Texas Education Agency
Join to apply for the Investigator IV-VI role at Texas Education Agency.
Mission 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.
New hires, re‑hires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum of the salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.
Position Overview The Office of Governance (OG) strives to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. We engage with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to promote best practices through two core workstreams: Field Support and Compliance & Investigations. By fostering collaboration across the agency and engaging directly in the field, we advance our vision of creating a safe school environment and excellent education for every Texas public school student.
The Special Investigations Division (SID) is dedicated to safeguarding student welfare and ensuring Local Education Agencies (LEAs) adhere to regulatory standards within the Texas educational system. The division plays a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of education by conducting thorough compliance reviews and leading high‑profile investigations into violations of the laws governing the Texas educational system. These investigations include misconduct and wrongdoing by district officials and trustees. The three primary teams within SID include Academic Integrity & Student Welfare, the Financial Oversight & School Programs, and Compliance Review.
This ongoing posting seeks to fill multiple Investigator positions at Levels IV, V, and VI. These roles perform progressively complex investigative work that supports TEA’s oversight of Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Placement will be determined by the hiring manager based on qualifications and experience.
Investigator Levels and Responsibilities
Level IV
– Focuses on baseline compliance reviews and investigations related to student safety and statutory obligations. Performs foundational investigative work under limited supervision, exercising significant discretion, initiative, and independent judgment.
Conduct compliance reviews and investigations related to bullying prevention, child abuse reporting, grievance processes, enrollment issues, and statutory obligations; gather and verify evidence, interview relevant parties, and document compliance findings in accordance with established procedures.
Review district policies, correspondence, and records for compliance with Texas Education Code and agency rules; identify deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
Maintain clear documentation of investigative activities and prepare professional reports and case summaries that meet internal quality standards.
Present findings or evidence in administrative proceedings when required.
Participate in workgroups, case reviews, and professional development to enhance investigative consistency and maintain division standards.
Level V
– Executes advanced investigations into complex allegations such as fraud, academic manipulation, and governance conflicts, while contributing to division‑wide initiatives and training. Performs advanced, senior‑level investigative work under minimal supervision, exercising substantial initiative and independent judgment. Frequently plans and organizes complex investigative activities and contributes to division expertise by developing and delivering training on investigative techniques and best practices.
Handle allegations involving assessment irregularities, academic manipulation, financial mismanagement, fraud, governance conflicts, and educator misconduct under Chapter 39 TEC. Coordinate with internal and external divisions to ensure investigative plans align with priorities and time standards.
Apply advanced techniques and tools to identify risk, assess red flags, and recommend resolutions; analyze all complaint information and investigation data for context and significance.
Produce detailed reports, case briefings, and referrals that effectively communicate evidence‑based findings for internal and external stakeholders.
Testify in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; develop professional exhibits and provide litigation support to legal staff.
Contribute to operational improvement projects, policy development, and maintain standards in Texas public education.
Level VI
– Leads high‑profile investigations and multi‑investigator cases, provides technical guidance and mentoring, and supports strategic planning and quality assurance efforts. Performs highly advanced investigative work with emphasis on high‑profile investigations and lead responsibilities on complex, multi‑investigator cases.
Lead investigations into fraud, waste, abuse, corruption, academic manipulation, and safety violations. Manage a reduced caseload focused on priority cases requiring specialized expertise.
Lead multi‑investigator cases; facilitate team meetings, track milestones, manage case deconfliction, and ensure adherence to division protocols.
Coach junior and mid‑level investigators; provide feedback on investigative approaches, assist with onboarding plans, and support professional development through modeling best practices.
Assist managers in reviewing investigative plans, case reports, and exhibits for litigation support; provide peer‑review and ensure clarity, rigor, and compliance with division standards.
Represent SID in collaborations with TEA divisions, law enforcement, and external agencies; participate in operational improvement projects, policy development efforts, and procedural updates.
The work may be conducted remotely or onsite depending on case requirements. These roles require strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, school personnel, and external stakeholders. Successful candidates will join a mission‑driven team committed to protecting students and maintaining accountability in Texas public education.
Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.
Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, 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 fingerprinting and a national criminal history background check.
Qualifications
Education
– Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university.
Degree fields
– Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Education, Business, Accounting, Finance, Criminology, Psychology, or related fields.
