THECB - External Relation Specialist III

General Description:
Assists the agency’s efforts to communicate and advance higher education policy with external stakeholders, including legislators, state office holders, institutions of higher education, and business and community leaders. The ideal candidate must be a strong writer, strategic thinker, and collaborator with an interest in public policy, higher education, and public service. Work is performed under limited supervision with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. This position reports directly to the Commissioner and works closely with the agency executive team.

General Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assists in monitoring and reviewing progress of THECB initiatives, projects, and activities.
• Assists in providing timely information and compiling, analyzing, and evaluating complex research and data.
• Proactively builds and maintains strong, mutually respectful relationships both internal and external to the agency to facilitate effective, collaborative communication.
• Collaborates with internal teams to ensure that strategic initiative narratives are aligned across presentations, proposals, and public-facing materials.
• Assists in monitoring key milestones and performance indicators related to agency initiatives, ensuring outputs are delivered on time and to a high standard.
• Coordinates communications, requests for information, and document submissions.
• Ensures consistency and quality of responses prior to submission.
• Facilitates cross-functional collaboration to resolve data or policy questions.
• Ensures supporting documentation aligns with statutory and operational requirements.
• Maintains version control and documentation records.
• Supports the agency in the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks across projects, providing solutions to manage issues proactively.
• Supports cross-functional working groups or task forces by coordinating agendas, capturing action items, and following through on deliverables.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge Skills or Abilities:
• Knowledge of higher education field and trends.
• Knowledge of governmental operations and administrative processes.
• Knowledge of records management and documentation standards.
• Knowledge of legislative or regulatory processes.
• Knowledge of agency organizational structure and functions.
• Skills in facilitation, managing meetings, and brokering critical conversations to problem-solve and drive progress.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Skills in identifying potential challenges, resolving problems, and taking proactive measures to address potential problems.
• Skills in gathering, analyzing, and concisely presenting information.
• Skills in reviewing materials for accuracy and efficiently identifying, researching, and correcting errors.
• Ability to think and plan strategically.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to coordinate internally across divisions and leadership levels.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex instructions and requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and make decisions using sound judgement, analytical thinking, and sound reasoning.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to display a high degree of diplomatic competence and discretion.

Telework with Two Required In-Office Days:
This position is authorized for a hybrid telework schedule. Employees are required to work in the office two (2) days per week, with the remaining three days eligible for telework. Specific in-office days may be determined by the department to meet business needs.

Military Crosswalk: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_InformationandCommunication.pdf

Required Minimum Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three years of experience in higher education program, policy, or practice.

Preferred:
Preferred Education and Experience:
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of required work experience.
• Knowledge of higher education policy issues and best practices.
• Experience supporting complex projects with multiple stakeholders.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:
• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work;
• Frequent use of a personal computer, copiers, printers, and telephones;
• Frequent sitting;
• Frequent work under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.

Workforce:
• Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables.
• Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours as necessary.
• Adhere to the organization’s internal management policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the agency’s performance measures and mission.
• Travel occasionally for work assignments and training. 

Application Requirements:
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board’s employment opportunities website at https://www.highered.texas.gov/careers/.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board participates in E-Verify for each new employees’ Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions, please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1.

Notes to Applicant:
If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A criminal background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.

Your job application must be completely filled out. Your application must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer and a description of duties performed in a way that demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include this information on the application. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete.

Veterans Information: THECB is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 -member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: THECB does not discriminate on the basis, of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon:
• Proof of education and experience listed on the application.
• Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.

THECB does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions.

Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview.

Salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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.