Performance Manager (Project Manager IV)

Texas Education Agency; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Public service loan forgiveness

Job summary

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is responsible for oversight of Texas public education and leads a strategic plan to improve outcomes for 5.5 million students. The Performance Manager works within the Office of Analytics, Assessment & Reporting to support priority initiatives and ensure data-driven decision making across TEA.

Roles involve planning, monitoring, and aligning agency efforts. Travel up to 10% is required, with flexible work location within Texas; strong collaboration with senior

Qualifications

• Education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.
• At least five years of experience managing large, complex projects and developing/implementing project management systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and support strategic planning initiatives with client teams.
• Support development and tracking of metrics, milestones, and performance routines.
• Engage stakeholders to build buy-in for planning and performance management.
• Provide customized, actionable coaching and process improvements.
• Coordinate cross‑office alignment to strengthen shared initiatives and mitigate risks.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Communication

Facilitation

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

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is responsible for oversight of the primary and secondary education of over 5.5 million students in Texas public schools. A strong, aligned strategic plan is critical to successfully achieving our vision to prepare the public-school students in Texas for success in college, career, or the military. Sitting in the broader Office of Analytics, Assessment & Reporting within the Digital Strategy and Analytics department, the Alignment and Delivery Unit oversees the performance management structure around and supports the achievement of TEA's Strategic Plan with a focus on results.

The Performance Manager will play a critical role in the performance management of priority agency initiatives that are key to the successful execution of TEA's strategic plan. This person will focus on high impact, high-priority initiatives that are named in TEA's Strategic Plan. They will work with internal stakeholders to support the planning and initiation of projects at various levels of completion, analyze and use data to formulate recommendations, and build capacity among internal stakeholders to plan, track progress, and use metrics to drive decision-making. Additionally, the Performance Manager aids in aligning the work of priority initiatives across the agency.

This individual will work with internal stakeholders to support the planning and initiation of projects at various levels of completion, analyze and use data to formulate recommendations, and build capacity among internal stakeholders to plan, track progress, and use metrics to drive decision-making. Additionally, the Performance Manager aids in aligning the work of priority initiatives across the agency.

This position reports to the Director of Performance Management, and works closely with the Commissioner of Education, Deputy Commissioner of Operations, and other internal senior stakeholders.

This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

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

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 - Planning & Support: Provide consultative support to client teams to produce high-quality strategic planning deliverables. Support client teams to develop strong metrics and milestones on an ongoing basis. As needed, support ADU leadership in the development and refinement of strategic planning tools, templates, and processes.

2 - Performance Systems & Routines: Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of systems and routines for ongoing tracking of progress, enabling teams to act upon performance data. Facilitate and support program teams in preparing for and reporting out at agency-wide and office-level performance routines

3 - Stakeholder Engagement & Messaging: Develop strong relationships and communicate effectively with client teams and lead through influence to build buy-in around the importance of strong planning and performance management. Develop holistic content knowledge and raise connections through regular collaboration with clients to demonstrate credibility regarding their support and recommendations. Provide proactive and consistent messaging to client teams about the value of ADU's planning process and the role of performance management at the agency

4 - Tailored Performance Support: Provide customized, responsive support tailored to the needs of client teams through tools, resources, coaching, facilitation, and process improvements that strengthen planning, performance management, and execution

5 - Cross-team Alignment & Integration: Facilitate cross-office and cross-team alignment to strengthen shared initiatives and interdependent work. Identify issues, risks, and opportunities for improvement, and propose strategy adjustments to improve coordination, communication, and mitigate or avoid future risks.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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

Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in managing large, complex projects, as well as developing and implementing project management system

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


• Ability to lead by influence to build investment in the Agency's performance management system


• Ability to serve as a trusted thought partner to leaders and stakeholders by translating complex information into actionable recommendations and supports.


• Ability to support program teams in a consulting capacity and help drive initiatives to achieve results


• Strong facilitation skills


• Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues


• Analytical skills and problem-solving ability with meticulous attention to detail


• Highly organized; ability to balance the demands of multiple projects at different stages of development while


• maintaining quality and consistency across all work


• Ability to break down complex information into component parts, ask questions, synthesize, and analyze


• Exercise strong judgement in making decisions


• Excellent written and oral communication skills

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 .

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.