Product Manager (Project Manager IV)

Texas Education Agency; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) seeks a Product Manager within the Data Strategy & Analytics team to drive digital product planning and delivery for statewide programs.

You will gather user feedback, coordinate vendors, manage contracts, and work across program, technical, and user groups to align initiatives and improve outcomes for Texas students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college
• At least five years of experience in product, program management, technology, or related field
• Advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification must be obtained within six months of employment
• Experience with Ed-Fi and/or the Texas Education Exchange preferred
• Experience with vendor contract management preferred
• Strong communicator able to bridge technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience with agile product management techniques (user stories, MVP, backlog prioritization)

Responsibilities

• Support product strategy, gather user feedback, and analyze requirements to inform planning
• Coordinate product-related projects by tracking timelines, risks, and dependencies
• Coordinate with vendors on timelines, deliverables, and contract modifications; manage invoicing
• Promote collaboration among program, technical, vendor, and user groups and document decisions

Skills

Stakeholder communication

Agile product management

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

JIRA

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Smartsheet

SharePoint

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

As an internal customer service organization, the Data Strategy & Analytics team enables program leaders to make strategic, data-driven decisions to increase impact for students and families across Texas. Data, research, technology, and analytical support are crucial for statewide programs affecting college and career access, early childhood, student assessment, and instructional training and effectiveness.

The Product Manager supports the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of digital products that help program teams operate more effectively. This role gathers and analyzes user feedback, operational data, and business requirements to inform product planning and implementation; coordinates product-related projects by tracking timelines, deliverables, risks, and dependencies; and supports collaboration across program, technical, vendor, and user groups to ensure alignment throughout the product lifecycle.

The position also coordinates vendor deliverables, contract compliance, invoicing, and related operational processes. This role performs advanced product and project coordination work under limited supervision, with opportunities for initiative and independent judgment, while working closely with internal teams, external partners, and vendors to support agency goals and priorities.

This position is within the Strategy & Analytics department, in the Office of Analytics, Assessment, and Reporting, and reports to the Senior Product Manager.

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 - Product Strategy: Supports the application of human-centered design practices by conducting research, gathering and analyzing user feedback, operational data, and business requirements, and documenting product needs to inform product strategy, delivery, and implementation.
• 2 - Project Execution: Coordinates product-related projects by tracking timelines, deliverables, risks, and dependencies; facilitating communication among team members; and supporting the successful execution of product priorities and organizational objectives.
• 3 - Vendor Contract Management and Operations: Coordinate with vendors to ensure process timelines, deliverables, and contract compliance. Manage invoicing cycles, validate submissions, and maintain documentation for contract modifications and negotiations (as-needed). Serve as a subject matter expert on contract terms and partner with vendors to ensure accurate invoicing and spending documentation.
• 4 - Stakeholder Communication and Collaboration: Promotes collaboration among program, technical, vendor, and user groups by maintaining clear and consistent communication, gathering stakeholder input, documenting decisions, and helping ensure alignment throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in product, program management, technology, or a related field
• Substitutions: An 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
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification must be obtained within the first six (6) months of employment
• Experience in developing and releasing digital products with proficiency in agile product management techniques, such as user story writing, MVP definition and backlog prioritization
• Exceptional project management skills with ability to coordinate across a cross-functional team and continually prioritize based on project goals and user needs
• Prior experience using Project management, data analysis software and communication tools including JIRA, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Smartsheet, SharePoint and other tools to effectively synthesize, analyze and communicate vast amounts of data and documents effectively
• Previous experience in Texas K-12 public education preferred
• Experience with Ed-Fi and/or the Texas Education Exchange preferred
• Experience with vendor contract management is preferred
• Strong communicator, able to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and bridge gaps between technical and non-technical audiences

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.

• 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 .