Deputy Director, Science Academic Content (Director I)

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

• Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• 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.
• Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

About the Role

Teachers and students deserve access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) that are tightly aligned to Texas standards, grounded in evidence-based instructional practices, and intentionally designed to build knowledge and support the full range of learner needs. As the Deputy Director of Science Academic Content, Open Education Resources (OER), you play a critical role in ensuring Texas districts have access to HQIM that drive rigorous grade-level instruction and long-term student success.

You lead the execution, management, and continuous improvement of instructional materials within the K-12 Science portfolio, with a primary focus on grades K-5. You oversee day-to-day product development and review efforts, ensuring materials are fully aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and grounded in research-based practices, including the science of learning and evidence-based approaches to science instruction.

You serve as a people manager, product leader, and cross-functional connector, supporting Content Leads and collaborating across OER teams to deliver high-quality, scalable instructional materials. You ensure materials reflect a coherent approach to science instruction and meaningful assessment aligned to grade-level expectations. Your work supports effective classroom implementation and measurable improvements in student outcomes.

This position reports to the Principal Director of Math and Science Academic Content in Open Education Resources. The OER team sits within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the product development, review, and continuous improvement of HQIM in K-5 Science by managing Content Leads to deliver research-based, high-quality materials that drive student achievement across Texas, and by using user feedback and data to design and execute product-specific improvement plans.
• Oversee the product development, review, and continuous improvement of HQIM in 6-12 Science by managing Content Leads to deliver research-based, high-quality materials that drive student achievement across Texas, and by using user feedback and data to design and execute product-specific improvement plans.
• Supervise and perform related OER operations by supporting the TEA in aligning strategic priority initiatives and system operations to facilitate easier HQIM adoption and implementation to eliminate barriers and allow educators to focus on improving academic outcomes.
• Manage the development, execution, and support of product-specific stakeholder engagement plans by working with your content team and other OER teammates to engage with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to collect feedback and impact the continuous improvement cycle as well as product adoption and implementation of open educational resources.
• Demonstrate exceptional ability to manage, support, coach, and cultivate high-performing teams by ensuring teams are fully staffed and all staff have a clear, measurable definition of success. Support ongoing improvement in the highest impact satisfaction survey constructs based on department results.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Education, Science, or a similar field.
• At least five (5) years of experience in curriculum and assessment, and/or administrative roles relevant to K-12 education in school districts, at regional education service centers (ESCs), in university settings, and/or with statewide initiatives. An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience.
• 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 managing large initiatives, contracts, and grant programs is preferred.
• Understanding of curriculum and assessment design and/or advanced skill in writing and/or reviewing curriculum.
• Skill in management of projects toward outcomes, recognizing the need to prototype and iterate along the way and expecting the ultimate design to look different than the original idea.
• Ability to innovate within large public agencies by designing and implementing new initiatives that scale across districts and schools.
• Ability to operate effectively with minimal supervision, prioritize work and meet deadlines, organize and complete multiple workstreams simultaneously, take appropriate initiative, exercise independent judgment, and communicate progress and areas of concern.
• Understanding of the Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code, particularly with respect to curriculum requirements; understand and communicate intent of state law and rule and work within statutory authority.
• Experience with effective, high-quality professional development activities and techniques in a core content area.
• Superior and effective professional verbal and written communication skills, including development of appropriate guidance documents and effective presentations.
• Ability to build relationships and communicate clearly, concisely, respectfully, and inclusively with contractors, ESC staff, Texas Education Agency (TEA) staff, and external stakeholders.
• A desire to self-reflect, give and receive feedback, and focus on continuous improvement.

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.

Pay

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.