Experience
Level IV: At least three (3) years of experience conducting compliance reviews, investigations, or complaint resolution involving adherence to state or federal requirements, policies, or procedures and experience reviewing documentation, interviewing stakeholders, and preparing written reports that support compliance determinations.
Level V: At least four (4) years of experience conducting or supervising complex investigations in areas such as public corruption, large‑scale regulatory compliance, intelligence analysis (including work with analytical tools), and fraud, waste, and abuse.
Level VI: At least five (5) years of experience conducting or leading complex investigations, including those involving fraud, misconduct, regulatory noncompliance, or violations of public trust and demonstrated expertise in compliance, regulatory, administrative, or criminal investigations.
Substitutions
– Education and experience may substitute for one another on a year‑for‑year basis.
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.
Possess working knowledge and the ability to explain state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to child abuse and solicitation, misconduct, fraud, waste, and abuse, criminal violations, and confidentiality, including Texas Penal Code, Texas Education Code, Texas Family Code, Texas Administrative Code.
Experience conducting investigations and complaint reviews according to defined procedures and time standards.
Ability to adapt to and effectively engage with diverse individuals and stakeholders.
Ability to synthesize large volumes of data, documents, and records to identify patterns, extract key insights and contextual information, and support informed decision‑making in investigations.
Exhibits superior verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage in a collaborative, results‑oriented team environment and testify effectively in hearings.
Possesses extensive problem‑solving skills that identify challenges, gather and analyze facts, evaluate alternatives, and implement best‑fit solutions.
Displays excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and complete multiple competing projects or priorities simultaneously.
Desire to self‑reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve.
Willingness to participate in the agency’s culture of continuous improvement and espouse its core values.
Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
Must pass the TX Dept. of Public Safety’s criteria for accessing the TX DPS secure website and DPS Clearinghouse.
Levels V–VI: Advanced degree and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Inspector General Investigator (CIGI), Certified Professional Criminal Investigator (CPCI), or ASIS International Professional Certified Investigator, preferred.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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.
Contact Information We will not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Please add
capps.recruiting@cpa.texas.gov
and
@tea.texas.gov
to your safe senders list to receive notifications from our talent acquisition team.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries Government Administration
Location Austin, TX
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Mission 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.
New hires, re‑hires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum of the salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.
Position Overview The Office of Governance (OG) strives to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. We engage with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to promote best practices through two core workstreams: Field Support and Compliance & Investigations. By fostering collaboration across the agency and engaging directly in the field, we advance our vision of creating a safe school environment and excellent education for every Texas public school student.
The Special Investigations Division (SID) is dedicated to safeguarding student welfare and ensuring Local Education Agencies (LEAs) adhere to regulatory standards within the Texas educational system. The division plays a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of education by conducting thorough compliance reviews and leading high‑profile investigations into violations of the laws governing the Texas educational system. These investigations include misconduct and wrongdoing by district officials and trustees. The three primary teams within SID include Academic Integrity & Student Welfare, the Financial Oversight & School Programs, and Compliance Review.
This ongoing posting seeks to fill multiple Investigator positions at Levels IV, V, and VI. These roles perform progressively complex investigative work that supports TEA’s oversight of Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Placement will be determined by the hiring manager based on qualifications and experience.
Investigator Levels and Responsibilities
Level IV
– Focuses on baseline compliance reviews and investigations related to student safety and statutory obligations. Performs foundational investigative work under limited supervision, exercising significant discretion, initiative, and independent judgment.
Conduct compliance reviews and investigations related to bullying prevention, child abuse reporting, grievance processes, enrollment issues, and statutory obligations; gather and verify evidence, interview relevant parties, and document compliance findings in accordance with established procedures.
Review district policies, correspondence, and records for compliance with Texas Education Code and agency rules; identify deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
Maintain clear documentation of investigative activities and prepare professional reports and case summaries that meet internal quality standards.
Present findings or evidence in administrative proceedings when required.
Participate in workgroups, case reviews, and professional development to enhance investigative consistency and maintain division standards.
Level V
– Executes advanced investigations into complex allegations such as fraud, academic manipulation, and governance conflicts, while contributing to division‑wide initiatives and training. Performs advanced, senior‑level investigative work under minimal supervision, exercising substantial initiative and independent judgment. Frequently plans and organizes complex investigative activities and contributes to division expertise by developing and delivering training on investigative techniques and best practices.
