Executive Director, Budget Operations (Director V)

Agency Information

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.

Core Values

• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

Job Description

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is seeking a strategic and experienced senior leader to serve as Executive Director and oversee Operations in the Budget Division within the Office of Finance. This position plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the effective stewardship of agency financial resources and advancing TEA's mission to improve outcomes for all public-school students across Texas.

This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic financial operations and planning. Responsibilities include establishing division-wide strategy, goals, and performance measures; developing and implementing policies, procedures, and standards; and leading the coordination and evaluation of agency budget activities and processes.

The position exercises extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The Executive Director oversees all aspects of TEA's budget development and execution processes, including the Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR), operating budget, and fiscal note development. This role leads a team of budget professionals and serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, ensuring alignment between financial planning, legislative priorities, and agency goals.

The position reports to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and collaborates closely with executive leadership and division leaders across the agency.

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.

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. Strategic Financial Leadership and Budget Administration: provides senior-level leadership and direction over agency budget development, implementation, and monitoring processes.

Establishes strategic priorities, standards, and performance measures to ensure effective budget management and alignment with agency goals; oversees the development and execution of TEA's budget processes, including the Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR), operating budget, and fiscal note development; develops, implements, and continuously improves policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance, transparency, and effective stewardship of public funds

2. Legislative and Executive Fiscal Strategy: leads budget-related legislative strategy and fiscal planning in coordination with executive leadership; provides advanced financial analysis, forecasting, and scenario modeling to inform agency decision-making.

Serves as a primary advisor to executive leadership on budget strategy, legislative impacts, and fiscal implications of policy decisions; coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to support legislative processes, including development of fiscal notes and responses to legislative inquiries; employs practices that ensure all internal and external customers/stakeholders receive service in a timely, friendly, and professional manner

3. Organizational Leadership and Employee Engagement: fosters a high-performing, collaborative organizational culture within the Budget and Planning Division; provides leadership, direction, and oversight of division staff, ensuring alignment with agency priorities and expectations; develops and implements talent strategies, including workforce planning, staff development, and succession planning; promotes continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration to enhance division capacity and effectiveness

4. Division Operations and Performance Oversight: oversees division operations to ensure effective execution of budget functions and alignment with agency priorities; establishes and monitors performance metrics to assess progress, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement; coordinates and evaluates division activities, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality deliverables; oversees staff performance management, including evaluation, coaching, and accountability measures, consistent with agency policies

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Experience: At least eight [8] years of experience in budget preparation and analysis, financial management, and budget development or administration; experience with State of Texas budgeting, financial and budgetary systems; and at least three (3) years of supervisory experience, including proficiency with the following systems: Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS), Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS), and Automated Budget and Evaluation System of Texas (ABEST).

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
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex administrative and operational functions through multiple layers of management and a specialized workforce
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex financial and operational information to a variety of audiences
• Experience leading managers, cross-functional projects, and high-performing teams
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and implement effective solutions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, balance competing demands, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
• Experience using data and performance measures to improve processes, efficiency, and organizational outcomes
• Commitment to accountability, continuous improvement, employee development, customer service, and achieving strategic goals

New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.

The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.

Benefits

TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include

• Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
• Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
• Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
• Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page.