At the Texas Education Agency’s Office of Governance (OG), we are driven by a powerful mission: to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. Our core workstreams—Field Support and Compliance & Investigations—focus on strengthening governance, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous improvement across Texas schools. By working closely with school systems and agency teams, we help ensure every Texas public school student has access to a safe, high-quality education. On behalf of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Commissioner of Education, the Educator Investigations Division (EID) is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of students across Texas. By investigating allegations of misconduct involving educators and school employees, EID plays a vital role in maintaining a secure and trustworthy learning environment. The division is structured into two primary units: Intake and Investigations. The Intake Unit ensures school system compliance with child abuse reporting requirements, reviews misconduct reports, conducts preliminary reviews, tracks criminal matters, and evaluates referrals for completeness and accuracy. This unit makes recommendations for formal investigations in strict accordance with SBEC and agency policy, always prioritizing student safety. The Investigations Unit conducts formal investigations into reports of alleged misconduct by SBEC-certified educators and non-certified school employees. This unit ensures that due process is provided in all cases, maintaining a strong commitment to protecting students and upholding the integrity of the educational environment. This role will conduct advanced investigations with a high degree of independence and professional judgment, while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a direct impact on student safety and educator accountability across Texas. Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates. Please note that a resume is a required attachment 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 Functions Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned .. Investigations: leads preliminary reviews and conducts complex investigations into reports and complaints involving educator misconduct, including child abuse, solicitation, educator misconduct, ethics violations, and other compliance concerns under the authority of SBEC or the Commissioner of Education; collects and evaluates evidence, interviews witnesses, and collaborates with internal and external partners to develop findings in alignment with investigative plans, division protocols, and established timelines; conducts investigations virtually or onsite, depending on the nature of the case 2. Analysis and Recommendation: critically analyzes information from initial complaints and investigative findings to assess the relevance and impact of facts related to alleged misconduct; applies state, federal, and agency policies to identify risk factors, flag potential violations, and make informed recommendations for case resolution; utilizes appropriate analytical techniques and tools to support sound decision making 3. Documentation, Report Writing, and Presentation: maintains thorough and accurate documentation of investigative activities, ensuring all milestones and evidence are clearly recorded; prepares professional, well-organized reports, case briefings, and referrals that clearly communicate findings and provide necessary context for internal and external stakeholders; adheres to division standards for documentation and presentation to ensure clarity, consistency, and professionalism 4. Testimony and Litigation Support: provides testimony and presents evidence in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings to support enforcement and compliance actions; develops clear and compelling exhibits and offers litigation support to legal teams, as needed, ensuring alignment with case strategy and evidentiary standards 5. Investigative Operations: supports division operations by contributing to special projects; collaborates with colleagues, legal staff, and external agencies to enhance investigative outcomes, promote accountability, and uphold high standards in Texas public education Minimum Qualifications - Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university - Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in conducting background checks, reviewing allegations of misconduct, or conducting 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 - Must pass a DPS Criminal Background Check to access criminal history - Experience conducting investigations and complaint reviews according to defined procedures and time standards - Demonstrated ability to adapt to and effectively engage with diverse individuals and stakeholders - Demonstrate strong problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and complete multiple competing projects simultaneously - Show a desire to self-reflect, give and receive feedback, and continuously improve - Willingness to participate in the agency’s culture of continuous improvement and espouse its core values - Experience reviewing allegations of abuse, solicitation, or any violations impacting students is preferred - Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certifications is preferred.