Handle allegations involving assessment irregularities, academic manipulation, financial mismanagement, fraud, governance conflicts, and educator misconduct under Chapter 39 TEC. Coordinate with internal and external divisions to ensure investigative plans align with priorities and time standards.
Apply advanced techniques and tools to identify risk, assess red flags, and recommend resolutions; analyze all complaint information and investigation data for context and significance.
Produce detailed reports, case briefings, and referrals that effectively communicate evidence‑based findings for internal and external stakeholders.
Testify in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; develop professional exhibits and provide litigation support to legal staff.
Contribute to operational improvement projects, policy development, and maintain standards in Texas public education.
Level VI
– Leads high‑profile investigations and multi‑investigator cases, provides technical guidance and mentoring, and supports strategic planning and quality assurance efforts. Performs highly advanced investigative work with emphasis on high‑profile investigations and lead responsibilities on complex, multi‑investigator cases.
Lead investigations into fraud, waste, abuse, corruption, academic manipulation, and safety violations. Manage a reduced caseload focused on priority cases requiring specialized expertise.
Lead multi‑investigator cases; facilitate team meetings, track milestones, manage case deconfliction, and ensure adherence to division protocols.
Coach junior and mid‑level investigators; provide feedback on investigative approaches, assist with onboarding plans, and support professional development through modeling best practices.
Assist managers in reviewing investigative plans, case reports, and exhibits for litigation support; provide peer‑review and ensure clarity, rigor, and compliance with division standards.
Represent SID in collaborations with TEA divisions, law enforcement, and external agencies; participate in operational improvement projects, policy development efforts, and procedural updates.
The work may be conducted remotely or onsite depending on case requirements. These roles require strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, school personnel, and external stakeholders. Successful candidates will join a mission‑driven team committed to protecting students and maintaining accountability in Texas public education.
Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.
Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, 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 fingerprinting and a national criminal history background check.
Qualifications
Education
– Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university.
Degree fields
– Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Education, Business, Accounting, Finance, Criminology, Psychology, or related fields.
Experience
Level IV: At least three (3) years of experience conducting compliance reviews, investigations, or complaint resolution involving adherence to state or federal requirements, policies, or procedures and experience reviewing documentation, interviewing stakeholders, and preparing written reports that support compliance determinations.
Level V: At least four (4) years of experience conducting or supervising complex investigations in areas such as public corruption, large‑scale regulatory compliance, intelligence analysis (including work with analytical tools), and fraud, waste, and abuse.
Level VI: At least five (5) years of experience conducting or leading complex investigations, including those involving fraud, misconduct, regulatory noncompliance, or violations of public trust and demonstrated expertise in compliance, regulatory, administrative, or criminal investigations.
Substitutions
– Education and experience may substitute for one another on a year‑for‑year basis.
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.
Possess working knowledge and the ability to explain state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to child abuse and solicitation, misconduct, fraud, waste, and abuse, criminal violations, and confidentiality, including Texas Penal Code, Texas Education Code, Texas Family Code, Texas Administrative Code.
Experience conducting investigations and complaint reviews according to defined procedures and time standards.
Ability to adapt to and effectively engage with diverse individuals and stakeholders.
Ability to synthesize large volumes of data, documents, and records to identify patterns, extract key insights and contextual information, and support informed decision‑making in investigations.
Exhibits superior verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage in a collaborative, results‑oriented team environment and testify effectively in hearings.
Possesses extensive problem‑solving skills that identify challenges, gather and analyze facts, evaluate alternatives, and implement best‑fit solutions.
Displays excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and complete multiple competing projects or priorities simultaneously.
Desire to self‑reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve.
Willingness to participate in the agency’s culture of continuous improvement and espouse its core values.
Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
Must pass the TX Dept. of Public Safety’s criteria for accessing the TX DPS secure website and DPS Clearinghouse.
Levels V–VI: Advanced degree and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Inspector General Investigator (CIGI), Certified Professional Criminal Investigator (CPCI), or ASIS International Professional Certified Investigator, preferred.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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.
Contact Information We will not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Please add
capps.recruiting@cpa.texas.gov
and
@tea.texas.gov
to your safe senders list to receive notifications from our talent acquisition team.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries Government Administration
Location Austin, TX
#J-18808-Ljbffr