Programmer/Data Analyst (Programmer IV)

Texas Education Agency; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid state holidays

Job summary

Texas Education Agency in Texas is seeking a Senior SAS Programmer for the Performance Reporting Division to develop and maintain complex SAS data processing and reporting systems supporting the accountability framework for state and federal programs.

The role emphasizes quality control, documentation, and collaboration across teams, with up to 5% travel. A flexible work location within Texas may be considered for qualified candidates, and a national background check is required.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university.
• Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in SAS programming.
• Substitutions: An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex SAS coding, testing, quality control, and documentation related to accountability data processing.
• Develop and support accountability reporting, web-based applications, data downloads, and TAPR/TPRS.
• Create and maintain reports for state and federal accountability rating systems.
• Provide data analysis and recommendations for policy changes and system improvements.

Skills

SAS programming

Data validation

Documentation

Problem solving

Education

Four-year degree

Tools

SAS

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

Position Overview: TEA's Performance Reporting Division, within the Office of Analytics, Assessment, and Reporting seeks to ensure continuous improvement in the academic achievement of all Texas public school students by developing and implementing a transparent, rigorous, and fair academic accountability system and by providing accurate and comprehensive academic performance reporting systems, tools, and trackers.

The Accountability Data Processing and Reporting team supports the academic accountability system by processing and reporting accountability data. The Programmer will perform highly complex SAS programming tasks to create and analyze datasets for accountability rating systems. The work involves creating and maintaining reports for the state and federal accountability rating systems, developing and managing extensive quality control checks of SAS programs, and creating workflows to improve existing programs and applications. The Programmer provides technical support to management in ongoing and new system development. This is a senior level programmer position that works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position requires up to 5% 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 - Accountability Data Processing and Reporting: Serves as primary programmer of the School Progress Domain. Performs complex SAS coding, testing, quality control, and documentation related to accountability data processing. Develops and supports accountability reporting, web-based applications, data downloads, and TPRS/TAPR. Performs complex SAS coding and research to process appeals.

2 - Refresh Accountability Data Processing and Reporting: Develops and supports accountability reporting, web-based applications, and data downloads. Creates new reports or reporting systems based on stakeholder feedback. Supports accountability system improvement through modeling the impact of potential changes. Performs complex SAS coding, testing, quality control, and documentation related to refresh accountability data processing. Contributes to ongoing accountability system development by providing data analysis and recommendations of implementing new or updated policy changes. Contributes to the development and continuous improvement of documents and communications about the refresh accountability system.

3 - Enhancements and Efficiency: Support accountability system improvement through enhancement requests. Contributes to ongoing continuous improvement of accountability data processing and/or reporting by updating programs to improve maintainability. Contributes to ongoing continuous improvement of accountability data processing and/or reporting by proposing and implementing tools to efficiently and accurately complete projects.

4 - Customer Service and Technical Support: Performs complex SAS quality control checks for colleagues. Serves as a key technical support by completing ad-hoc research, data analysis, and Public Information Requests. Contributes to the development and continuous improvement of documents and communications about the accountability system.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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

Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in SAS programming

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
• Experience with SAS programming language, standards for writing and reviewing complex programming, data validation techniques, and working with large databases
• Ability to clearly document processes with attention to detail
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage time to handle multiple projects and produce high-quality and accurate work
• Ability to identify problems and implement effective solutions, while appropriately and effectively managing up
• Demonstrated desire to self‑reflect and continuously improve
• Demonstrated willingness to learn; ability to independently and quickly study and grasp new information
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with colleagues, including giving and receiving feedback
• Ability to engage in a collaborative, results‑oriented team environment while working under minimal supervision

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.