ESA Division Assistant Director

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is seeking an Assistant Director for the ESA division to support the TEFA program, set strategic goals, and advance education savings account initiatives.

The role involves policy development, legislative testimony, budgeting, contracts, and cross‑functional coordination. A strong communications background and leadership experience are essential for success in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, government, project management, public policy, public administration or related field.
• Four years of experience managing complex projects and supervising staff.
• Four years of experience in public speaking, legislative activities, and working with media or public relations.
• Experience working in education policy or education savings account programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist ESA Division Director in developing policies, procedures and guidelines for the TEFA program.
• Coordinate and monitor implementation of program initiatives; evaluate progress and outcomes.
• Suggest process and policy improvements to enhance effectiveness and compliance with laws.
• Work with participants, providers, vendors and stakeholders to facilitate participation and satisfaction.
• Draft the program budget, Business Continuity Plan and Business Plan.
• Monitor the budget to meet program goals and oversee procurement and contracts.
• Plan, assign and supervise work of program staff and support staff development.
• Represent the program at meetings, events and conferences to share information and gather feedback.

Skills

Public speaking

Policy knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Education policy

Project management

Leadership / staff management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Agency Information

We endeavor to maintain timely communication with all applicants by updating application statuses as promptly as possible. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about your application, please log in to the CAPPS application portal regularly to monitor status changes or updates.

Please note that this job posting can be closed without notice and earlier than the closing date indicated in the posting if a suitable candidate is found. We encourage applicants to submit and complete the application promptly.

Are you ready to grow, make a positive impact?

If you are seeking to gain knowledge, build your career, and network among goal-oriented professionals, this is the place for you!

Innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence best describes the culture here at the Comptroller's Office. We take pride in the work we do serving as Texas' accountant, tax collector, treasurer, and much more! The Comptroller's Office serves virtually every citizen in the state. As Texas' chief tax collector, accountant, revenue estimator, treasurer and purchasing manager, the agency is responsible for writing the checks and keeping the books for the multi-billion-dollar business of state government.

We value our employees and take very seriously our collective commitment to public service. Personal development opportunities are strongly encouraged through available workshops, teambuilding exercises, and on the job training. We offer flexible scheduling that helps employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.

ABOUT THE Division

General description

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Director for the ESA division to help support the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts program. Work involves assisting in establishing the program's strategic plan and setting goals and objectives; assisting in development of policies, procedures, and guidelines; and assisting in establishing priorities and standards. Responds to legislative inquiries and requests for information and participates in developing and presenting legislative testimony; assists in development of Legislative Appropriation Requests (LAR). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in communications with experience working on education and school choice programs. The right candidate will be enthusiastic about contributing to successful management of the program, demonstrate policy and program knowledge, and be ready to contribute immediately in a fast-paced environment.

Work Hours

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 40 hours. Weekend and/or late-evening work may be required. Actual work hours may change based on business need. Must be able to work flexible hours during legislative sessions and as needed. The position may be eligible for a flexible/hybrid work schedule if certain conditions are met; working arrangements may change at any time as business necessitates.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in business, government, project management, public policy, public administration or a related field.
• Four (4) years of experience managing complex projects and supervising staff.
• Four (4) years of experience in public speaking, legislative activities, and working with traditional or social media, communications, or public relations.
• Experience working in education policy or education savings account programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with budget development and oversight.
• Experience with Texas open records process.

Substitutions

One (1) additional year of full-time work experience in education policy, education savings account programs, or managing complex projects may substitute for thirty (30 semester hours) of the required education with a maximum substitution of 120 semester hours (four years).

Licenses / Certifications (Required)

• A valid Texas (or state of residency) driver's license and a satisfactory driving record are a condition of employment. Applicants offered an interview must present the following documents at or before the interview: A state issued driving record for the last 36 months, valid Texas driver's license (or state of residency driver's license) and current proof of automobile insurance
• Certification as a Contract Manager is required within 6 months of date of employment.

In This Role You Will

• Assists ESA Division Director in developing policies, procedures and guidelines for the TEFA program.
• Assists ESA Division Director in coordinating and monitoring the implementation of program initiatives; evaluating progress, analyzing outcomes.
• Recommends process and policy improvements to enhance program effectiveness and compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Works with participants, providers, vendors, certified educational assistance organization(s), and stakeholders to solve problems and facilitate participation and user satisfaction.
• Drafts the program budget, Business Continuity Plan, and Business Plan.
• Monitors the budget to ensure strategic use of funds to meet program goals.
• Plans, assigns, and supervises work of program staff.
• Fosters staff development and growth.
• Ensures timely performance evaluations that align staff development with program goals
• Participates in oversight of audits including audits by TEFA independent auditor and SAO.
• Maintains performance measure data.
• Assists ESA Division Director in coordinating procurement and payment of goods and services.
• Assists ESA Division Director in development and evaluation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for goods and services.
• Assists ESA Division Director in development of and monitors program contracts.
• Assists in delivery of customer service to program applicants, participants, private schools, and vendors.
• Contributes to planning and implementation of program strategies and objectives, and evaluates outcomes to support data driven decision making and continuous improvement.
• Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities.
• Implements project plans, timelines, and cross functional coordination to ensure program objectives are met and activities are completed within established standards and deadlines.
• Represents the program at meetings, events, and conferences to share program information, promote initiatives, and gather stakeholder feedback.
• Prepares presentations, talking points, and informational materials for meetings and public events to enhance understanding, visibility of and participation in the program
• Assists ESA Division Director in preparing briefing materials, testimony, and talking points for agency leadership and legislative activities, and supports coordination of related communications.
• Responds to inquiries from legislative offices and external stakeholders, provides program information, and coordinates with internal staff to ensure timely and accurate responses.
• Presents legislative testimony.
• Assists ESA Division Director in development of legislative appropriations requests and strategic plan.
• Monitors legislative activity; assists in bill analysis and preparation of fiscal notes.
• Assists in responding to open records requests.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Maximize Your Earnings!

At the Comptroller's office, we know potential employees are looking for more than just a paycheck. The agency offers a strong benefits package for you and your family. Insurance, retirement plans, and a flexible work schedule are just the start.

Important Note To The Candidate

Salary is contingent upon qualifications. If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview. Whenever possible, please give the hiring representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

MILITARY PREFERENCE

To receive MILITARY PREFERENCE, you are required to provide proof by attaching the necessary documentation to this job application.

The Comptroller's Office is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity.

Applicants must submit both a résumé and a completed application to be considered. Both documents should include sufficient work history to assess qualifications.

An applicant must be eligible to work in the United States to be hired at the Comptroller's office and must remain eligible, without sponsorship or any assurance of financial or other assistance from this agency, during the term of their employment.