Investigator (Investigator IV)

Texas Education Agency; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote or onsite flexibility

Job summary

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) invites applications for the Investigator position within the Office of Governance's Special Investigations Division. The role conducts baseline compliance reviews and investigations related to student safety and statutory obligations, under limited supervision, with the possibility of remote or onsite work in Texas.

Successful candidates will join a mission-driven team focused on protecting students and upholding education law with integrity and accountability.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• At least three years of experience in conducting compliance reviews, investigations, or complaint resolution.
• Education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

Responsibilities

• Investigations: conduct compliance reviews and investigations related to bullying prevention, child abuse reporting, grievance processes, enrollment issues, and statutory obligations; gather and verify evidence, interview relevant parties, and document compliance findings in accordance with established procedures
• Records Analysis: review district policies, correspondence, and records for compliance with Texas Education Code and agency rules; identify deficiencies and recommend corrective actions
• Documentation & Reporting: maintain clear documentation of investigative activities and prepare professional reports and case summaries that meet internal quality standards
• Testimony and Litigation Support: present findings or evidence in administrative proceedings when required
• Division Support: participate in workgroups, case reviews, and professional development to enhance investigative

Skills

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Time management

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Spanish language

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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

This is a term position funded through August 30, 2027. Continuation of the position beyond that date is contingent on available funding.

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.

The Special Investigations Division (SID) is dedicated to safeguarding student welfare and ensuring Local Education Agencies (LEAs) adhere to regulatory standards within the Texas educational system. The division plays a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of education by conducting thorough compliance reviews and leading high-profile investigations into violations of the laws governing the Texas educational system. These investigations include misconduct and wrongdoing by district officials and trustees. The three primary teams within SID include Academic Integrity & Student Welfare, the Financial Oversight & School Programs, and Compliance Review.

The Investigator will focus on conducting baseline compliance reviews and investigations related to student safety and statutory obligations. This role performs foundational investigative work under limited supervision, exercising significant discretion, initiative, and independent judgment. The work may be conducted remotely or onsite, depending on case requirements. This role requires strong analytical skills, sound judgement, and the ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, school personnel, and external stakeholders. Successful candidates will join a mission-driven team committed to protecting students and maintaining accountability in Texas public education.

Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Essential Functions

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

1. Investigations: conduct compliance reviews and investigations related to bullying prevention, child abuse reporting, grievance processes, enrollment issues, and statutory obligations; gather and verify evidence, interview relevant parties, and document compliance findings in accordance with established procedures
2. Records Analysis: review district policies, correspondence, and records for compliance with Texas Education Code and agency rules; identify deficiencies and recommend corrective actions
3. Documentation & Reporting: maintain clear documentation of investigative activities and prepare professional reports and case summaries that meet internal quality standards
4. Testimony and Litigation Support: present findings or evidence in administrative proceedings when required
5. Division Support: participate in workgroups, case reviews, and professional development to enhance investigative

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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

Experience: At least three [3] years of experience in conducting compliance reviews, investigations, or complaint resolution involving adherence to state or federal requirements, policies, or procedures. Must include experience reviewing documentation, interviewing stakeholders, and preparing written reports that support compliance determinations

Substitutions: Education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

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 working knowledge and the ability to explain state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to child abuse and solicitation, misconduct, fraud, waste, and abuse, criminal violations, and confidentiality, including Texas Penal Code, Texas Education Code, Texas Family Code, Texas Administrative Code
• Ability to adapt to and effectively engage with diverse individuals and stakeholders
• Ability to synthesize large volumes of data, documents, and records to identify patterns, extract key insights and contextual information, and support informed decision-making in investigations
• Exhibits superior verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment and testify effectively in hearings
• Possesses extensive problem-solving skills that identify challenges, gather and analyze facts, evaluate alternatives, and implement best-fit solutions
• Displays excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and complete multiple competing projects or priorities simultaneously
• Desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve
• Willingness to participate in the agency¿s culture of continuous improvement and espouse its core values
• Must pass the TX Dept. of Public Safety's criteria for accessing the TX DPS secure website and DPS Clearinghouse
• Proficiency in Spanish is preferred

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 .

Military/Veteran Information

Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.

Additional Information

TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.

TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

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, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .