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 Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Program Manager will lead Texas’s statewide GEAR UP grant, efficiently disseminating federal funds through a grant program designed to improve postsecondary outcomes for public-school students. The program manager will work with GEAR UP grantee districts, technical assistance partners and other key stakeholders to assess needs, pilot initiatives, develop high-quality resources, and scale promising practices that support students across the state. The position performs consultative services and technical assistance aimed at facilitating student access to and successful navigation through career and education pathways.

This position reports to the Director of the Counseling Advising and Student Supports (CASS) team within the College, Career, and Military Preparation Division (CCMP), which serves districts in their efforts to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program that prepares all students for postsecondary success. This position supports other projects as requested by the Director of CASS and/or the Division Director of CCMP. This position works under limited supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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:
Program Oversight and Continuous Improvement
• Responsible for effectively maintaining accurate data for contracts, budgets, grant reporting, and other program reporting, as required.
• Responsible for researching, defining, monitoring, and evaluating program strategies to meet the GEAR UP grant requirements.
External Stakeholder Engagement
• Serves as the primary TEA contact for all GEAR UP stakeholders, including grantees, technical assistance providers, and other partners to stimulate interest in statewide strategies developed through the GEAR UP grant program as well as to secure support for implementation of those strategies at the local level.
Internal Collaboration and Resource Development
• Collaborates with peers across the CCMP division to develop and distribute high-quality, evidence-based college and career navigation resources to improve student college and career outcomes. Responsible for identifying the training and resource needs of grantees based on data and/or programming analysis, the individual needs of grantees will then be supported through program training and resource for effective outcomes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in education and/or education support programs, preferably experience with College, Career, and Military Preparation (e.g. counseling and/or advising; grant management)
Substitutions: Each 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
• Ability to foster effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups internal and external to TEA
• Ability to analyze information and data critically
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Follow division, department, and agency operating procedures
• Write, proofread, and edit highly complex and technical documents
• Professional maturity and ability to organize and complete multiple projects simultaneously within appropriate timelines
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders through writing
• Ability to develop high-quality presentation materials (e.g. PowerPoint slides) and present comfortably and professionally to small and large audiences
• A desire to self-reflect, give and receive constructive feedback, and continuously improve

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.