Director of Digital Strategy

Job DescriptionMISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. Core Values:We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students.We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students. We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students. We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them. Position Overview: The Digital Strategy team develops the strategy for and manages the implementation of digital solutions that enable TEA program delivery and student outcomes.The Director of Digital Strategy will manage a team focused on discovering, investing in, developing, and deploying these solutions in support of high priority TEA initiatives. These responsibilities include the management of the statewide learning management system (TEALearn) and content management system (Texas Gateway), the execution of improvements and integrations of these systems, and collaboration with the owners of other digital platforms - such as the Texas Education Exchange and the Texas Student Data System (TSDS) - to enable TEA program teams to effectively make use of digital tools that facilitate program success and deliver an integrated and coherent end-user experience.This role sits within the Division of Digital Strategy & Analytics in the Office of Analytics, Assessment, and Reporting and reports to the Director of Digital Strategy & Analytics.Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.Please note that a resume and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.Essential FunctionsJob duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.1. Team Management: Recruits, develops, and retains a high-performing service-oriented team dedicated to supporting program delivery through digital solutions; develops and maintains team communication and performance management structures; regularly provides coaching and feedback to direct reports.2. Program Delivery Support: Partners closely with TEA program leads to deeply understand program needs and prioritize digital solutions; leads and defines vision for Digital Strategy team to ensure digital solutions are tailored to agency strategic priorities; provides consulting support for program teams to understand and apply available digital tools and services, including TEALearn, Texas Gateway, and Texas Education Exchange.3. Learning Management System Strategy and Operations: Oversees strategy and continuous improvement of a statewide learning management system (TEALearn) including product roadmap development, course development support, financial planning, and vendor management; Defines key performance indicators for courses and implements performance management systems to track, communicate, and support improvement on these metrics for both the Digital Strategy team and course owners.4. Content Management System Strategy and Operations: Manages strategy and continuous improvement of a statewide content management system (Texas Gateway) to provide access, use, and analytics of agency content for Texas instructional leaders, educators, and families in support of TEA program goals and aligned to TEA strategic priorities, including user research, product roadmap development, content development support, agile software development processes, and contract management; Defines key performance indicators for platform and implement performance management system to track, communicate, and support improvement on these metrics for the Digital Strategy team and program teams5. Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Sharing: Develops and fosters collaborative partnerships across DS&A, IT, Operations, Contracts and Procurement, and Education Service Centers; Advocates for and employ best-practice digital service skills to generate improved experiences for program users; Effectively bridges gaps between technical and non-technical stakeholders.Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications•Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.•Experience: At least six (6) years of experience in strategy, 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•Ability to innovate within large public agencies by designing and implementing new initiatives that scale across districts and schools•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 •Proven track record for exemplary team management practices •Ability to prioritize work, operate effectively with minimal supervision, take appropriate initiative, and exercise independent judgment•Experience in developing and releasing digital products with proficiency in agile product management techniques, such as user story writing, MVP definition and backlog prioritization•Experience with learning management systems, content management systems and other education technologies•Experience in engaging with users and using qualitative and quantitative data to identify how their needs can be met by products and services•Prior experience using data analysis software and communication tools including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Smartsheet, SharePoint and other tools to effectively synthesize, analyze and communicate vast amounts of data and documents effectively •Strong communicator, able to bridge gaps between technical and non-technical audiences•Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification preferred As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the military employment preference.To review the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to each job classification series in the State's Position Classification Plan (provided by the State Auditor's Office), please access the Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) Guide and click on the military "occupational category" that corresponds with the state classification in this job posting title. 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.No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.