation and evidentiary sufficiency skills
Legislative Session Support: reviews relevant legislation during legislative sessions and provides a legal analysis on its impact to Governance work streams; monitors changes to legislation and identifies potential conflicts with agency obligations; and serves as a resource witness in legislative hearings when needed
Litigation Support: collaborates closely with TEA's Office of Legal Services and the Office of Attorney General to support the department in informal review meetings, administrative hearings, and investigation-related meetings with agency leadership; and prepares team members for testimony as needed to ensure accuracy and compliance
Advisement and Counsel: provides legal guidance to agency management on programs and issues involving legal risks, including conducting legal research as needed; and reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and administration, and recommends changes to ensure compliance and mitigate risk

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree
Required Licenses: Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Experience: At least four [4] years of experience in legal work including report writing, complaints, investigations, dispute resolution, or compliance monitoring.

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.
Skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; and reconciling differences.
Superior project and time management skills with a proven track record of performance and successful implementation across multiple concurrent projects and shifting and competing priorities.
Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; and agency administrative rules and regulations, including the Texas Administrative Code and associated rules, Title 19, Public Information Act, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 39.
Skill in research of local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Texas Education Code, Texas Administrative Code, and FERPA.
Ability to manage up to leadership while also influencing peers where no direct management lines exist.
Experience in complaint resolution processes and procedures, conflict and dispute resolution procedures, and compliance monitoring.
Ability to prepare legal documents; to formulate, coordinate, and establish policies and procedures; to conduct research; to interpret and apply laws; to summarize findings; to prepare cases for trial; to conduct hearings; to communicate effectively; and to review the work of others.
Demonstrated skill in decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and coaching.
Desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve.
Ability to work as a contributing member of a team by establishing and maintaining positive, effective working relationships with all levels of staff.
Experience working in a regulatory state agency or a local education agency setting and experience in a supervisory or project management position are preferred.

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 (https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions) 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, includ